Most 18 year olds are eager to begin the excitement of college life. Students are ready to finally get out of their parents’ house and live on their own. There is, however, another option available to brave young students who are interested—joining the army. While most students attend universities after high school, some choose to train themselves mentally and physically so that they can defend the country that they love.
ROTC, Reserved Officer Training Course, is a program that involves students attending regular colleges while training for the army. This program prepares young men and women to be officers in the army and participation in the program is followed by four years of active duty. J.R. Noble (’12) and Jared Caplan (’12) are two Pikesville High School students who are courageously choosing this alternative over a traditional college experience.
“For a while, I thought I was just going to go to college like everyone else,” J.R. said. “But now, I’m really excited to be able to get the college experience while also being a part of the American army.”
Some students choose to enlist in this program because they are influenced by their political opinions. Other reasons include a desire to defend one’s country. However, many young men and woman simply want to follow in the footsteps of their family members.
“I have a great uncle that was in the program and fought in Italy during World War I,” Jared said. “He used to tell me war stories when I was younger. I think his experiences are what sparked my desire to join the army.”
When teenagers are in the critical age of deciding what to do after high school, male role models often have a profound influence on them, as young men and women want to emulate the success of their parents.
“My father and grandfather did it,” J.R. said. “I was always amazed by heroic stories that veterans in my family had and it made me want to create m own stories.”
The ROTC program is not for everyone. To last through basic training, young men and women must display maturity and discipline. Potential soldiers that understand this will have the best chance of succeeding.
“There is no doubt that the program builds character,” Jared said. “I hope that the program can help me become a better person in life and prepare me for life experiences.”
It’s very difficult for a student to prepare him or herself for such an intense lifestyle that requires so much determination.
“I think playing football has helped me prepare for training,” J.R. said. “Not only has it kept me in shape, but football taught me how to be respectful and determined to complete life goals. These are all traits that will be important in the ROTC program.”
These young men plan to spend the next few years of their lives preparing to defend the country that they love and, while it may not be a conventional choice, they say it makes sense for them.
“I’m really looking forward to training my body and mind,” J.R. said. “I hope I can come out a better person.”