TCU Daily Skiff Masthead
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
news campus opinion sports features

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 president’s 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 Army’s 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 BDU’s 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 — it’s not just a fashion statement.

Erin Cooksley is a freshman political science major and an Army ROTC cadet from Texas City.

 

credits
TCU Daily Skiff © 2003

skiffTV image magazine advertising jobs back issues search

Accessibility