FORT KNOX, Ky. – As graduate students begin their ROTC journey at 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp, their diverse backgrounds and experiences offer a unique and enriching perspective on military training. Cadets Kelly Weaver, Nomar Alvarez, and Logan Kreutzberger, each pursuing advanced degrees while participating in ROTC, showcase the depth and variety of this experience.

Kelly Weaver, from the University of Washington, is pursuing a Master of Human-Centered Design and Engineering, following a background in public health. Weaver’s journey to ROTC is a story of evolution and self-discovery. Initially drawn to a non-STEM field for her undergrad and later shifting interests during the pandemic, Weaver sought a more technical path. The transition from public health to UX design, coupled with an interest in cybersecurity, led her to ROTC. Weaver explained, “During the pandemic, I realized I wanted to switch into STEM. When I graduated, I felt a strong urge to continue my education and explore new fields. ROTC seemed like the perfect opportunity to combine my new interests with a meaningful career path.”

Weaver’s decision was driven by a desire to give back and leverage her skills in a new way. Despite the challenges, she views the ROTC experience as a blend of excitement and nervousness. She said, “I find myself pretty bold and usually like to give things a try, but stepping into the military world was new territory for me. I sought guidance from people who had been in ROTC, which helped a lot.”

Nomar Alvarez, pursuing a Master of Public Health Policy, has a background in biochemistry with additional minors in biology and psychology. Influenced by his family’s military legacy, Alvarez chose ROTC to honor his family’s tradition and manage the financial aspects of his education. He shared, “My dad retired as a Major after 22 years in the Army, and growing up with that influence made me want to follow in those footsteps. Joining ROTC now helps me balance my education without accruing debt.”

Alvarez’s insight into balancing ROTC and graduate studies highlights the maturity and discipline that come with pursuing a master’s degree. He noted, “Balancing ROTC and my master’s is challenging, but it’s more about managing time effectively. ROTC is demanding, and so is my master’s, but good time management makes it do-able. I feel that having a master’s degree while in ROTC gives me an edge in leadership roles.”

Logan Kreutzberger, from Montana State University, is working towards a Master’s in Environmental Engineering. Motivated by a lifelong passion for the outdoors and a family connection to the military, Kreutzberger’s ROTC journey is characterized by a blend of familial inspiration and personal commitment. “My oldest brother graduated from West Point and that really inspired me. I saw the benefits of joining the Army and wanted to follow a similar path, blending my passion for environmental work with military service,” he said. 

Balancing ROTC with a master’s program presents its challenges, such as managing a strict schedule and navigating course overlaps. Kreutzberger reflected, “I think the biggest advantage is having a clear understanding of college life and time management. However, juggling a strict ROTC schedule with my master’s courses can be tough. Still, the confidence and camaraderie gained through ROTC have been invaluable.”

The Army is no one-path-fits-all approach, and these graduate student Cadets illustrate how pursuing a master’s degree while engaged in ROTC can uniquely shape their military experience. As they embark on this dual journey, their stories highlight the adaptability and resilience required to balance rigorous academic pursuits with military training, preparing them for future leadership roles, both in and out of uniform.