A Pauls Valley graduate in 2019, Joshua Henley is now a junior at Oklahoma State University and a member of the ROTC program. Making the decision to join the ROTC program was an easy one for Henley.
“I decided to join the ROTC program after my freshman year of college. I suppose what I enjoy most is the hands-on tactical training we receive at our lab meetings in the field. Instead of just reading about them and working them out on a white board such as other programs might have to do due to a lack of suitable outdoor areas to train, we are able to actually lead our fellow cadets through live missions. It is quite enjoyable to me considering that combat arms are what I want to do in the Army, and it also gives OSU cadets great leadership experience for Advanced Camp and other activities,” said Henley. “I also really enjoy the amount of extracurricular activities we have access to. We have Pershing Rifles, Bataan Death March, Ranger Challenge, Color Guard, Flag Detail, and various activities at sporting events such as Cannon Crew at the football games and helping out at the cross-country events.”
Henley is involved in multiple clubs and activities on campus including the Sailing Club, History Club, Martial Arts Club, and the College Republicans. As a cadet, there are some requirements he must meet.
“I have to keep above a 2.5 GPA, I have to keep in good shape, which is shown on the Army Combat Fitness Test, I have to pass all of the required ROTC classes,” said Henley.
Making the military a career is certainly something Henley is considering.
“I would like to go into business and politics at some point, however, it has always been a dream of mine to be a military officer and I would love to make a career,” said Henley. “I would prefer to branch combat arms. My top choices are either Armored or Infantry.”
Henley offers this advice to anyone wanting to join the ROTC program at OSU.
“The advice I would give to a prospective cadet is to go ahead and enroll in the program. As a freshman, you are not required to do anything more than show up to class and PT and it is a great chance to, even if you decide not to join the Army, to enhance your leadership skills and further your experience in a field which you probably have not received any training in. You don’t have to contract until the end of your sophomore year, so you are free to quit the program if you are unsure for the first two years of your college career.”
