First of all, for non-ROTC students and peers, a MS1 is a "military science one" student. This is where the ROTC students start their journey. Other schools may do it differently, but here at the University of Alabama we started out with two days of orientation then went right into our lab the next day.

I'm not sure about the other Cadets in the ROTC program but when I went into the program I expected some pretty cool stuff to be happening right away. I really did expect to be doing the simulation firing range all the time and maybe some really cool land navigation things. Nope.

In fact, most of our lessons include basic life skills that I think most college students would benefit from in the first place. We learn time management and study skills and of course the common courtesies that come with being in the military. These are the type of things we learn in order to become an Army officer. It seems pretty dumb at first but looking into it you start to realize how important all of that really is when it comes down to it. These are the only things that will help us become better leaders.

Now when it comes to PT it is exactly what you think it might be. If you complain too much or make yourself look way too entirely weak, they will pick you out of the group and tease you to no end. They don't necessarily do it to hurt you, but if this is really want you want there's absolutely no room to complain.

Another thing I've realized within just the first week is to talk to your squad leaders or Captain. Talk to whoever you can if you really want a contract. You have to make it look like you actually want this because there are already people ahead of you. In some cases, like mine, if you're not a contracted Cadet, you have a long ways to go.

Many people think that if you go up and talk to your Captain or leadership then you're trying to act like a "suck up" but let me assure you, those are the people who probably won't get very far in the program. There is never anything wrong with consulting with leadership and asking for advice or even just having someone to talk to.

The last thing I've realized is that the battalion is truly a team. Someone will always be there to help you out, no matter the circumstances. I know this isn't going to be an easy road. It's going to be hard physically and even more difficult mentally. You're held to a much higher standard than everyone else on campus and temptations are going to arise but even so, your team is going to be there for you. Everyone single one of them has your back and if you fall they will always be there to pick you up.