ROTC

Lt. j.g. Andrew Bonderud: I got to be in the Navy through the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Vanderbilt University. ROTC for me was an outstanding choice because I was able to attend a civilian university, have a normal college life for four years while at the same time getting a military education. Every semester I would take one additional course in addition to my normal course load, one naval science course. Once, maybe twice a week I would get together with the other midshipmen, and we would do kind of hands-on training. I did that for four years. Each summer I also went on a cruise somewhere, whether it was with a submarine or on a surface ship or with an aviation squadron. We had the opportunity to see the fleet during the summer. For those who are considering the Navy ROTC program or another ROTC program, or quite frankly who are considering anything in the United States Military, the best advice that I could give them is to do your research. Find out about all of the programs that are out there, because some might be more conducive to your goals than others.

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