Army
ROTC program deserves more respect
COMMENTARY
By Erin Cooksley
I challenge TCU and everyone affiliated with the university
to make it a point to try and show the ROTC programs
a little more respect. With what has been going on in
the Middle East, I understand that personal and political
views can influence your feelings about the military
presence in Iraq and the presidents decisions,
whether favorable or unfavorable.
However, I call on you as U.S. citizens to respect and
support the troops that are there, and those in the
military here in the states. Soldiers do not make the
decisions on U.S. foreign policy, nor do soldiers have
the right to pick and choose their assignment and location.
A soldier is committed to being prepared at all times
to defend our freedom and all that makes this country
what it is at all costs.
At the Homecoming game my fellow Army ROTC cadets and
I presented the colors at the football game in our class
A Army uniforms and were introduced as Air Force ROTC.
This would not have insulted me if it was the first
time this had happened, but as many know, it was not.
I am not suggesting that it is bad to be confused with
the Air Force ROTC program, but I am disappointed that
people are content to never learn what the different
branches of the armed forces look like and what they
do.
Speaking on behalf of Army ROTC, I ask you to respect
us for committing to physical training, sometimes completed
before the sun comes up, because it is the Armys
duty to always be physically ready if called upon. Try
a smile or cheer instead of yelling ROTC sucks,
as I have heard while in formation. Respect us for learning
leadership skills so that when we have lives in our
hands, perhaps yours or that of someone you know, we
are prepared for that responsibility and can bring everyone
home safely. A good afternoon greeting on
Thursdays when we are in BDUs instead of a phony
salute followed by a snicker would be a start.
Respect us for cleaning the football stadium after football
games until the wee hours of the morning to teach us
the value of teamwork and the moral of working for money
to fund our program instead of taking handouts. Think
about us when you are leaving the game with your trash
behind on the ground, which we will be there late picking
up. Respect us for who we are and what we have chosen,
just as we support you and all organizations on campus.
So next time you are starring at a cadet in uniform,
remember that they work to wear it its
not just a fashion statement.
Erin Cooksley is a freshman political science major
and an Army ROTC cadet from Texas City.
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