The Army R.O.T.C. is hosting an orientation meeting for anyone interested in applying for an internship at Basic Camp in Fort Knox, Ky.
“It’s a five-week, paid internship, where cadets are taught leadership through infantry tactics,” said Lt. Paul Adams of the BYU R.O.T.C. “You also receive 10 credits and it counts for your first two years in the R.O.T.C.”
Aspiring cadets will be trained in all 18 branches of the Army. They’ll do things like simulated battle situations, rapelling, weapons firing, obstacle courses, as well as classroom experience. Room and board, airfare and food are all included in the services.
“The best thing about the internship is that there is no obligation,” Maj said. Tom Willmuth of the BYU R.O.T.C. “You can leave anytime you want, or you don’t even have to go into the military.”
According to Willmuth, other benefits include leadership training and the fact that half of the people who attend will receive scholarships. However, if you accept the scholarship, you accept an army commitment.
“They’re looking for career people,” said Adams. “Afterwards you have the option to commit to the reserves or active duty.”
“It’s all a big mind game; it’s great,” said Brett Rustand, 24, from Tucson, Ariz. “You have the sergeants in your face yelling at you, but it’s so that they can break you down as an individual and build you back up as a team.”
“That was when I knew that this was what I wanted to do,” said Tammy Sweet, 21, from Oakdale, Calif. “You get put with these people you never would have met otherwise, and by the end of the five weeks, you’ve become so close because you’ve learned to work as a team.”
The casual meeting will be in 250 ROTC at 6 p.m. and is expected to last about 30 minutes. Application deadline for the internship is April 15.
