ROTC at the ‘Ville

What’s it like to be an Army recruit on Millersville University’s campus? Josiah Acosta, a sophomore international studies major and military science and Arabic minor, shares his insight on the challenges and benefits of being a part of the Millersville University Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

“I joined ROTC because I believed this would be the most effective way for me to gain the skills necessary in order to be a better leader in protecting the people of the United States,” said Acosta, who is originally from Brooklyn, New York. “This, in turn, will develop a solid foundation for any future endeavors I choose to embark on.”

ROTC has three main focuses each week: physical training, individual Military Science classes and Leadership Laboratory.

Generally, ROTC has physical training from 6:15 a.m.- 7 a.m.  every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. During this time, they focus on a wide variety of exercises that assist in enhancing their overall physical readiness.

During the week they also have two 1-hour class sessions taught by the Senior Military Science Instructor. These classes can include anything from basic Land Navigation to Large Scale Strategic Planning.

Every week the entire ROTC program also gathers for a 2-hour Leadership Lab to work on enhancing their specified military tactics such as Individual Movement Drills, Specified Battle Drills and perfecting their ability to work effectively while under pressure.

Being a part of ROTC has really helped Acosta learn and develop communication, teamwork and leadership skills.

“Communication is important anywhere you go, inside or outside the Army. It allows everyone to be on the same page,” says Acosta. For him, communication is closely related to teamwork, which is another skill he has gained through ROTC.  “If a leader can’t communicate properly, it affects everyone below them. Good teamwork leads to effective action.”

Acosta says the best part about being in the ROTC program is the people. “During my time in this program, I have met some amazing people who I can truly call my family, and I know will always have my back.”

Acosta has been able to partake in other amazing opportunities through ROTC such as riding in a Chinook helicopter and rappelling from an 80 ft. tower. He explained that the program ‘always keeps him on his feet.’

He says the program is going well and that the fellow cadets make it an enjoyable experience each day.

Acosta’s plan after college is to be selected active duty and branch military intelligence while specializing in counterintelligence.

For more information about the ROTC program please visit Millersville’s Department of Military Science webpage at https://www.millersville.edu/rotc/.