Changes shouldn’t affect UCCS AROTC program

Beginning today, all combat troops will be removed from Iraq. This is an exciting time for many families in the community and as sophomore Lauren Graham elaborated from a cadet's perspective, "I think it's good that we are bringing people home. I look forward to taking my turn serving overseas, that is why you join the military."

While this will undoubtedly influence the lives of many in our greater community, Master Sergeant Randy Collins does not see it affecting the budget at the UCCS Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) unit. "Our scholarship allotment in any given year comes from the defense budget, its largely based on the number of  students at the university and in the ROTC program, based on that they give you a pot of money." He went on to explain, "While the Army is spending less money over there it doesn't necessarily free up money for us, it might lower the overall defense budget, but it doesn't really have an effect on us financially."

The only difference the Battalion might notice is an increase in former active duty cadets. "Normally, soldiers are busy deploying," said MSrg Collins, "but the withdrawal could have secondary effects by allowing soldiers [who are] currently serving overseas [to]… come home and look at ROTC as a viable career option since they will have more time on their hands."

Having these extra cadets may actually help bolster the cadet corps ranking, according to administrative assistant Nancy Silva. While already the seventh ranked small university unit nationally, formerly enlisted cadets often achieve higher marks due to their prior experience. Excelling in school is nothing new to the Mighty Mountain Ranger Battalion: last year UCCS graduate Trevor Robert was in the top 1% of cadets nationally. In his class of 22 students, eight others ranked among the top 10% nationally.  The unit ranks third in physical fitness scores and seventh in proficient cadets at Leadership Development Assessment Course (LDAC), the ROTC equivalent to boot camp. 

"One of our keys to success is the different areas we can draw from," MSrg Collins explained, "whether we are at Jacks Valley on the Air Force Academy, or Fort Carson, they are friendly and let us use both the equipment and facilities. Also, when we are at Fort Carson we get to see soldiers in action so the cadets know what is expected of them down the road."

"The drills and tactic training really help prepare you for combat," agreed Cadet Graham. "It gives you a chance to prepare and think through scenarios similar to what you might face in a combat zone."

Another factor might be the new commander as well. "Colonel Ryan has combat experience," explained MSrg Collins. "Marry that up with some of the other officers also having served in conflicts, marry that all up with the resources we have and it's a recipe for success."

"I feel confident I will be prepared for LDAC," comments Cadet Graham, "Even when you have class and sport conflict they cater to personal situations and schedules and really try to help you out."