Active duty may be four years long, but the skills learned in military training can give cadets a lifetime edge in the job market, said students in the University's Reserve Officer Training Corps.
In the corporate world's saturated job market, military experience means more than climbing ropes. Former cadets are known for their strong work ethic and willingness to take on a challenge.
"They're looking for the background and challenges that junior military officers face," said Robert Lockett, senior recruiter for The Lucas Group, a Dallas-based company that provides training and contacts for military officers entering the corporate world.
"They can handle responsibility - getting the job done and making things happen. They will add value to the company," he said.
Sophomores in the University's Air Force ROTC program can be selected for field training, which teaches them the skills they will need to become second lieutenants upon graduation.
The Air Force requires a four-year commitment for ROTC graduates. After that, it is up to individuals whether to pursue a career in the military or enter the civilian work force.
Non-ROTC students who decide to enlist after graduation must visit a recruiter and go through basic training, said Maj. Tim Wieck, who has been an ROTC instructor for three years.
Wieck said there is an important distinction between basic training and field training. "The difference is between working on the line (for General Motors) or entering (into the) junior executive level," he said.
The four-year active duty committment can be an important advantage, Wieck said. The "responsibility is much greater (in the Air Force) than you'd find in corporate America," he said. "Some of my colleagues went into business and are with Fortune 500 companies."
Cadets in the Air Force program can choose from job opportunities in fields such as aviation, navigation, engineering and public affairs.
The University's Army ROTC unit offers students placement in fields such as combat arms, support, service and transportation.
"For the most part people get their first choice as far as duty preference," said Capt. Cliff White, an instructor and enrollment officer.
White said employers often prefer graduates with military experience. "A lot of civilian employers are actively seeking military officers," he said.
One senior in the Army's ROTC program agreed. "After talking to a lot of employers ... (about my) ROTC background ... they're pretty impressed," said LSA student Leslie Wang, who hopes to find a position in military intelligence.
Wang said the military "helps you develop leadership dimensions."
When asked if military experience helps in the job hunt, Wang said "definitely."
Other graduating ROTC students agreed. "Being an officer gives me leadership skills that should be an advantage ... in the civilian work force," said senior Mike Carroll.
Carroll said being in ROTC "was a lot of fun. It's also nice to have a guaranteed job."
Army students select their active duty placements by ranking their choices for the branches they want. The Army places cadets according to their needs in various fields.
Col. Mike Allen, a detachment commander for the Air Force ROTC, said there is no lack of jobs for the militarily-inspired.
"Many (companies) advertise in military publications ... they are eager to hire these people because they've got proven skills."
Allen said military training provides students with real-life skills that aren't found in other classrooms. "We don't sugar-coat it here - we call it as we see it," he said.
DAMIAN PETRESCU/Daily
Air Force ROTC members perform marching drills at 8 a.m. last Wednesday in the CCRB gymnasium.