Speaker sheds light on U.S. involvement in Iraq, ROTC students' futures
By Hannah Gray
A former, high-ranking U.S. diplomat who spoke Friday at the University of Portland had an important message for many on campus. But for some, it was a message of particular personal importance.
While U.S. involvement in Iraq is likely to wind down within 16 months under President Obama, retired ambassador Timothy Carney, a diplomatic veteran of 32 years of service, said the picture is likely to be much different in Afghanistan, where the action is expected to intensify.
"I think Afghanistan will be a big one," Carney told the students, faculty and staff who gathered in Buckley Center 163 for his presentation, titled "Iraq: Reconstruction and Resolution."
"The focus is moving to Afghanistan, with a coalition of our NATO allies," said Carney, who, on two separate occasions has led U.S. efforts to rebuild and re-stabilize war-torn Iraq.
That shift - to Afghanistan - is of particular importance to more than 175 UP students - cadets in the school's Army and Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps, some of whom may be ordered to Afghanistan at some point after graduation.
Lt. Col. Peter Rooks, professor of military science and leadership at UP, echoes Carney's perspective that fighting is likely to shift to Afghanistan. "In general, we will be engaging more directly in Afghanistan." Rooks added that deployment of current or future UP students is not likely for another 18 months to two years, largely because U.S. troops will be assisted by NATO and allied troops. UP's current graduating class and the next are likely to be deployed after 18 months, he said.
Rooks said ROTC cadets essentially have another year of school once they graduate and before they go to their unit assignments. Then, the officers attend at least two other schools, where each course is anywhere from six to 16 weeks, according to Rooks.
War or not, the ROTC programs at UP have seen an increase in numbers. Since 2005, the Army program alone has almost doubled in size - from 48 to 85 members, according to Rooks. The Air Force program has approximately 88 cadets.
Nathan Ray, a fifth-year senior and cadet, received his assignment last spring - he will go to a training base at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas. Despite the fact that the U.S. is in a war, Ray said he is excited. "I'm ready to start my life," Ray added.
Tim Fish, a sophomore cadet, shared a similar perspective. "I already thought about joining Air Force before the war started. I just felt like I was called to defend my country."
Fish said he is not nervous about what life after college brings. "I'm eager. I'm excited to see what I'll be doing." He acknowledged the possibility of being deployed. "It is something I am willing to do," Fish said, adding that he hopes to go to flight school after his initial training.
Tony Vitellaro, a sophomore cadet, said the likelihood of being sent overseas to fight wasn't a deterrent to his signing up.
"The war didn't have much impact on my choice," Vitellaro said.
Freshman Robyn Fredregill is studying nursing and hopes to become a flight nurse. Because she is seeking a medical position, she said that she is not worried about being in battle. But if she were to go to war, she feels prepared. "I wouldn't be devastated if I was sent to the Middle East," Fredregill said.
Rooks said the war prompts ROTC programs to focus more intently on helping future officers developing strong character and leadership skills.
"The world doesn't need a bad leader," Rooks said. "What our country needs is someone who is ethical." The colonel said UP's Catholic tradition means a high regard for teaching values and ethics.
"There is no greater honor than to be a part of the process to create leaders," Rooks said. "It is one of the most important things we do."
Carney's presentation was sponsored by the Garaventa Center for Catholic Intellectual Life and American Culture, Department of Political Science, Air Force ROTC, Army ROTC, and the Congregation of Holy Cross.
