Special Report

ROTC provides great opportunities for FFA members

The commander for the 7^th Brigade of the Army’s ROTC program says the National FFA Organization instills the leadership skills that are beneficial to the nation’s military.

Colonel Lance Oskey says the FFA members he meets have the desired level of commitment the Army seeks.  “Both to their school and to something more than just their school community – like the FFA organization,” he says.  “That sort of commitment marries well with the commitment we seek with service towards something bigger than yourself.  In this case service for your nation in uniform.”

Oskey says the National FFA Organization and Army are great partners in promoting service to something that is greater than one’s self.  “Regardless if it’s in uniform in the military or if it’s with a civic organization or another organization – it is something that is valued and is something as a nation we need to invest more in,” he says.

He tells Brownfield the ROTC program is the largest scholarship granting organization in the United States.  “What we’re looking for in high school students as they go through their college screen process and their application screening process is three tenets,” he says.  “We call it a SAL – a Scholar, Athlete, and Leader.”

Oskey says the “leader” tenet also includes FFA leadership roles.

He says 3 and 4 year scholarship programs are available.  Click HERE for more information.

AUDIO: Colonel Lance Oskey, U.S. Army Cadet Command’s 7th Brigade