Austin Peay’s ROTC program to feature in national Army marketing campaign
By: Ethan Steinquest May 14, 2024
Cadet Nathan Meyer, a junior marketing major, instructs Cadet Garrett Simpson, a freshman history major, on different knots in the woods near the Pace Alumni Center. | Photo by Ethan Steinquest
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Austin Peay State University’s Governors Guard Battalion has a long tradition of excellence, regularly qualifying for West Point’s Sandhurst Military Skills Competition and being recognized among the nation’s top ROTC programs with eight General Douglas MacArthur Awards.
This year, the program is also being featured in a national marketing campaign that will highlight the opportunities available through ROTC. The Army Enterprise Marketing Office (AEMO) visited campus on April 17 to film the cadets in action for GoArmy’s website and social media platforms.
“We were excited to take on this opportunity, knowing it would be a challenge but recognizing the significant value for our cadets,” said Maj. Nicholas Kirschten, assistant professor of military science at APSU. “It was great to see the cadets willing to be part of something bigger than themselves. Each one stepped up, was flexible and showcased their individual talents very well.”
Kirschten said AEMO chose the Governors Guard for its accomplishments and high leadership standards. The cadets had about two months to prepare and took charge by developing events from physical training and knot-tying exercises to classroom footage and campus tours.
Cadet Daniel Desena, a senior criminal justice major, works out at the Foy Fitness and Recreation Center. | Photo by Ethan Steinquest
“There hasn’t been a dull moment since we started filming,” said Lt. Col. Khristina Allen, AEMO’s marketing officer lead for social and earned media. “We’ve had a glimpse of the entire day of a cadet, whether they’re in uniform or civilian attire, in class or during recreation. That’s important because one of the things we strive to show is that being an ROTC cadet doesn’t take away from the college experience - it enhances it.”
Cadet Kaleb Scott, a freshman broadcast media major, lived a distinctly college experience during AEMO’s visit by delivering a final presentation on American wartime battles - but in this case, the cameras were rolling. He said the experience allowed his group to demonstrate their knowledge under pressure in a unique situation.
“We had to focus on not letting the cameras get to us and still present to the class,” he said. “We spent a lot of time hyping ourselves up and doing positive affirmations because we didn’t intend to present in front of a camera crew. It was important that we paid attention to the presentation and showed the class our attention, so the key was directing our focus.”
Cadet Ava Bender, a freshman finance major, conducts an interview and dorm tour while filming for a national Army marketing campaign. | Photo by Ethan Steinquest
Other students, including Cadets Alli Jordan and Obadiah Sieg, discussed their time in ROTC during interviews with the camera crew. Both were part of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) in high school and said continuing into the Governors Guard has benefited them personally and professionally.
“ROTC has helped me with communication and physical fitness, but where I’ve grown the most is in social ability,” said Jordan, a sophomore biology major. “I grew up as a very shy person, but you’re never really by yourself in the program. You do PT with other people, you’re encouraged to communicate in class and they provide a cadet lounge where you can study or hang out. It’s really helped me to open up and build friendships.”
Sieg’s involvement in the program has also fostered significant growth and allowed him to continue his father and grandfather’s tradition of military service.
“I felt the same calling to be in the Army, and overall, it’s been very beneficial,” he said. “I’ve been able to work on my nerves and anxiety, and whenever I’m in a difficult situation, I can look back on what we’ve done in ROTC and put it in perspective that I’ve been through this and can handle it.”
Brig. Gen. Antoinette Gant, AEMO’s chief marketing officer, said the experiences of the Austin Peay cadets reflect how ROTC programs prepare young soldiers for leadership roles.
“If it had not been for my participation in Army ROTC, I am not sure I would be as confident as I am about my ability to serve at all levels and with all types of people, no matter the challenge,” Gant said. “ROTC is not only about service, but being a model citizen … [and] building strong teams, not just now but in the future.”
Based on her team’s day at Austin Peay, Allen is confident that the Governors Guard Battalion will continue setting new standards of excellence in leadership.
“The interactions we’ve had with the cadets, the cadre and the staff here today have been above reproach,” Allen said. “Everyone here believes in excellence and responsibility, and they’re living the Army values. We wanted to highlight the great work they were already doing, and it was an easy day because all we had to do was watch them continue to be amazing.”
More about the Governors Guard Battalion
The Governors Guard is an esteemed ROTC detachment within the United States Army’s Cadet Command. Its proximity to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell allows cadets to access exceptional training opportunities, including multi-million dollar simulation facilities, hands-on training with helicopters and other Army equipment and attendance at The Sabalauski Air Assault School.
Approximately 20% of cadets are former soldiers and noncommissioned officers who bring a wealth of professional, tactical and technical knowledge and experience to military science leadership classes and labs. Austin Peay State University has recognized the Governors Guard as one of the premier programs on campus.
To learn more about Austin Peay ROTC or get involved, contact Julius Kelley at 931-221-6449, kelleyj@apsu.edu or julius.r.kelley.civ@army.mil. Freshmen and sophomores can sign up for free, and the program covers their uniform and equipment costs.