As the primary recruiting force for the regular Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserves, the Mississippi State ROTC molds men and women into leaders.According to Lt. Col. Logan Hickman, MSU’s ROTC provides the premier leadership course on campus to help prepare future second lieutenant officers.
Hickman stressed the importance of leadership as he, for example, was immediately in charge of 40 enlisted officers after his commission into the service, putting his leadership and management skills to the test.
Freshmen and sophomores take a two-hour course, and juniors and seniors take a three-hour course every semester to prepare for a future career with the United States Army.
The Army ROTC is looking for students of high character that exhibit qualities of scholarship, athleticism and leadership.
According to Hickman, students do not need to have a 36 on the ACT, be members of the Mississippi State football team or be the president of the MSU Student Association to show these qualities.
Hickman said that students generally need at least a 21 on the ACT, must participate in organized athletics and should be leaders either in high school or a fraternity or sorority.
Various rewards for students interested in the program are available, including numerous scholarship opportunities.
Aside from scholarship opportunities, the prospect of a career in the service is tempting for some students.
According to Hickman, there are 16 major specialties for ROTC cadets that include artillery, military police and aviation.
There are a number of public service opportunities through the Army ROTC as well.
The Army ROTC is planning a “Salute to the Military” on Nov. 8 at 4:30 p.m. at McComas Hall Auditorium. The organization will present medals and honorary high school diplomas to Korean War veterans.
The ROTC organizes blood drives, presents color guards to the community and annually helps MSU athletics with the patriotic half-time show.