Bryant’s ROTC trains leaders in and out of the classroom
This afternoon, the Bryant community will see Blackhawk helicopters flying low over campus as the ROTC conducts a training program.
The steady drone from a fleet of Blackhawk helicopters will be heard at Bryant this afternoon as one of the most recognized symbols of the Army lands on campus as part of an ROTC training session.
Beginning at 3:30 p.m. on the Rugby Field, 80 cadets from the Patriot Battalion comprising ROTC candidates from area colleges and universities will practice the proper loading and unloading techniques of Army helicopters. Following the training, the cadets will have the chance to take a short flight over the Bryant campus with members of the Rhode Island National Guard.
For Ryan Allen ’09 (Suffield, CT), the event, which the entire Bryant community is invited to observe, is just part of his responsibilities as a member of Bryant’s ROTC program. He has trained in infantry and armor field tactics at West Point, NY, and Fort Knox, KY, and to be a paratrooper at Fort Benning, GA. Earlier this year, his training brought him halfway across the world to Germany, where he was slated to spend four weeks in an Army unit shadowing the platoon leader.
Upon his arrival, Allen learned that the leader was called away on another assignment, and Allen was thrust into the role of acting platoon leader. It was a challenge he has trained for, and one he eagerly accepted.
“My experience has brought me all over the world to a variety of venues,” says Allen. I’ve met new people and learned something everywhere I have been.” He will receive the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Achievement Award at Bryant’s undergraduate Commencement ceremony, on May 16, when he will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. After graduation, he will begin his active duty stationed in Fort Carson, CO.
Serving his country
Since he was a little kid, Michael Giordano ’11 (Mansfield, MA) wanted to be part of the military and serve his country. He started his journey earlier this year when he joined Bryant’s ROTC program.
“ROTC is a great way to strengthen leadership skills, and the Army will train me in the necessary skills I’ll need after my service obligation is complete,” says Giordano, who would like to be an Army intelligence or aviation officer after graduation.
Eric Higgins ’10 (Leicester, MA) says his ROTC training is teaching him how to remain calm under pressure, lead a team, and manage his time.
“I know that when I look back, I will be a better person for having gone through Bryant’s ROTC program,” says Higgins, an actuarial math major.
Kyle Ribeiro ’12 (Middleboro, MA) says the guidance of commanding officers and the rigors of the ROTC program are helping him develop a set of personal values to live by.
“Leadership by example is deeper than a job requirement,” he says. “Thanks to the lessons taught in ROTC, I am making it a point to live the values I believe in.”
Being all you can be
In addition to twice monthly leadership labs like the Blackhawk loading/unloading exercise, ROTC includes in-class instruction in military science and physical training. Three days a week, the hour-long workout, which begins at 6:30 a.m., includes a run, pushups, sit-ups and a ruck march – a five-mile walk with 45 pounds in a backpack.
One weekend each semester, area cadets gather for a three-day field training exercise that allows them to test their skills under physically and mentally demanding conditions.
“ROTC is providing me with skills that I wouldn’t have learned anywhere else,” says Geoffrey Ensby ’10 (Colton, NY).
Patrick Shea ’12 (Dalton, MA) says the program allows him to join the Army and get a strong education. “I was attracted by the opportunity to challenge myself both mentally and physically,” he says.
Edward Fish ’11 (Granville, NY) says pursuing a career in the Army gives him the opportunity to follow his dream to be a pilot.
“To be part of one of the most powerful forces in the history of the world is awesome,” says Fish. “That is the kind of career I want.”
Beginning at 3:30 p.m. on the Rugby Field, 80 cadets from the Patriot Battalion comprising ROTC candidates from area colleges and universities will practice the proper loading and unloading techniques of Army helicopters. Following the training, the cadets will have the chance to take a short flight over the Bryant campus with members of the Rhode Island National Guard.
For Ryan Allen ’09 (Suffield, CT), the event, which the entire Bryant community is invited to observe, is just part of his responsibilities as a member of Bryant’s ROTC program. He has trained in infantry and armor field tactics at West Point, NY, and Fort Knox, KY, and to be a paratrooper at Fort Benning, GA. Earlier this year, his training brought him halfway across the world to Germany, where he was slated to spend four weeks in an Army unit shadowing the platoon leader.
Upon his arrival, Allen learned that the leader was called away on another assignment, and Allen was thrust into the role of acting platoon leader. It was a challenge he has trained for, and one he eagerly accepted.
“My experience has brought me all over the world to a variety of venues,” says Allen. I’ve met new people and learned something everywhere I have been.” He will receive the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Achievement Award at Bryant’s undergraduate Commencement ceremony, on May 16, when he will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. After graduation, he will begin his active duty stationed in Fort Carson, CO.
Serving his country
Since he was a little kid, Michael Giordano ’11 (Mansfield, MA) wanted to be part of the military and serve his country. He started his journey earlier this year when he joined Bryant’s ROTC program.
“ROTC is a great way to strengthen leadership skills, and the Army will train me in the necessary skills I’ll need after my service obligation is complete,” says Giordano, who would like to be an Army intelligence or aviation officer after graduation.
Eric Higgins ’10 (Leicester, MA) says his ROTC training is teaching him how to remain calm under pressure, lead a team, and manage his time.
“I know that when I look back, I will be a better person for having gone through Bryant’s ROTC program,” says Higgins, an actuarial math major.
Kyle Ribeiro ’12 (Middleboro, MA) says the guidance of commanding officers and the rigors of the ROTC program are helping him develop a set of personal values to live by.
“Leadership by example is deeper than a job requirement,” he says. “Thanks to the lessons taught in ROTC, I am making it a point to live the values I believe in.”
Being all you can be
In addition to twice monthly leadership labs like the Blackhawk loading/unloading exercise, ROTC includes in-class instruction in military science and physical training. Three days a week, the hour-long workout, which begins at 6:30 a.m., includes a run, pushups, sit-ups and a ruck march – a five-mile walk with 45 pounds in a backpack.
One weekend each semester, area cadets gather for a three-day field training exercise that allows them to test their skills under physically and mentally demanding conditions.
“ROTC is providing me with skills that I wouldn’t have learned anywhere else,” says Geoffrey Ensby ’10 (Colton, NY).
Patrick Shea ’12 (Dalton, MA) says the program allows him to join the Army and get a strong education. “I was attracted by the opportunity to challenge myself both mentally and physically,” he says.
Edward Fish ’11 (Granville, NY) says pursuing a career in the Army gives him the opportunity to follow his dream to be a pilot.
“To be part of one of the most powerful forces in the history of the world is awesome,” says Fish. “That is the kind of career I want.”
