Reserve Officers Training Corps

See also Wikipedia's article about "Reserve Officers Training Corps".

Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is a college-based, military officer commissioning program. It is designed as a college elective that focuses on leadership development, problem solving, strategic planning, and professional ethics. It is currently banned from Columbia, though it is available to Columbia students through cross-town programs at Fordham University (Army) and Manhattan College (Air Force). Columbia Student Affairs maintains a website with information on these programs.

Pro-ROTC arguments

• ROTC Cadets may receive full scholarships, allowing students without means to attend Columbia.
• ROTC Cadets are guaranteed a job upon graduation.
• Summer internships and other training opportunities.
• Change the armed forces from within by producing Columbia educated officers.
• Students should have the right to attend ROTC classes at Columbia, just as they may at many other schools.
• Little to no cost to university.

Anti-ROTC arguments

• Lack of interest.
• Scholarship opportunities no longer compelling due the changes in financial aid policies.
• Military courses are not academically rigorous and do not merit academic credit.
• Tacit endorsement of warfare has no place in an academic setting.
• ROTC is a costly program.
• Congressional Don't Ask Don't Tell law contravenes anti-discrimination policies.

External links

• Advocates For ROTC
• Columbia Antiwar Coalition at CSSN
• Columbia ROTC Information Site
• Don't Ask Don't Tell Database
• Servicemembers Legal Defense Network