Last Tusday, I visited Lindley Hall, the building nestled in the heart of campus which houses O.U.’s Air Force ROTC and Army ROTC programs. There I met Cadet Kendra Newman, an Ohio University freshman and fairly recent ROTC addition. She in turn introduced me to Cadet First Lieutenant Laura Simmons, the ROTC cadet who, until a few weeks prior, had been the student in charge of O.U.’s Air Force ROTC recruitment.
This was something I had not expected. When orgininally planning this blog, I was interested in getting the perspectives of recruiters and recruiters. I was not aware that there are “hybrids” like Simmons; relatively recent recruits who are also recruiters. This was an unexpected and very intriguing twist to my exploration.
During my interview with Simmons, she seemed very sure of herself. She was quick to smile, spoke clearly and seemed to have her thoughts well organized. I was struck by how polite and respectful she was. She was truly professional in her demeanor, yet friendly and open to my questions.
Her point of view is in stark contrast to that of my brother’s in a number of ways: she is a female, he is a male; she joined because it had always been an ambition, he joined as a last resort; she recruits new Air Force cadets, and he would not recommend the military but in extreme cases; she could see herself in the service for life, he can’t wait to get out. Without further ado:
Laura SimmonsSimmons is a junior at Ohio University majoring in political science. She has always wanted to be in the military and it was, in fact, her parents who wanted her to go to college.
“My parents wanted me to go to college first so if I got injured I would have something to fall back on.”
Three of Simmons’ four grandparents had been in the armed forces, and it was their influence that inspired her to join.
“I would always listen to them at holidays. It just seemed like a different lifestyle, like they were a part of something good.”
Simmons was assigned to be a recruiter last year because of her proficiency as a communicator and ability to relate to people.
“I have good PR skills and I’m not afraid to speak in front of large groups.”
She also said that females thinking about joining the ROTC program can more easily relate to her than they could to a male.
“If I’m talking with them about ROTC, it’s different than if there is a guy up there,” said Simmons.
In my interview with Simmons, some of my original questions were given new answers:
What traits do recruits have that are unique compared to other civilians? “…probably dedication and commitment. There’s one other thing… I know exactly what it is but I just can’t… hmm. Everyone here is just genuine. The trust factor is huge. If you can’t trust the people around you, everything just falls apart.”
What is it that drives you and others to serve? The “different lifestyle” and being “…a part of something good,” is what attracted Simmons to the military. She went on to say: “…I want to get into politics and have the military background. I’ll know what they [the troops] are going through. I know I’ll be in for more than four years. I could be here for life if I end up liking it.”
Photo: O.U.'s John P. Robbins Squadron was named after the first O.U. AF ROTC memeber to die in WWII. Surrounding the emblem are class paddles, made each year by the graduating AF ROTC class.
I could not, however, get specific answers to my questions concerning the connection between recruitment and the Iraq War. When I asked Simmons if Air Force ROTC recruitment numbers were down since the start of the war in Iraq, she replied “I can’t answer that while I’m in uniform. We have to support what we’ve signed up for.” She was not allowed even to speculate as anything she says may be misconstrued as the position of the U.S. Government. “Ask me when I’m not in uniform.”
“Does this policy deter you from voicing your opinion when you’re not in uniform?” I asked.
“No, I just make sure I say it on a different day.”
She went on to explain that in political science classes, people often watch her and other uniformed cadets, wanting them to comment on controvertial issues (of this staring and expecting, I admit, I am guilty).
I think this "no comment" policy concerning political issues is interesting. If this is not just a tactful suggestion but truly an order, how does it not violate cadet's freedom of speech?
However, the thing that stood out to me most was Simmons’ words on the quality of people in the ROTC. She spoke of the trust factor and how integral it is in relationships between ROTC cadets. Can you trust all of your friends? Can you trust them to have your back? To do what they say they will? Are they genuine? What about the people you work with? Would you describe your coworkers as genuine human beings in whom you place trust? This commitment to welfare of all seems to be a nonexistant trait in many relationships, let alone in the workplace.
Photo: The vest, covered in signaures, drawings and assorted small objects is a class "paddle" made by a recent ROTC graduating class.
No comments:
Post a Comment