COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. — The Army ROTC program based at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs is the best in Colorado and among the highest quality in the nation, according to recent evaluations by the U.S. Army’s Cadet Command.
In ranking 271 programs nationwide for their 2003 performance, the Army Cadet Command ranked the CU-Colorado Springs-based ROTC unit sixth in the nation, tops in Colorado, and number one in an eight-state region.
While ROTC units are funded by the military, CU-Colorado Springs has worked to develop a military science minor, to administer student financial aid and nursing scholarships. Incentives such as these, and the Mountain Ranger Battalion’s quality training program, have succeeded in attracting an increasing number of students to the program.
The unit was evaluated on the basis of the quality of training of students for careers as military officers, cadet performance at the National Advanced Leadership Camp, accomplishment of commissioning mission, and retention of cadets, according to Lt. Col Denise Goudreau, commander, CU-Colorado Springs ROTC battalion.
“We have a true partnership with the university,” Goudreau said. “That relationship, as well as the work of every member of the ROTC command team and the determination of our cadets, allowed us to achieve these honors.”
Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak lauded the achievement of the ROTC unit and its mission to prepare men and women for careers as military leaders.
“I am appreciative of Lieutenant Colonel Goudreau’s innovative and cooperative leadership and the combined efforts of her team to ensure that ROTC students are successful members of the campus community,” Shockley said.
There are 36 students enrolled in ROTC at CU-Colorado Springs. Goudreau’s command also includes Colorado State University-Pueblo where 17 students are enrolled. Additionally, one student from Regis University, and four students from Colorado College take ROTC courses at CU-Colorado Springs.
So, what’s the key to the unit’s success? In addition to hard work, Goudreau says she believes success comes from teaching cadets to work together, providing one-on-one instruction and recruiting highly motivated students into the program.
Editor’s note: Photographs of the cadets are available on request.