Texas Tech University - La Ventana Yearbook (Lubbock, TX)

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ARMY ROTC BY Jeff Bearden The United States Army Reserve Of- ficers ' Training Corps program at Texas Tech is designed to qualify selected stu- dents for reserve or regular Army com- missions. Special emphasis is placed upon leadership and character building ideals. To assist the young man in meeting today ' s as well as tomorrow ' s problems, various courses of instruction are of- fered to better train him as a junior officer in one of the many branches of the Army. Along with the military science cur- riculum, tomorrow ' s young officer is encouraged to participate in one of sev- eral ROTC organizations. The Tyrian Rifles, precision march- ing unit, represents Tech at various pa- rades and marching competitions throughout the United States. A 10-man rifle team is open to those interested in marksmanship competition. Several awards have been captured by this team which fires in local, state and regional contests. The ROTC band is a familiar music unit at Tech. Participation at regular drills and special military ceremonies are its main functions. Now, Ready for Drills Several departmental organizations are active on the campus, including the Army ROTC Association and the Scabbard and Blade. The annual selection of Brigade Sweet- heart is one of the highlights in campus social events. Approximately 19 of Tech ' s most beautiful coeds vie for the honor. An advanced course is offered to all qualified juniors and seniors who have completed a basic two-year military pro- gram. Here the student is given an Inspection opportunity to strengthen his ability to lead others and increase his knowledge of Army tactics and regulations. For the senior who is interested in flying and can qualify, the ROTC pro- vides more than 70 hours of flight in- struction and training without cost. With completion of the course, the cadet qualifies for a Federal Aviation Agency private pilot ' s certificate. Upon completing four years of col- lege work and successful completion of the ROTC advanced course, the grad- uate is commissioned as second lieu- tenant in the United States Army Re- serve. The cadet then may choose to go on active duty in the regular Army for six months and serve in the ready reserve for seven and one-half years, or he may elect two year ' s active duty and ser ' e three years in the ready re- serve. Regardless of the officer ' s choice, he will have gained much interesting ex- perience as a cadet as well as profitable allowance, having received more than $700 during his participation in the ad- vanced course. An ROTC cadet ' s greatest awards can be expressed in terms of leadership abil- ity and the assumption of responsibility. Some Won Trophies 25

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ARMY ROTC Eyes Right BY Mike Ferrell Inspection arms. Every Thursday afternoon this is a familiar sound signifying the beginning of drill for the Army ROTC cadets at Tech. Whether it be in one of the many organizations available to the cadet or only as a member of the cadet corps, the purpose of the Army Reserve Of- ficers Training Corps is to train well- educated and well-rounded leaders physically, mentally, and socially for the modern Army. With this in mind, 581 male students at Tech became cadets in the Army ROTC program. In addition to classroom and drill field instructions, the Army ROTC cadet at Tech is able to further his military knowledge by joining a variety of or- ( I Outstanding Cadets ganizations connected with the program. The Tyrian Rifles is an expert pre- cision drill team composed of cadet volunteers who wish to improve their coordination and precision drill. Belong- ing to this team enables the cadet to per- • form at football games, out of town ex- hibitions and at various civilian func- tions. The cadet may also join the Rifle team, an organization which besides giv- ing the members a chance for competi- tion with other rifle teams teaches its ' ' % .-.- |B|f Battalion Officers . . . members proper firing techniques for record firing. All ROTC cadets are also eligible to join the Texas Tech Company, Associa- tion of the United States Army which is a national organization composed of ca- dets interested in exchanging ideas and information on military matters and the role of the Army in the United States. The social highlight of the year for the corps is the annual military ball. At the formal ball, one of the sweethearts of the corps is chosen Queen of the Military Ball. The sweethearts are se- lected at the beginning of the fall se- mester and take part in all ROTC activities with a rank of cadet lieutenant. This year an Army Olympic day was inaugurated as an annual event. In this field day, each battalion competes against another in track, softball and volleyball. At the end of each school year, sev- eral awards are presented to outstanding cadets and groups of cadets. A special honor was bestowed on the cadet brigade of Tech and Cadet Colonel Gerry Brown, commander of the Tech cadet brigade, when he was selected as one of the top ten cadets in the nation this year. t • . . . More Battalion Officers 24

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SWEETHEARTS THE TIME Diane Baker I Company Mary Keller 4th Battalion Linda Lucas H Company SONDRA StARGEL Brigade JONNY Stevens M Company HAS COME TO OPEN - YOUR EYES TO THE ROTC S W E ETH EikRTS Elaine Crawley Special Drill Marjorie Fuqua D Company Jan Mayo 1st Battalion Jane Bozeman F Company Dorothy Curry Band Carolyn Graff K Company Ferrelene Peterson G Company Lynn Walton E Company Christi White 2nd Battalion Becky Collins A Company Carol Fritz L Company Susan Grazier B Company ■ Marcy Smith C Company 1 26