by Andrew Floor
Capital’s ROTC program, the Crusader Battalion offers students the opportunity to serve the United States and earn a commission in the U.S. Army through either the National Guard or the Army Reserve Corps.
Within the program, cadets have to balance their regular course curriculum while participating in physical training three times a week, and attending leadership labs once a week as well as military science coursework.
The Crusader Battalion offers many benefits to its members, with added opportunities in academics, personal development and community service and engagement.
“Since Capital University is a small school, our program is very unique in that all of the cadets have an opportunity to experience many different leadership experiences throughout their four years as compared to a larger program, where there are less opportunities to gain experience indifferent positions,” senior and current Cadet Executive Officer, Bethany Koshinsky, said.
Academically, the ROTC offers students a two to four year scholarship program for students who are academically and physically competitive and able. Cadets also receive monthly stipends and book money.
“Unlike some colleges, Capital University is very supportive of the cadets and helps provide meal plans and housing, which we are all extremely grateful for,” Koshinsky said.
During their junior years, cadets attend the Leadership Assessment Course in Fort Lewis, Washington. This course consists of 29 days of training to test the cadets’ leadership and basic army tactical skills, as well as their physical and mental speed and abilities.
Cadets must also complete normal training, but can also gain extra experience by attending the Army Ten-Miler, held in Washington D.C.
Certain select cadets can be chosen to attend conferences, including the National Ethics Conference at West Point, and the George C. Marshall Conference in D.C. Finally, cadets can also be chosen to attend the Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency program.
This program allows cadets to immerse themselves in foreign cultures around the world as well as learn more about the U.S.’s place in a global world.
“Like all college students, we are growing and developing into becoming professionals and leaders,” Koshinsky said. “When you accept the duty to serve our country, you are also accepting that you will live to a set of values and morals, whether you are in uniform or not.”
Within the local community, the Crusader Battalion is highly active. For the past four years, they have hosted a thanksgiving dinner for foster youth who have aged out of the system and are alone for the holidays. This year the ROTC also participated heavily in the canned food drive, put forth by the Multi-Cultural Affairs Office. Currently, there are also already at least 20 cadets registered for Capital’s Relay for Life.
“While we are making great strides as an organization, I am looking forward to the future leaders, which will continue to represent our program, Capital, and the United States Army in a positive light,” Koshinsky said.
Students interested in the ROTC Program can come to the recruiting office, located in the first level of Saylor Ackerman, or to the basement of SA and speak with the cadre members.
afloor@capital.edu
