Pair of ROTC cadets face realities of combat duty

Active Army Reservist could be called from studies anytime

Malcolm Smith - Features Beat

Every now and then you will see them, usually on Tuesdays or Thursdays, in their sharply creased uniforms and immaculately polished boots.

For some, the assumption is to dismiss them as mindless soldiers succumbing to the will of politicians.
For others, these cadets and the ethics they live by constitute the ideal Americans.

The acts of terrorism against the World Trade Center and the Pentagon reinstalled a much-needed sense of patriotism in our country. Patriotism is in full swing as the nation waves its flags as a sign of solidarity.

But for some, the love of their country far exceeds flag-waving.
Love of one’s country will translate into serving their country with service in her most urgent time of need.

Appalachian State University’s top cadets in the ROTC, Cadet Commander James Scott and Cadet Commander Josh Roberts exemplify what duty requires of a community.

The cadets watched in shock along with the rest of the nation as events unfolded in New York and Washington, D.C., on Sept. 11.
As the terror of the attacks became a reality, the cadets organized an American Red Cross blood drive for those injured.

Scott not only bears the responsibility of completing his senior year, but also must accept the fact that within the next year he could be utilizing his training in real-world situations.

A native of Lexington, Scott is cadet battalion commander of Appalachian’s ROTC program.

Continuing the 30-year tradition of the program offered on campus, Scott yields the responsibility of setting an example for cadets under his command and essentially the community as a whole.

As a recent graduate of the National Advanced Leadership Camp in Fort Lewis, Wash., Scott will be commissioned as a second lieutenant upon graduation from Appalachian State.

Scott received a realistic view of his impending career when he participated in the Cadet Troop Leader Training Program offered at Fort Polk, La.

The training at Fort Polk gave Scott the opportunity to employ his leadership potential with active military personal.

“[Polk] gave me a real taste of military life,” said Scott. “[It provided] a chance to build leadership skills and work with people you don’t know.”

The geography major received on-the-job training working with a wide range of individuals currently in the army.

The experience gave him “a little more discipline” and the experience taught him to use time management more effectively as it relates to life and class assignments, said Scott.

Roberts has been actively enrolled in the army reserve for the last three years.

As a reservist, Roberts can be deployed away from friends, family and studies at anytime to defend America’s interest, but the Waynesville native is confident in the United States and its leaders.

“I think [America] will take the right course of action,” he said. “[The nation’s leaders] realize what they are getting into.”
The 180-year-old program was established in 1969 at Appalachian.

A storied tradition based on leadership, camaraderie and honor, the program also offers cadets scholarships and can pay for tuition and fees.

For Roberts, joining the reserve was a way to pursuing a degree in criminal justice and serving his country.

“To me [joining the reserve] was the best of both worlds,” he said. “I can [pursue] my degree, and I will have a good-paying job after I graduate.”

Capt. Dan Smith, associate professor and enrollment officer, is an Appalachian State alumnus and former ROTC cadet (1991-95).
Smith explained even though generations can pass through the program, the code of conduct remains unchanged.

“[Cadets] generally have the same values and sense of commitment [to their country],” said Smith.

“No one here is just here to earn a paycheck. People want to serve their country or [strive] to become officers. A service to one’s country persists.”