MY ONLINE ROTC EXPERIENCE AND ITS PROS AND CONS

When I started my journey in college, I had no clue that we had to choose which component we
would like to be a part of in NSTP. I am not gonna lie and say that I was a determined student
who strongly wished to be a part of the ROTC program. When I think about ROTC, the first
thing that comes to my mind is “doing push-ups” or having to work out and maintain a strong
physique. I’m not good with that, and I’m seriously not physically built for that. So joining the
ROTC program really never came to my mind. I actually hoped to be part of CWTS. But I was
rejected, so I had no other choice but to enroll in the ROTC program.

I didn’t expect much for this class. A few months back, I remember how I thought that it’d be
ridiculous conducting the ROTC Program in the virtual set-up. But now, looking back, it’s mind-
blowing to realize how my first semester was such a lot of things. It was a hell of a rollercoaster
ride, indeed— especially with all my experiences in ROTC. I hustled and learned so much all
throughout. I can’t believe that I managed to survive the past few months, and I most certainly
can’t believe I managed to have perfect attendance by waking up at 6 AM every Wednesday and
Saturday. This boggles my mind so much and makes me very happy about myself and all the
effort I exerted.

The transition from the traditional face-to-face set-up to the new normal or the online learning
set-up brings impact to the students' learning situation most specifically, in the ROTC conduct of
online classes. I have cousins and close friends who are officers in the ROTC Program in their
respective schools, and we talk a lot about school and other stuff. With some insights I learned
from them, I came to realize that there are really lots of adjustments and changes made, starting
from the enrollment, to the program implementation, and down to the assessment of the overall
performances of cadets.

One of the major challenges and/or considered to be the cons of this online set-up is the
limitations when it comes to learning the practical aspects in ROTC training. Everything is being
taught virtually, which is very different from the actual training during face-to-face classes. Even
though I’m not that much of a fan of the ROTC program, as a cadet who wishes to perform
excellently at all times, my eagerness to experience the practical training is somehow hindered
by this set-up. I remember the utmost struggle with the drills and ceremonies when we had to do
a return demonstration. It’s just so hard to perfect the execution and make everything as snappy
and precise as they should be. Our officer-in-charge tried her best to teach us well, but I guess it
just really wasn’t enough. Everything was so rushed when they were teaching us about the drills
and ceremonies that we didn’t actually absorb and understand everything. They had to resort to
just telling us to review the videos they provided for us to watch. Since the return demonstration
was a group task, it was hard because it was like we had to tutor each other but none of us really
had a perfect idea on what’s the right thing to do — I confess that those times were hellish times.
I would suggest having more synchronous sessions where the commanding officers would have a
more thorough and very precise demonstration of the executions, or the YouTube videos
provided could be updated and be modified to better relate to the current setup of the students,
for some of the videos were not very clear especially the ones that required changing formations
and the other more complicated drills. Although I’m not really great at this, I think it would also
be cool if there are activities that involve improving our physique in this program. Moreover, the
other challenges came from the interruptions which are beyond our control just like with the
internet connection, server error in SOUL, and other technical-related problems.

In contrast to all those cons, if we try to look at the positive side of this online set-up, we
probably realize things that are least given attention. It is somehow easier, a bit more relaxed,
and more convenient because we don’t actually have to go through the hassle and strictness that
comes with face-to-face classes. For the students' practicality, this online set-up greatly helps in
terms of financial expenses and also, in terms of health concerns. ROTC cadets who suffer any
health conditions are given the opportunity to confidently join the program without worrying
about their health situations. These factors contribute to the increased number of enrollees in the
ROTC program.

I admit that I wasn’t always delighted about the activities and tasks that came with being a cadet
in the ROTC program. A lot of days, I would complain about having to wear the type C uniform
at 6:30 AM during a Saturday, all the tasks, and everything. I still remember how I used to stress
about trying to put my hair up in a bun and keeping my hair sleek with all my baby hair, all the
bobby pins and hair spray bottles I used, trying to find black socks, trying to look for white
handkerchiefs around the house, and many more. Most days, I felt like everything was draining
me too much and overwhelming me. Nevertheless, I managed to pull through and see through
the bright side of things. I know I’m not the only student who struggled through this journey,
and it’s not just the students who fought through hell trying to survive this semester and make
the most out of it; the commanding officers and everyone else are trying their best in order to
teach us and provide the best experience they can give to us as well. Despite having had these
thoughts, as this semester is coming to a close, I have come to realize and be grateful for
everything the ROTC program has taught me. I do acknowledge that the tasks and the learning
materials in this program can be a lot to handle. But now, as I look back, I feel thankful to have
learned about all these things — especially the first aid demonstration or task about basic life
support, the last major task for the semester. A lot of life skills had been honed in me throughout
this experience — skills I would never forget and will bring with me until I graduate and as I
continue to live life. I have learned a lot, and I have grown so much. All the stress and
frustrations may have troubled me and did not make a lot of sense to me before. But now, things
have started to make sense and are bringing me delight. There is one more semester to go, and
I’m looking forward to Wednesdays and Saturdays where I have to wake up at 6AM again. I got
used to it already at this point, I hope I still have a perfect attendance in the next semester. I look
forward to what’s to come in the following year.