The early morning quiet of Providence is something I cherish. Walking to my car, the serenity is a stark contrast to the bustling campus later in the day. Even at this hour, I’m not alone; fellow athletes are already heading to their practices. As a varsity rugby player and ROTC cadet, early mornings are simply part of my routine. Balancing the demands of rugby with my commitments to ROTC, including the Ranger Challenge team, requires careful prioritization and focus. Wearing my Rotc Army Uniform even this early sets a tone for the day – a day of discipline, commitment, and striving for excellence in all areas of my life.
I pick up a teammate for Ranger Challenge and we drive to Lincoln Woods, just ten minutes away, for practice. Ranger Challenge is an intense subset of ROTC, designed for cadets who want to push their limits and compete against other battalions. While regular ROTC physical training is three mornings a week, Ranger Challenge ramps it up to every morning leading up to competition. The reward, however, is immense: a tight-knit community, deep personal satisfaction, and recognition on the Order of Merit list. Pulling on the ROTC army uniform for these demanding practices is a physical and mental preparation for the challenges ahead.
Today’s practice is focused on the one-rope bridge, a key event in the Ranger Challenge. Our team captain expertly guides us through the technique. For the next hour, we drill, refining our movements and building muscle memory for crossing the obstacle efficiently. The crisp morning air and the camaraderie amongst teammates, all in our ROTC army uniforms, create a unique and motivating atmosphere. As a bonus, we are treated to a stunning sunrise over the lake, a beautiful backdrop to our rigorous training.
Image alt text: Team Bruno ROTC cadets in army uniforms pose after a field training exercise, showcasing teamwork and camaraderie.
Back to Brown and a Uniform Change
Driving back to Brown, I drop off my teammate before heading to the varsity weight room. It’s time to trade my ROTC army uniform for my rugby gear. This transition is welcome – the weight room is a place to release any built-up tension. Loud music and the easy banter with my rugby teammates create a different kind of energy. While rugby after a regular Ranger Challenge practice is invigorating, following an especially grueling session, changing into my rugby uniform doesn’t always erase the physical strain from wearing the ROTC army uniform through intense drills.
After lifting, breakfast is a quick grab-and-go from the Ratty, one of the main campus cafeterias. Then, it’s back to my room to shower and prepare for the academic day. By 9 am, I’ve already accomplished a significant amount. Feeling refreshed and caffeinated, I dive into my internship meetings and Russian class. The small size of language classes at Brown is a major advantage, allowing for plenty of speaking practice and fostering a strong sense of community. Many Army cadets choose to study languages – Russian, Arabic, and Chinese are popular choices. These languages are not only strategically important for the military but also provide a valuable window into other cultures, enriching our perspectives beyond the demands of the ROTC army uniform.
Russian class is followed by a few hours before my weekly ROTC class. Lunch in hand, I head to the library for readings. As an International and Public Affairs concentrator, my classes are typically seminar-style, encouraging discussion and critical thinking. Brown ROTC cadets come from a wide range of academic disciplines. The Army path appealed to me precisely because of this academic flexibility and the emphasis on applying one’s degree to leadership studies. Whether a cadet is focused on medicine, conflict resolution, language, religion, or economics, we are united by our shared commitment to leadership development, a commitment visually represented by our ROTC army uniform.
Image alt text: ROTC cadet in army uniform walks across a historic campus in the early morning, symbolizing the blend of military training and academic life.
Leadership Beyond the Uniform
A common misconception about ROTC is that it leaves no time for other activities. This couldn’t be further from the truth at Brown. Team Bruno cadets are leaders in student groups, athletes, hold jobs and internships, are politically active, and maintain vibrant social lives outside of ROTC. In fact, ROTC often enhances these opportunities by developing leadership skills that are highly valued across campus. The discipline and responsibility instilled by wearing the ROTC army uniform translate into success in diverse fields.
Later in the afternoon, I drive to Providence College to pick up fellow cadets for our ROTC class. We need to arrive early today for height and weight measurements, a routine part of maintaining military standards while in the ROTC army uniform. These short commutes are invaluable for connecting with my ROTC friends; the close-knit community at Brown ROTC is a major highlight.
Joining up with MSIIs (sophomores) from other universities, we head to our classroom. One of the best aspects of ROTC is the chance to build friendships across campuses, broadening my social circle beyond “the Brown bubble” and connecting with individuals who share similar goals and values, all united by the common ROTC army uniform. Today’s class delves into the principles of joint operations. As sophomores, we’re moving beyond basic military concepts into more complex topics. Classes are seminar-style, challenging us to collaborate on practical exercises. Next week, we begin Leadership Labs (LLabs) for the spring semester. These hands-on sessions, led by MSIVs and IIIs, guide MSIs and IIs through field training scenarios. We learn essential skills like emergency medical care, Army communication protocols, and battle drills, all while wearing and training in our ROTC army uniforms.
Image alt text: A cadet in ROTC army uniform stands on a university campus during a bright morning, representing the dedication and early start of ROTC training.
After ROTC and the End of a Uniform Day
After ROTC class, I gather the Brown cadets, and we return to campus. Another quick grab-and-go dinner at the Ratty, and then it’s time for homework. I aim for 3-4 hours of study daily, spread throughout the day. With a 5 am wake-up call each morning, getting at least six hours of sleep is crucial. Effective time management is a non-negotiable skill in ROTC. Brown’s emphasis on student independence means we are fully responsible for our choices and actions. This self-reliance, honed through the discipline of ROTC and the responsibilities associated with wearing the ROTC army uniform, is a valuable takeaway from college. Being a successful ROTC cadet requires making trade-offs and sacrifices, but with careful planning, it’s possible to balance academics, ROTC commitments, extracurricular activities, and a fulfilling social life.
The day concludes with stretching and unwinding with a book. Preparing for another early wake-up, taking care of my body and ensuring sufficient sleep are essential. Life as a cadet is dynamic and enriching, providing me with incredible friendships and experiences throughout my college journey. As the day ends, I look forward to the challenges and opportunities tomorrow will bring, knowing each day in my ROTC army uniform brings me closer to my aspiration of becoming an Army Officer.
Image alt text: ROTC cadets in army uniforms participate in a battle drill during leadership lab, demonstrating practical skills and teamwork in field training.
