ROTC on the rise - The Scoop - Reserve Officers Training Corps - Brief Article

Although 9/11 may have caused more traffic at college offices of the Reserve Officer Training corps, student enrollment was already on the rise for well over a year. Army ROTC reports that enlistment edged up from 28,470 last year to 29,818. Likewise, the Air Force ROTC saw its ranks swell from 13900 to 17,559, while the Navy ROTC notes a lift from 4,100 to 4,700.

Some ROTC officials attribute rising enrollment to the faltering economy. "when the economy is doing well, the private sector attracts more young talented people," says Navy commander Anthony Cooper, public affairs officer for Chief Naval Education and Training. In a downswing, an advanced education and $35,000 a year in scholarships can be a strong incentive to sign up. Leadership opportunities also attract students says Cooper, "At 21, you can be a second lieutenant and trusted with a multi-million dollar aircraft."

Still, for many, the chance to serve ones country is a prime reason to join. Bobby webber, 19 and a freshman cadet in Army ROTC at Capital University, in Columbus, Ohio, says that "9-11 has made me even prouder to be in the military."

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