Reserve Officers’ Training Corps: A Case Study on The Aspiring Advance Officers

Abstract

Reserve Officer Training Corps, aspirants struggled too much in training and academic requirements. This study explored the challenges and coping mechanisms encountered and employed by aspiring advanced ROTC officers in adhering to their training and academics. It was participated by the aspirants in Misamis University, Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. Interview responses were analyzed using Yin's 5-Step analysis approach to analyze the data and allow researchers to analyze textual data (Yin, 2009). This study generated four themes 1. Family, Relatives, and Peer Influence 2. Difficulties in coping with academic-related concerns 3. Gearing towards the achievement of becoming an officer 4. Positive Outlook. As a result, most participants face different challenges and coping mechanisms in responding to ROTC training and academic requirements. These challenges create an impact physically and mentally, which is extremely stressful during training and in dealing with academics. Given that participants in the ROTC program come from diverse backgrounds and have varying levels of experience and preparation for military training and academic requirements. ROTC programs must recognize these differences and tailor their training and support accordingly. This may involve providing additional resources and support to participants struggling with certain aspects of the training or academic requirements, as well as recognizing and accommodating the unique challenges faced by participants from different backgrounds and determining the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. ROTC participants who can develop effective coping mechanisms and strategies for managing the program's demands are more likely to succeed and excel in their training. By acknowledging and addressing the diverse challenges and coping mechanisms of ROTC cadets, the program can help build the resilience and adaptability of the cadets, which will be valuable in their future military endeavours. Further, the aspirants learned the use of managing their time wisely. This study highlights the importance of a positive outlook, time management, and resilience in dealing with challenges in training and academics.