Military Service, Personal Statement Example

Military service is in my blood. My father and grandfather were both veterans, while my mother, who raised me as a single parent, also served. I regard continuing that tradition as an honor, and my application for the ROTC is an effort on my part to not only continue that tradition, but also improve it. No one in my family has ever served as an officer before. By joining the ROTC I hope to go on and become the first member of my family to serve in a commissioned rank. This would undoubtedly mean much to my mother, who also raised by twin sister, and acted as the kind of role model every youngster should have. A desire to follow her military example, and become a similar kind of person to her, is a massive part of motivation for joining the ROTC. One quality which my mother has always shown is mental toughness. This is a hugely admirable skill that I believe I can develop during my time with the ROTC.

Possessing that mental toughness allows an individual to show leadership and confidence in testing situations. In my future career, I aim to work in legislature, providing the kind leadership in government that I hope to have shown during my time in the ROTC. By joining the ROTC, I hope to develop the qualities that make a good leader. I would also hope to develop all-round skills, transferable qualities which can be used to positive effect in my life as well as my work. I want to be able to take decisive action when I need to, to make the right decisions under pressure, and I believe that service in the ROTC is one of the best ways of acquiring these qualities. To acquire skills such as these though is not all about me; I want to use the maturity and experience I gain to serve society in as effective a manner as I possibly can, even when my military service is over. The ROTC creates leaders; I would like to be one, in every sense of the word, setting an inspiring example to all who encounter me.

Being a soldier, of course, requires great physical capabilities. A soldier must be fit and healthy in order to best cary out his duties. Sports have been an important part of my school life, as I believe that they help to develop the kind of physical and mental conditioning that a leader of troops requires. I made the Varsity track team in my Freshman year, and in my Sophomore year I managed to win the 5k race. My Junior and Senior years were distinguished by me playing a full part in organising a city basketball league. As well as playing and organising sports events though, I have also written about them, covering school sport for the school newspaper, ‘Inside 15000’. I have subsequently been appointed as sports section editor for the newspaper.

But my commitment to school sports and events runs deeper than participating or writing about events. I have helped to organise several events, including the BHS DECA’s successful attempt to host the world’s largest ‘Duck, Duck, Goose’ game. This raised money for a local girl who was battling terminal cancer. I also helped to set up the cafeteria for the Open Mic Night project, helping the journalism department with their planning and organisation. In my Sophomore year, I was a committed member of the Virginia DECA, while in my Junior year I was also active as a Student Council Association (SCA) member. Part of my work with the SCA involved setting up and organising ‘Terrorville’. This was a month-long event held in October. PEVS Paintball Field played a major part in this, and I helped them to manage the Zombie 5k Run.

This year, I have helped plan the Prom for my class, focusing particularly on the physical lay-out of the event. My talent for organisation and logistical planning was also shown when I participated in a school spirit project for my class, helping to build a float for the class Spirit Week parade. I have also helped out with Varsity football games, manning the snack shack to keep spectators suitably refreshed.

I would hope that these qualities and skills will be enough to show that I am of the required quality to be a valued member of the ROTC. I believe that I have the necessary toughness, intelligence, commitment, and willingness to learn that enable me to get the most out of my time in the ROTC. I would humbly hope that you will agree with me.