August 15, 2008

Purdue Army ROTC to hold orientation for cadets

Zero Week serves as a way to introduce new cadets to the program and give older cadets a chance to practice their leadership skills, said Maj. Travis C. Clark, Purdue's Army ROTC recruiting and admissions officer.

"During the course of the week, the students will learn a variety of skills that are not only fun and adventurous, but also relevant to life as Army ROTC cadets," Clark said. "The cadets will participate in a number of team-building exercises and get a taste of what the Boiler Battalion is all about."

The week begins for incoming seniors from 7:30 a.m. to noon Monday (Aug. 18) when they tackle the high ropes course west of campus near the Purdue Airport. Juniors will try to negotiate the course from 7 a.m. to noon Wednesday (Aug. 20).

As Zero Week continues, cadets will participate in physical training, group lunches and dinners together, mentorship and instructional classes, awards and a swearing-in ceremony.

Approximately 120 students participate in Purdue's Army ROTC program, which is an elective curriculum students can take along with their required college classes. Along with leadership training, Army ROTC can pay for students' college tuition, Clark said. When cadets graduate from Purdue, they will be second lieutenants in the U.S. Army.

Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu

Sources: Travis C. Clark, Army ROTC recruiting and admissions officer, (765) 494-2106, clarkrt@purdue.edu

Edward Keister, Army ROTC, (765) 494-2099, ekeister@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Note to Journalists: Journalists are invited to cover Zero Week. To make arrangements and to receive a complete schedule of events, contact Maj. Travis C. Clark at (765) 494-2106 or clarkrt@purdue.edu

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