ROTC Teams Up for Physical Training

Staff Writer

  

Photo by Michael Thomas

In the Lead - Randy Moore leads the pack in the qualifying two-mile run. UAM ROTC conducts calisthenics Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the UAM campus.

   The University of Arkansas at Monticello teamed up with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Reserve Officer Training Corps program for its monthly physical training test March 4.

   Alpha Company (UAPB) and Bravo Company (UAM) had the opportunity to showcase its hard work off and compete against each another, but it was all a team effort at the end.

   "It feels good to represent Bravo Company, by being the first to finish the two-mile run, but we push each other and that what makes this program so successful," sophomore Randy Moore said. "At the end of the day we are still One Team with One fight."

   The PT test began at 6 a.m., meaning Alpha Company had to be up by at least 4 a.m. to make it to campus. This dedication illustrates just a sample of what the ROTC provides for cadets.

   "Anything important to you, you will make time for, so it is important to delicate time for your studies as well as for yourself," sophomore and Miss UAPB, Elizabeth Love said. "Time management and integrity are the keys to success."

   Of the 28 cadets and potential cadets in attendance only three did not pass all required parts of the test. MSGT Brett Horne, professor of military science at UAM, was pleased with the results.

   "We are coming a long ways, majority of them have doubled their numbers in every category," Horne said. "Everyone pass the sit-ups for the first time and they have two more times to pass the complete test."

   UAM ROTC conducts calisthenics Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning from 0600-0700 on the UAM campus. You don't have to be contracted to exercise with the cadets.

   "I have people asking me about working out in the evening, because the morning doesn't work for everybody," sophomore Sandy Herring said. "We encourage anyone to come out and exercise with us."

Benefits of ROTC

   The PT test allows potential students to become a contracted cadet and to receive a scholarship after successfully passing the test. The test consists of; push-ups, sit-ups and a two-mile run.

   A contracted cadet receives a full-scholarship as long as they meet all minimum requirements, which include:

• 2.5 GPA

• Have the right body mass index (BMI) - Female - 26 percent and Male - 23 percent
  

• Physical (health)
• Height and Weight
  

   Potential cadets are tested once a month in hopes of receiving a contract from the Army that will pay for school and give students a monthly allowance.

   The monthly pay scale for contracted ROTC cadets:

• Freshman $300

• Sophomore $350

• Junior $450

• Senior $550
  

   "So if you work it out, with their (cadets) ROTC program, PT and classes, they are making $16 per hour," said Master Sergeant Brett Horne. "Once they complete the program they are at an executive level in the Army as a second lieutenant."

   ROTC not only helps college students pay for their education, but also creates opportunities for them to grow into future leaders and potential problem solvers.

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