Expect Heightened Interest in Army ROTC and Military Science Program

Among all the aftershocks of the Sept. 11 attack on U.S. soil, one will be felt in the military science and ROTC programs, says a University of Alabama Army ROTC officer and military science expert.

According to Lt. Col. Jeff Reilly, executive officer of The University of Alabama Army ROTC program and assistant professor of military science, Sept. 11 changed many American perspectives and perceptions, demonstrated vulnerabilities, and precipitated a newfound respect for the U.S. military. It has already been felt in the UA ROTC program and promises to have an even stronger impact in the future.

“This destructive action on U.S. soil and the media’s vivid coverage of the events of Sept. 11 and afterwards evoked a renewed sense of patriotism and duty in Americans,” said Reilly. “A natural byproduct of this new respect for the military will be a heightened interest in Army ROTC and military science.”

According to Reilly, the ROTC program has had numerous inquires since Sept. 11 about the program and how to become an Army officer. “Enrollment is already up 22 percent over last year’s numbers, and the faculty and students have a greater sense of pride, confidence, and honor in their program,” he said.

“Students have become very interested in the University’s exceptionally distinguished Army ROTC alumni,” said Reilly. The Army ROTC program at The University of Alabama has traditionally been strong, having commissioned more than 4,800 officers since 1916, including 20 general officers, 30 CEOs of companies, 25 judges, and other accomplished individuals. According to Reilly, the current faculty is acutely aware of the price of freedom, as every faculty member presently in the program have participated in at least one major military operation, including Vietnam, Desert Storm, Somalia, Bosnia and others.

Among the notable alumni are Major General John R. Vines, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division; John McKinley, former CEO of Texaco; Bud Cramer, congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama’s fifth district; and Winston Groom, author of Forrest Gump and other novels.

“The students now realize what it means to serve their country,” said Reilly. “This generation of Army ROTC graduates will carry on the legacy of distinction for the University.”

Lt. Col. Jeff Reilly can be reached at 205/348-1056 (office), 205-759-2441 (home) or jreilly@bama.ua.edu.