The cadets from the UW-Madison chapter of the ROTC rappel down 55-foot towers with the same nonchalance as other college students ordering a cup of coffee.
Yet these cadets are not some super-militant breed who would napalm the enemy to go surfing, like Robert Duvall’s character in “Apocalypse Now.” In fact, the overall mood of the ROTC training weekend was one of normality.
The cadets’ battle dress uniforms, or BDU’s, all radiated the exact same dull camouflage pattern, yet character differences shone through. There were no triggered responses manifested from some “higher” governmental order. Nor were there shady secrets about military practices or tactics. The cadets were openly thoughtful about their situation in life.
Matt Mcdonald a third-year cadet, joined the ROTC on a recommendation from his uncle. He did some research and found the potential for travel, adventure and career opportunities as an officer in the army appealing, so he signed up.
Like most ROTC students, Mcdonald is a normal UW student — he just wears a uniform. Since government pays his tuition, he will be able to stay for an extra year and will triple major in anthropology, political science and religious studies. After graduation, Mcdonald is committed to a four-year tour of active service, but plans to attend law school when he has served his time.
Mcdonald said a greater purpose entered his decision to join the army.
“The travel thing was definitely important, but it’s also being part of something larger and giving something of yourself,” he said.
Throughout the weekend, this teamwork thread wove everything together.
The cadets, including Mcdonald, emitted a confidence, pride and enthusiasm in everything they did. Even at 5:00 in the morning, after only a few hours of sleep, the feeling was one of anticipation for the day’s events.
A favorite expression was, “As they say in the Army, we do more before breakfast than most people do all day.” At 10:00 a.m., the cadets had been up for six hours and were ready to live through another 12.
Fundamental questions govern most people’s lives. What is my purpose, where am I going, what will I do after college and what would I fight for? The cadets in the ROTC program at UW have challenged themselves to answer these questions at an early age. Their purpose is to serve the United States of America through peacetime and through war.
After college and throughout their tours of active service, they will go wherever the Army commissions them. They will fight for freedom, their country and each other. In the meantime, cadets have countless opportunities to educate themselves and advance through the military ranks. The diverse group supports each other through diverse environments and situations.
According to cadets, you apparently can’t get rich in the military. However, they say the prospect of travel, adventure and action make the benefits outweigh the sacrifices.
As an officer and a soldier, you are at the liberties of governmental officials and a complex bureaucracy. But as Mcdonald said, “When you put on the uniform, you put your faith in the American people to not put you in situations that compromise your values. We are at the disposal of the politicians and the American people.”
