REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. (Aug. 21, 2015) — Army ROTC cadets received guidance and mentorship from officers stationed here, Aug. 11, at the Alabama A&M Campus in Huntsville, Alabama.
The cadets, members of the Bulldog Battalion, broadened their perspectives on leadership, military service and deployments by participating in a forum facilitated by majors and captains attending command and general staff officer course classes.
“As stewards of our profession, we must remain grounded, know our subordinates and continue to build up and develop our team,” said Lt. Col. Andy Greer, an instructor about the visit. “One of the things we are trying to generate in our Army now is trust across the board. The ability to communicate, talk and collaborate is essential to success as an officer.”
Eleven officers representing 12 different military specialties helped the cadets understand various aspects of officership, to include the purpose and role functional areas to fulfill in today’s Army.
During the forum, Lt. Col. (Dr.) Darren Spearman, a gastroenterologist, informed the cadets about the Army’s Medical Service Corps, the various specialties in the corps and the career paths medical professionals can take while serving. Maj. Allin Whittle, a Bulldog Battalion alumnus, later spoke about opportunities within the Army’s logistics and ordinance branches.
Cadet Sheamus Kelly said if he has a question or encounters a new situation, he is confident he can approach a senior officer to help guide him to a solution. Kelly, born in Fort Rucker, Alabama, into a military Family, is a senior attending the Alabama A&M University ROTC program hoping to commission as a military intelligence officer next spring.
“The biggest thing I’ve been told is, when I get to my first unit, ask questions,” said Kelly, regarding his anticipated service. “It’s a big responsibility having a platoon that you are responsible for and it’s kind of scary, but at the same time, exciting.”
Redstone Arsenal is host to a satellite campus of the Army’s Command and General Staff College, headquartered on Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The officers’ education prepares them for service as field grade officers, responsible for planning operations, integrating functional systems and providing subject matter expertise to battlefield commanders.
The officers are scheduled to graduate Aug. 21, and continue service in the Army.