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Case Study: The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps

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The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps I chose the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) as my Discourse Community Ethnography, so I could study my actions and experiences as I grow through the program, as well as uncover the difference between ROTC graduates and non-ROTC graduates of major United States (US) universities. When relating the AFROTC to John Swales’ six characteristics, I was able to uncover a considerable amount of information that intrigued my interests, along with my interviews of several cadets and the commanding officer of Air Force Detachment 450, Lt. Cornel David L. Wiede. First, I chose several different subjects to observe, beginning with the complexity of the ROTC program and their rules. Next, I looked …show more content…

This has presented a clear message of what the Air Force expects out of the Universities, while challenging each and every Air Force Detachment to improve upon this goal and add to its service ability. This is where I tended see the most influential advantages of an ROTC cadet over a non-ROTC cadet. ROTC cadets are continually challenged to improve upon their mistakes while striving to overcome and surpass the goals of the Air Force. Now comparing this to a non-ROTC university student begins shows a clear and message, college students need to set goals and have others to compete against to equal the excellence of a ROTC cadet. Non-ROTC cadets that usually experience this level of success are made up of sports groups and student governments, where competition is readily present. Furthermore, this gives ROTC a reason to exist within universities in America. ROTC was originally created to supply the United States Armed Forces with the leadership it needed during World War Two, and now helps fill the empty slots that an expanding military needs. Without the positive effects that ROTC has had on everyday individuals, the program most likely would have been discontinued during the Clinton administration. All-in-all ROTC has proved its success through its goals and its ability to …show more content…

I uncovered the difference between ROTC graduates and non-ROTC graduates of major United States (US) universities, and feel that ROTC is truly beneficial for young adults looking to compete in tomorrows workforce. The constant challenge has provoked me to leave my comfort zone and explore my potential endeavors on a road of perpetual success. I truly believe that through my personal experiences in college, ROTC cadets will leave college better prepared to face the challenges of the world. While at the same time ROTC cadets will be able to outperform other university students because we have been trained in an environment of constant completion, where success is not achieved by the completion of the job but deserved by the ability to do the job better than everyone else. With that being said, ROTC cadets are also held to a higher level of respect and honor. Customs and Courtesies are expected, and codes of conduct must be followed. This higher level of respect is taught through the different genres and Lexis, and while this may sound very harsh and obsessive, I have come to enjoy the organization of the Air Force, and the respect of the various people that I work with on a daily basis.

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