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| ROTC cadets ‘discouraged’
from stating opinions |
Rebecca Klein
Staff Writer
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Military
science students at Appalachian State University attended a briefing
Tuesday, Feb. 18, where they were ordered not to speak to the press
about the current war on terrorism, or likely war against Iraq.
Lt. Col. Robert M. Speir, chairman of the ROTC department said cadets
were to avoid speaking to the press, particularly about current
U.S. foreign policy, specific Army policy and the rules of engagement.
The previous week, Sgt. Mark V. Emaus, Battalion Sergeant Major,
said, “because they are part of the United States government
and are in uniform, they cannot state their personal opinions. They
can only release the opinion or statement from the government office
above them.”
The Appalachian’s intention was to get personal opinions from
ROTC cadets. Cadets were asked how they felt about the current war
on terrorism, and what they were doing to prepare themselves for
the possibility of war.
Because of the restrictions put on these Appalachian students, questions
were left unanswered.
Several current university ROTC cadets chose to speak to The Appalachian,
under their given restrictions.
“ROTC has helped to prepare me as a leader,” junior Cadet
Kenneth J. Fortson Jr. said, “What I have learned here will
help me in the job market later on.”
Senior Cadet Samantha A. Schoden said knew she wanted to join the
military when she came to Appalachian.
“I wanted something that I could prove my leadership skills
in,” Schoden said.
The general opinion of cadets was that ROTC has benefited them not
only physically, but also mentally. They are experiencing what it
takes to be a leader, and are gaining the knowledge that they believe
will make them the leaders of tomorrow.
When asked about the rising peace movement, cadets were open minded.
“I kind of wish they didn’t hold the demonstrations,”
Fortson said. “It upsets me to hear the things they say, but
I also know that it upsets them to hear some of the things we say
and train for. Live and let live I guess.”
Junior female cadets Schoden, and Keri L. Killough, said that everyone
had a right to their own opinion.
“It doesn’t make any one specific person right, but that
is what the first amendment is there for,” Schoden said.
Cadets were also willing to speak about the fear 9-11 and recent
incidents have put into the hearts of the American public. The general
opinion was that we have taken for granted our own safety, and that
it was a wake up call for America.
“This has shown us how vulnerable we are overseas, and even
on our own soil,” Fortson said. “But soldiers are ‘doing
their duty’, and trying to make everyone feel secure again.”
Overall, cadets are positive about their enrollment in ROTC, and
what they are getting out of the program.
Most of all, they are pleased with the support they get on and off
campus.
“I get so many nods and waves on campus when I am dressed out,”
Fortson said. “We have both views on the war here in Boone,
and it makes me happy to see that they are both pretty respected.” |
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