The Dartmouth Campus ROTC, in stride with military and political organizations across the country, has felt aftershocks from the devastating terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.
Some Dartmouth students felt compelled to attend an introductory ROTC meeting as a result of the attacks, viewing the ROTC as an appropriate outlet for patriotic support.
"I think that this could be a good way to get involved or maybe even get more information on how I could help," said Eimile Dalton '05.
Mike Breen '02, who has been a member of the ROTC since his freshman year and is committed to military service upon graduation, has witnessed increasing interest in the ROTC since Sept. 11.
"There has definitely been more interest," said Breen. "I pretty much am having lunch every day with people who want to know about ROTC."
And yet on the other hand, some potential recruits have thought twice before enlisting in the ROTC due to the increased possibility of military conflict.
"It makes it more serious to get involved," worries Ari Rosa '05, who attended the ROTC introductory meeting on Monday. "I personally wouldn't mind doing something to support the effort from here."
Despite the nation's increased military alertness, ROTC organizations across the country will continue to maintain their present agendas and activities.
"These events, though tragic, have not had, nor will it have in the future, any impact on ROTC at Dartmouth College," Dartmouth ROTC instructor Captain Gregory Goth said. "We will continue to instruct the Dartmouth students on leadership as we have in the past."
While most emphasis is placed on instilling intensive leadership skills into students who could possibly become U.S. Army officers, students learn a variety of occupation-transcending skills such as first aid, compass and map orientation. Any Dartmouth student is free to enroll, with commitment entailing approximately two classes per week and one field training exercise per term at Norwich University, Vt.
Rosa Kim '03, a current member of the ROTC, praised the Dartmouth chapter for its flexibility in adapting to her schedule, a trait unique to the Dartmouth ROTC because of its small size.
Many students are drawn to the program because of the various educational opportunities it provides that other Dartmouth organizations can't.
"It's an all-around, very complete leadership training that tests your abilities in real situations, rather than safe academic situations," Dan Chang '03 said.
ROTC also offers substantial college scholarships in return for varying amounts of military service upon graduation. In addition, many members have taken advantage of skill training sessions around the world.
"The (ROTC) program at Dartmouth has done a lot for me," said Breen. "I've gotten incredible opportunities; I went to paratrooper school, traveled to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and trained with West Point cadets."
