Making ROTC mandatory

Back in early 2000, the call to abolish the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) sounded in the halls of universities all over the country after the violent death of a student, who knew about the corrupt practices of ROTC officers in his school. He was supposedly “silenced” by the perpetrators and this just further revealed the ugly realities of ROTC back then. Even with the noble aim of promoting patriotism and discipline among young students and the possibility of being called to duty by the country in case of armed conflict, ROTC became optional. Now, there are renewed calls to require ROTC in college. What do our readers think?

We need to revive the ROTC. It has to be mandatory... I likewise encourage Congress to enact a law that will require mandatory ROTC for Grades 11 and 12 so we can instill patriotism, love of country among our youth.

PRESIDENT RODRIGO DUTERTE

I don’t see any problem with making it mandatory. I believe this will help the students understand the importance of discipline, leadership and patriotism. It will also teach them how to respond in an emergency and how to defend themselves. But with regards to training, there were complaints about ROTC officers who abused their power. If ever the implementation of the ROTC will be approved, they should make sure that the school will manage and monitor the training.--DYHEN MICHELLE DERAMA, 19, JOURNALISM STUDENT

Yes, for the development of the intellect and elevation of character. This provides young individuals the ability to function as a responsible citizen and serve as role models by being actively involved in their communities. This will help train students to develop discipline and right attitude. --CHRISTEN ANTONETTE CADA, 20, ARCHITECTURE STUDENT (EASTERN VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY)

I am in favor of bringing back mandatory ROTC training for college students because I believe it involves the idea of defense. It also develops goodwill, perseverance and cooperation. --APRIL ROSE GANA-AN, 26, ARCHITECT

No. Making it mandatory is too much for college students, given that the ROTC demands a lot of time, especially on weekends. Eventually, it will become a burden to some students because it consumes their time and energy that they can use for academic subjects.--LORENZO PESTANO, JR., 21, ARCHITECTURE STUDENT (USC)

I am not in favor of bringing back the mandatory military training (ROTC) for college students because I believe that it should just be for those who are willing to train and serve in the military. Everyone should have the right to make choices for themselves. --JOMARI RAMORES, 24, ARCHITECT