tagged w/ ROTC
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Despite being embroiled in two wars, for the first time in over three decades, the military has met all of its recruitment goals. From the Washington Post:
For the first time in more than 35 years, the U.S. military has met all of its annual recruiting goals, as hundreds of thousands of young people have enlisted despite the near-certainty that they will go to war.
The Pentagon, which made the announcement Tuesday, said the economic downturn and rising joblessness, as well as bonuses and other factors, had led more qualified youths to enlist.
The Iraq and Afghanistan Wars had made recruiting difficult over the last few years and led to new, sometimes controversial recruiting techniques - like setting up video game stations in malls. It will be interesting to see if, as the recession begins to clear, the numbers start to fall off again.
Are you in the military? Tell us about why and when you joined up.
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One person was killed when an Army ROTC helicopter crashed at 3 p.m. Monday on the Texas A&M University campus in an open field next to the dining hall used by the school’s Corps of Cadets, university reports said.
Five others on board — none of them students — were injured. There was no immediate word on their medical conditions.
The Blackhawk helicopter was reportedly taking off when it fell abruptly back to the ground, university officials said. The aircraft’s rudder apparently failed as the helicopter took flight.
Late Monday afternoon, debris from the crash still covered much of Duncan Field next to Duncan Dining Hall, where the school’s Corps of Cadets eats meals. Debris also covered several streets on the university’s campus, causing those roads to be closed.
Those on board when the Army UH-60 Blackhawk plummeted to the ground included four members of the Army National Guard and a member of Texas A&M’s ROTC staff who had recently graduated from the university.
All of the injured have been rushed to St. Joseph Regional Health Center in Bryan and the College Station Medical Center.
Officials did not release the names of the dead and injured.
Students are currently on winter break, with classes set to resume on Jan. 20.
The helicopter, along with 190 cadets in the university’s Corps, were taking part in the ROTC Winter Field Training Exercises when the crash occurred.
Bart Humphreys, a spokesman for the College Station Fire Department, said the investigation into the crash was just beginning.
Witnesses told the Bryan-College Station Eagle they saw five Blackhawk helicopters taking off and landing throughout the day.
Scott Walker told the newspaper that he saw two helicopters lift off around 3:05 p.m. The first one took off without trouble, but the second seemed to lose control and started spinning, Walker said.
"All of a sudden he dropped straight back down into the ground," Walker told the newspaper.One person was killed when an Army ROTC helicopter crashed at 3 p.m. Monday on the... more
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5 years in Iraq. 7 in Afghanistan. Over 600 billion dollars spent. Senators Barack Obama and John McCain have debated over battle strategies and timetables, but what's the reality for the boots on the ground? This pod follows five Army National Guard soldiers as they discuss their deployment to Iraq. "Generation War", the third in Collective Journalism's special Election series takes an in depth look at several different perspectives on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan--from the recruitment process to the time on the ground and what happens when soldiers come home. We will see what life is like for ROTC college students, listen to young soldiers perspectives on their time in Iraq, hear from civilian soldiers who are being deployed, ride along with an all-female unit as they escort a convoy, hear what it's like to be a family member or loved one left behind, take a look at what soldiers do when they come home and hear what each presidential candidate proposes to do about it.
Collective Journalism, Current's citizen journalism program, works by combining perspectives from contributors like you around the world. All month until Election Day, CJ will be airing special investigations into the most important issues of this election.5 years in Iraq. 7 in Afghanistan. Over 600 billion dollars spent. Senators Barack... more
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Students in the Army ROTC at Ball State University must juggle class, homework, jobs, social lives, as well as defend our country in time of need.Students in the Army ROTC at Ball State University must juggle class, homework, jobs,... more
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Brian Foley is unlike many graduating college students in many ways: he has a secure, long-term job, he doesn't even have to think about housing, and in a few months he'll be in charge of about 40 of his co-workers - that's because Brian is joining the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant after completing four years in the ROTC at Elon University. Brian talks about his future, his concerns, and why he's ultimately ready for his career in the military.Brian Foley is unlike many graduating college students in many ways: he has a secure,... more
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