Katherine Kersten writes about the Golden Gopher Army ROTC at the University of Minnesota. From purpose to fitness to leadership…..the program continues to attract students and in fact has grown in the past couple years. How could that be – we’re at war and according to lefty wingnuts an illegal war. It must be that these students are somehow being brain washed by the Recruiters!

Growing student interest in military service at the U reflects a national trend. While the number of students who enter Army ROTC programs nationwide has remained relatively stable over the past decade, the number of those who complete the program and accept an Army commission rose from about 12,000 in 2004 to almost 16,000 in 2007-08, according to Lt. Col. Curt Cooper, the U battalion’s commanding officer.

snip….For Holmes, it’s been a long path. “When I walked in here as a freshman, I had a mohawk haircut and wore baggy pants. I didn’t have a clue what to do with my life,” he said.

A chance encounter with an ROTC officer acquainted him with the program’s pluses. He learned, he says, that ROTC “teaches you leadership, helps you with education expenses, and allows you to serve your country in a way no other organization can.”

“Next thing I knew,” said Homes, “I was shaving off my hair and showing up at PT [physical training] at 6:30 a.m.”

But leadership preparation requires more than doing push-ups and learning to fire an M-16 rifle. As seniors, cadets assume responsibility for everything from overseeing supplies and logistics to public affairs.

They are receiving life training that no ivory tower professor or life coach could deliver. It’s a can do education without excuses or whining.

Cool story!

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