1955

Hopefully you will recall a recent promise to review our military experience and viewpoints. Several replies to my questions indicate a real interest in the subject by our officers. There is unanimous agreement on the issues and a great variety of experiences which make for very interesting reading.

Was Dartmouth good preparation for your career? A unanimous yes with emphasis on the ability to communicate well. "My Dartmouth education was of no real help, (I majored in economics) but generally it was of great help. I did a great amount of writing, most of which was quite successful." Dick Hart. "I did find that I was more capable of independent reaction and thought. I've also found that the ability to communicate has given me a leg up on many contemporaries." Bob Leopold. "I feel that the Officer Corps of the military services is much the better for having ROTC career officers. I don't think we ever completely lose the civilian outlook, which some West Pointers tend to do." JayLewis.

Was it wise for Dartmouth to eliminate ROTC? "It being a free country, those students who would prefer to undergo ROTC training deserve to have the opportunity to do so." George Fenzl. "The training and experience as an officer are invaluable to a young man going into any career field." Jay Lewis. Your correspondent firmly believes that his Marine Corps duty was a fine investment in preparation for his business career. Jay also feels the U. S. needs civilian trained military officers. "I feel it (elimination of ROTC) was an overreaction to a lot of hysterics and less than mature antics that swept many of our campuses several years ago." "Today's military is a highly diverse, specialized and above all complex operation that demands an extraordinary level of leadership and management ability." Dick Hart. BobKing was Marine Officer Instructor at Princeton during the 1966-69 period. He promises a letter on the subject which should be very interesting.

Is the U. S. as well prepared now as it was in 1955? All respondents are equivocal on this one. They feel we are generally well prepared but are disturbed about current civilian attitudes toward the military. The Vietnam conflict has been very difficult for morale and has caused us to neglect our upgrading of military equipment.

All these men are very interested in their work and list a fascinating variety of living experiences. They are truly world travelers but good family men with happy wives. Jean Lewis writes "We are located about 35 miles south of Brussels (Belgium) in a beautiful rural area, living in a renovated stable which was part of an ancient abbey. A new living experience entirely!"

Judging by their present rank and level of responsibility the class should be very proud of them. I think their desire for reinstatement of ROTC should be fulfilled for two reasons. First, the country needs the kind of officers (both men and women) Dartmouth can produce. Second, military careers will be challenging and exciting for Dartmouth graduates. They deserve the opportunity to prepare for them in the ROTC. If you agree why not write John Kemeny tonight? Refer to this column.

Secretary, 66 Abbotsford Rd. Winnetka, Ill. 60093

Treasurer, 30 Warnock Dr., Westport, Conn. 06880