Active-duty Army and ROTC members were busy demonstrating the fundamentals of their one-rope bridge and climbing wall outside of the UC to students passing by Wednesday, Aug. 25. Students were encouraged to try them out, with proper and careful supervision from the military leaders.

“The purpose is for fun, adventure and training, and also to take away stereotypes,” said Sgt. 1st Class John A. Taylor in regard to the demonstration.

“The program gives students a great opportunity to test themselves and to develop mind and leadership skills within the ROTC program. Team-building activities such as these provide good exercise, keeping the body in shape as a whole,” Taylor said. “The one-rope bridge is set up as a team using certain knots and a tightening system. Students are taught detail and synchronicity.

“We are not only geared toward producing military leaders, but managers in other positions of leadership within the community as well.”

Taylor teaches first year students, Sgt. Buckley teaches second year students, third year students are taught by Capt. Donny Hebel and Lt. Col. Robert DeYeso teaches fourth year students.

Lt. Kyle Harris is active Army and is a recent graduate of the program and aGold Bar Recruiter. When asked about his experience of going through the program, Harris said, “It was very positive.”

The ROTC program consists of two programs: (1) the Basic Program, designed for freshmen and sophomores; and (2) the Advanced Program, designed for juniors and seniors.

Programs include scholarships, National Guard, Green to Gold Scholarship Program, Army Nursing and Ranger Challenge.

For more information regarding the ROTC and physical training classes, please e-mail Taylor at johnt@utm.edu or stop by his office at Hardy M. Graham Stadium.