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

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AIR FORCE ROTC BY Cecil Green The idea is generally accepted that the leaders of tomorrow are the college students of today. This idea becomes more realistic when one investigates the opportunities offered by the Tech branch of the Air Force Reserve Officers ' Training Corps and its four-year training program. Throughout his four years in college, the AFROTC cadet undergoes an intense period of learning how to become a leader and a military man. In his first year, the cadet spends his time drilling, attending lectures, and studying the E epartment of Defense, military structure. Communism, and how the military forces combat Communism. In general, he gains his first insight into the workings and operations of the Air Force. The second year in AFROTC is spent learning more about the working tools of the modern airman of the future — missiles, aircraft, nuclear and conven- tional weapons, propulsion and naviga- tional systems, ionic and nuclear power systems, and, of course, space and some of the problems encountered there. These first two years introduce the cadet to the basic problems of air science. Before going into the advanced third and fourth years of the program, the cadet must pass several selective tests and physicals. Then, once accepted, the cadet signs a government contract to receive a commission upon graduation. In his third year, the cadet begins to train as a leader. In addition to earn- ing rank in the cadet corps, the cadet is expected to manage personnel, solve problems, and handle leadership posi- tions. Then, in the summer between the third and fourth year, advanced cadets attend a four-week summer camp on an airbase to gain more first-hand ex- .1.1 m 3 - V PV I ■MImMHI |MSU perience. Finally, in his fourth year, the cadet spends more time with the cadre officers — the regiilar Air Force officers sta- tioned at Tech — to specialize his inter- ests. If the cadet plans to become a pilot, he concentrates on weather and naviga- tion, and, if he will not enter pilot training, he will work with the cadet corps and personnel problems. In addition to the regular classroom activities of the AFROTC program, the cadet has the opportunities to take part in many aspects offered on campus. Freshman and sophomore students may participate in the Sabre Flight Drill Team; any and all cadets may work with the award-winning rifle team; and advanced cadets may join the Arnold Air Society to become better acquainted with Air Force life. Also, all cadets are taken out to nearby Reese Air Force Base and introduced to the pilot training program. In addition, many cadets are offered the opportunity to visit other bases to view planes and facilities. Then, for fun activities, the AFROTC has several field days with picnics and games and, the highlight of their social year, the Air Force Mili- tary Ball. Active on campus since the early 1950 ' s, the AFROTC has prepared hun- dreds of students yearly with a well- rounded background on Air Force life, but, officers are quick to point out, the college degrees and specialized job train- ing really make the good Air Force officer. All the Tech AFROTC can do, and does, is prepare men to be- come the leaders of the future. Arnold Air Society Officers THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW

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SCABBARD AND BLADE His manner is confident, his conver- sation intelligent. His Army ROTC uniform is impeccable. The red and blue armband he wears means that he is a member of Scabbard and Blade, national honorary military society. J. Buechler, J. Compere, J. Cox, T. Cox, R. Russell, M. Denton. Lt. Col. John Buechler describes the society this way, When we want some- thing done right, we give it to Scabbard and Blade. They are the top cadets and they show it in everything they do. The purpose of the organization is threefold. First, it works to improve the standard of military education in colleges and universities. Cooperation between military departments in activities common to ROTC life is the second T. Forbes, R. Furgeson, L. Galindo, J. Gearheart, B. Hurley, R. Janek. J. Johnson, A. Kosta, R. Linnartz, M. McCarty, L. McWaters, J. Mc- Millan, L. Pfluger, J. Parsons. goal. The third objective is friendship and fellowship among cadet officers. Scabbard and Blade members develop recruitment and orientation programs. They conduct pre-camp briefings for juniors who attend ROTC summer camp. The group also sponsors social functions. The Army ROTC ' s first place float in the 1962 Homecoming parade was originated by Scabbard and Blade. J. Smith, J. Seymour, J. Unger, J. West. When Johnny Comes Marching Home was the theme. To be considered for membership, a cadet must have an overall B average. Selections are made on the basis of such qualities as leadership ability and interest in the military. The Tech society was organized in 1955. It is D company of the 11th regiment of the national society. Cadet officers are: captain, John Un- ger; 1st lieutenant, Tony Kosta; 2nd lieutenant, Joe Gearhart; 1st sergeant, John Compere. I SCABBARD BLADE SWEETHEART Miss Patricia Watkins I I 28 I ii

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Sheila Helbing 801 GROUP 30 JUDA BODIFORD 803 GROUP AIR FORCE ROTC MiCHELE GAINEY MISS TOP FLIGHT SWEETHEARTS Pam White 802 GROUP Bonnie Streidl 804 GROUP • HI tl