Issue No. 1
Texas A&M University Army ROTC
Thomas St. John ’95 takes the Oath of Office becoming an Army Officer at Texas A&M in December 1995
Fall Semester 2020
Lt. Colonel St. John (3rd rt.) stands among allies personnel during a reception in Poland.
Second Lieutenant Nicholas Solymosy 20’
I
came to A&M as an average kid. I wasn’t a special student, nor a standout athlete. All I had was a sense of duty and a strong desire to serve in the military. I can confidently say that Army ROTC at A&M forged me into a stronger leader ready for life as an Army officer. AROTC provided me the means to grow mentally, physically, socially, and professionally. Through ROTC alone, I studied Russian in two foreign countries, earned my jump wings, and learned how to lead on the fly while guiding teams, squads, and platoons through tactical scenarios at A&M.
accomplishments I just described is 24 years old. Those are the people I came up with in AROTC. Those are my peers who I trained with for four years. I couldn’t have been surrounded by better talent. That’s what A&M produces. Now, I am participating in the Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course (IBOLC). Our day to day rhythm is very similar to AROTC. At IBOLC, we get instruction in the classroom, then practice what we learn. The only difference between A&M and IBOLC is the depth at which we learn the material. It’s surprising how similar IBOLC is to ROTC at A&M- same level of professionalism, same level of standards, same level of rigor. Texas A&M prepared me well by exposing me to challenge and preparing me to meet it.
Most importantly; however, AROTC at A&M surrounded me with peers of the highest caliber. Some of my best friends have already: earned master’s degrees, Nicholas Solymosy ’20 airborne wings, air assault badges, Ranger My advice to anyone considering Army tabs, Sapper tabs, pathfinder badges, and ROTC at A&M would be this- If you’re looking for a combat decorations. Some have lead soldiers in challenge, an adventure, and a worthwhile/ meaningful combat. They’ve deployed to countries in South experience, Army ROTC at A&M will roll all three America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. What’s into one and deliver it to you on a level you couldn’t truly humbling, is that the oldest person whose imagine. GIG’EM
THE WARRIOR BATTALION
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