Economy, tuition cost may lead to ROTC enrollment increase

At a time when the government is bailing out banks with taxpayers’ money and layoffs are looming over workers’ heads, promises of job security and other benefits are a big selling point for the military.

A recent economic nose dive and continually rising tuition prices are just a few of the reasons that recruitment numbers may start to increase – even in a time of war.

Lt. Col. Ricardo Mitchell said there has to be a correlation between the economic state and the number of people enlisting in the military. Job security is just one of the many benefits to joining the Army, he explained.

“The Army won’t kick you out,” he said. “Unless you do something bad, like getting a DUI for example.”

Mitchell said that with the military, there are guarantees that are not readily available with many other careers. Not only does he have job security and health benefits, but Mitchell also receives monthly allowance for food and housing. He and his family are cared for because the various benefits and perks of being an Army officer.

Cadet Dave Degenhardt also said he believes there are recruitment trends that correlate to economic fluctuation. Degenhardt’s family has experienced this first hand. Shortly after he was born his father was laid off from his job. His father decided to join the Army as a means of supporting his family.

Lt. Col. Joe Paydock admitted school was not his strong point, and he wasn’t doing too well until ROTC appealed to him.

“I joined because someone told me I could get an ‘A’ in ROTC,” Paydock said.

Tuition for an Ohio resident at Kent State is about $8,430. This number has swayed many Kent students to look into the ROTC program.

Jessica Enos, a freshman nursing major, said she became interested when she saw an ROTC flier in the nursing building. She joined ROTC for the scholarship money. Enos is attending Kent on a 4-year scholarship that includes tuition and books.

A recent graduate of Kent’s nursing program, 2nd Lt. Amanda Amon, also joined ROTC for the possibility of scholarship money.

“My brother was in ROTC, and he said I could get a scholarship,” Amon explained.

Contact ROTC reporter Caitlyn Wachovec at [email protected].