ROTC plans to raise program awareness

By: Rachel Kucharski

Hood College’s ROTC is planning several community service events this year to raise awareness of the program.

The program is planning to volunteer at high school football games helping with concessions, staffing admissions gates and aiding security.

One of the schools where the cadets will be volunteering is Poolesville High.

“I’m excited to be working with the local high school especially since it’s my hometown high school,” Cadet Max Knight said. “Can’t wait to help with the game and see Poolesville (high school) win.”

Hood’s ROTC program, with 20 cadets, is small compared to sister schools that have 30-50 cadets.

With such a small number of cadets within the company, one of their goals is recruitment. According to Cadet Noah Turner, recruiting more cadets will in turn help the community. “One of our priorities is to give back to the community,” Turner said. 

ROTC members helped with Hood’s move-in day and will be finding other ways to serve the college.

ROTC offers cadets scholarships ranging from one to four years to assist them in their academic career.

In addition to student members, around 400 active-duty soldiers are selected each year to participate in ROTC programs and continue their careers as Army officers. Three of those active-duty service members are at Hood.

One, Cadet Janiel Suren, attended Army Master Fitness School and now helps train other cadets.

These active-duty soldiers share valuable insights and practical advice with those ROTC members who are new to the military, ROTC members said.

Turner, who will graduate in May, is planning on joining the Army’s selective Explosive Ordnance Branch after college.  He said his goals for this year are to become the best leader he can be.

He summed up his leadership philosophy: “When it comes to being a leader, be the leader that you wish you had,” he said.