| Q: |
How is the ROTC program
structured here? |
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| A: |
We have a cadre of eight, meaning
six instructors and two support staff. Our instructors of
military science teach everything from leadership and problem
solving to management and physical fitness. Currently, we
have 82 cadets in the program, although the numbers change
as new students join the program and others graduate. Although
most of the cadets are CSUF students, we also have cadets
who are enrolled at Biola University, UCI and some of the
local community colleges. |
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| Q: |
Any student can enroll in
military science courses without officially being a cadet? |
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| A:
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Yes, some students enroll in
the classes to see if ROTC is the right fit for them. However,
if you are contracted with the ROTC program, you have to take
at least nine classes in military science in addition to your
other college classes. And, military science isn’t a
major – all of our students are majoring in other areas
such as business, history and education. If you can’t
fit all of those classes into your schedule, we offer special
“camp” programs that meet for several weekends
or a week or two at a time. These are used in lieu of military
academic requirements. |
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| Q: |
With the war in Iraq, is
it now more difficult to recruit students? |
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| A: |
We’re always recruiting
whether there’s a war or not. Certainly the war makes
some students wary of ROTC but for others, it’s an incentive
because they consider it part of their patriotic duty. Our
goal is to increase the number of cadets in our program by
30 percent over the next two years. |
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| Q: |
What’s the benefit
for students to be in an ROTC program? |
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| A: |
The most obvious benefit is
that we provide scholarships – not only school fees
but textbook expenses. ROTC cadets also receive a stipend
of $250 a month for freshman, $300 a month for sophomores,
$350 a month for juniors and $400 a month for seniors.
In addition, we provide tutoring and counseling if needed.
We work very closely with the students to prepare them for
leadership roles. When students graduate from Cal State Fullerton
or other universities, they begin their military careers as
officers. [Laughing] Besides, who wouldn’t want to begin
the day with 6 a.m. runs and grueling exercise? |
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| Q: |
What do students have to
promise in exchange? |
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| A:
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They are commissioned for eight
years. The Army doesn’t force students to go on active
duty unless they sign up for the active duty scholarship –
and many do, by the way. So, a cadet can choose whether he/she
prefers active, reserve or National Guard duty. |
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| Q: |
We hear about tours of duty
being extended during the war. Could students who promise eight
years have to serve longer? |
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| A:
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I don’t think that’s
going to happen. |
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| Q:
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Tell me a little about your
duty in Iraq. |
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| A: |
I had actually been stationed in
Germany for two years with my family when I was called up to
go to Iraq. My unit monitored the Baghdad Airport and I was
a Blackhawk pilot. Although the helicopter I was in was shot
at, we never went down. There were others that did, however.
Much of our work concerned night operations. |
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| Q:
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So I'm guessing that CSUF
is a nice assignment for you? |
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| A: |
It’s been great. The administrators
have been great to work with; the students are motivated; and
my staff is wonderful. During the course of the school year,
I am required to have at least one counseling session with each
cadet, so I really get to know each student. And it’s
great to see students take on leadership positions and develop. |
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| Q: |
Are the exercise programs
as hard as they say? |
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| A: |
[Laughing] Well, if you’re
not in shape now, you will be. Cadets have to participate at
least three times a week, but many of them do it more often. |
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