Colonel Scotty Lewis: commander of the Air Force ROTC detachment, watches as four F-16s fly over the University during the President’s Parade. Three of the four planes were flown by Auburn graduates. Lindsey Davidson / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Auburn is home to the Reserve Officer Training Corps program for the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force.
Thursday, April 3, the ROTC programs joined forces for the President’s Parade, a celebration in honor of President Jay Gogue.
In this annual parade, ROTC members showcased their talents to President Gogue, as well as many faculty, administrators and students.
“It is amazing to see all of their hard work pay off,” said Kathleen Griffin, a sophomore in elementary education. “I’m glad President Gogue has the opportunity to see the dedication all of these men and women have to Auburn and to our country.”
The event was held at the intramural fields.
In addition to ROTC members, the event also hosted the Auburn University Band.
Those who attended the parade witnessed the presentation of military colors and military protocol and procedure learned by all ROTC branches.
Gogue also spoke at the event.
Following the brief presentation by Gogue, the ROTC members marched alongside him.
While ROTC members were on the field, they were arranged in battalion-sized groups, strategic groups designed to fight a small battle.
To conclude the parade, four F-16s were flown over the University, Three of the planes were flown by Auburn graduates.
“My favorite part of the parade was the conclusion with the F-16s, and it is really neat that the pilots were Auburn students,” Griffin said.
The purpose of the parade is to display the military training received by all ROTC participants.
The ROTC is designed to provide students with an environment that encourages educational development, while giving them the necessary skills for a career in the military.
ROTC members take additional classes alongside their basic curriculum, and the Nichols Center is home to the programs.
President Gogue: The ROTC programs joined to honor President Jay Gogue. Lindsey Davidson / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
ROTC members: arrange themselves in battalion-sized groups, designed to fight a small battle. Lindsey Davidson / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Auburn’s Army ROTC program is one of the top-rated training programs. It has placed 1st and 2nd of 22 schools in the Brigade Ranger Challenge Competition for the past six years.
Army ROTC training includes helicopter operations, weapons firing, water survival, military tactics, land navigation and simulated combat training.
Air Force ROTC members are first given extensive training in their field. They later become involved in the planning and execution of military activities of the cadet corps in order to maximize the skills of other cadets.
“I am so proud,” Griffin said. “I have a loved one in Air Force ROTC, and I was incredibly proud of him during the parade.”
In addition, Air Force ROTC members experience a rigorous field training program designed to assess potential.
The Naval ROTC program also has an option for specialization in marine midshipmen. Marines Corps attend physical training and the marine platoon, which develops leadership abilities and marine skills.
