by Megan Zirkle '06
Virginia Wesleyan freshman William Willard doesn't have a wrinkle in his clothing. In fact, his entire outfit is perfectly ironed and fitted neatly to his body.
An unusual appearance for a college student.
Originally from Smithfield, Va., Willard is one of two students attending Virginia Wesleyan that is currently enrolled in the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), a partnership the College shares with Old Dominion University.
When asked why he decided to join the Army ROTC, Willard replies with no hesitation, "I figured I would continue my training because in high school I was in the Junior Army ROTC (JROTC) for all four years. Plus, I wanted to be serious and pursue a military career in the future."
Willard's JROTC training has helped him step up a level into the Army ROTC, a program that trains college students for the Regular Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard.
Major Joel Eberly, program advisor and executive officer of the
Army ROTC at Old Dominion University, teaches the elective class that students can take for either two or four years. The program is open to both male and female students and there is no obligation of joining the Army during the first two years (the Basic Course) of the Army ROTC.
"The introductory class to the Army ROTC gives students the opportunity to learn what it's like to be an officer," said Eberly. "Students are also introduced to weapons, land navigation, marching and military tactics."
If a student decides to continue the Army ROTC training, he or she will be committed to four years of military service after graduation, serving either part-time one weekend a month in the National Guard or Reserves or as active duty.
There is a possibility that civilians serving part-time may be called up for active duty, but they are ineligible to serve active duty while attending college.
Major Eberly feels that the Army ROTC can help students learn many useful life skills including "loyalty, discipline, ethics, honor, integrity, pride and camaraderie."
But the one clear advantage the Army ROTC offers is the various scholarships and financial aid options available to students that can help them pay for their college education.
"The biggest benefit of the Army ROTC is the money students can receive," said Eberly, and adds, "Students also have the chance to serve their country and learn leadership skills."
For Willard, learning leadership skills is the best part of the program, especially if he does decide to be an officer in the United States Army.
"The program has taught me more about the military and I've learned what to do in a combat situation," said Willard. "I've also learned that leadership is learning how to respect men and women older than me."
As a freshman on the Virginia Wesleyan men's cross country team, Willard feels that he owes his older teammates respect and that by showing them respect he is also demonstrating leadership.
The Army ROTC class meets every Thursday at Old Dominion University. In addition to learning military training, class members also participate in extracurricular activities.
"We go paintballing, take helicopter rides and picnics," said Eberly. "All team stuff."
Additionally, the Army ROTC offers over 20 different career fields including engineering, medical school, law school and nursing. In Eberly's opinion, the program "offers something for everyone."
Even though Willard is a freshman in the program, he feels the Army ROTC program is providing him with essential military training and also giving him the opportunity to serve his country.
"I have the chance to show that I'm serving my country and show respect to all those that served before me and those that serve now," he said.
For more information on the Army ROTC program, contact Major Joel Eberly at 757.683.3671, 1.800.213.1543 or jeberly@odu.edu, or visit www.odu.edu/ao/arotc/about.htm.