By Nicole Duplessis
The University of Maine Army Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (UMaine ROTC) held a Situational Training Exercise (STX) for its cadets on Saturday, March 28 at University of Maine’s Demeritt Forest. This training places cadets in real life scenarios, causing them to think on their feet and putt all their training to use. These cadets aren’t just members of the UMaine ROTC however, they are also full time college students.
According to Army ROTC, the ROTC is a four year program of college courses that are taken in addition to being a full-time college student. The classes are designed to develop and strengthen a cadet’s skills in leadership, values, and life. Any full-time college student can join the ROTC, but they must also physically qualify, be a United States Citizen, and must commission under the age of 39.
“It allows them to go through school and also a reserve office candidate program,” Patrick Flanagan, the public affairs officer for the UMaine ROTC, said. “They get branched their senior year into a component of either active or National Guard, and what they’ll be doing as a specific job.”
The four year program is divided into two sections: basic course and advanced course. Cadets in their first and second years will go through the basic courses and acquire necessary skills such as effective writing, time management and team building.
“ROTC allows the students to really gain an understanding of time management,” Flanagan said. “The further you go into the program it starts to become a full-time job.”
The advanced course increases levels of responsibility for the cadets. They are challenged to lead the battalion throughout the year and perform leadership skills in training exercises, such as the event on March 28.
Physical fitness is important to maintain leadership abilities, and in order to stay in the program. Cadets go through PT tests once a month. They also do training exercise throughout the week and are encouraged to stay active. While it may seem overwhelming, cadets form bonds and learn how to better their skills from one another.
“I think spending four years with the same group of people, especially in your class, you spend almost every day with them; they’re almost like family to you,” Flanagan said.
UMaine ROTC is open to University of Maine Students as well as the following partnering schools: Husson University, University of Maine Augusta-Bangor, Colby College, Thomas College and University of Maine at Augusta.
For those with serious interest and questions, students are encouraged to reach out to the University of Maine (Battalion Headquarters) or at Husson University. Contact information has also been listed below.
Contact at the University of Maine (Battalion Headquarters):
Army ROTC
RM 114 Armory
Orono, ME 04469-5750
Email: umarmyrotc@umit.maine.edu
Phone: (207) 581- 1121 or toll free 1-888-942-ROTC
Contact at Husson University:
Army ROTC
209 Peabody Hall
Husson University
One College Circle
Bangor ME 04401
Phone: (207) 992-1941