Lt. Col. David Taylor said he has wanted to be in the army since his childhood.

And now, after a 17-year-long military career, Taylor is the MSU ROTC program's new chairman. He graduated from the Citadel military academy with a bachelor's degree in political science and from Harvard with a master's degree in public administration.

With a father and grandfather who both served, Taylor said he was drawn to the military by their example.

But Taylor said that he never felt pressured.

"It was just based on the values that were taught to my family about serving the nation and being a leader," he said.

The new leader joined MSU's ROTC in June, because he said he was drawn by its good reputation within the army.

"Michigan State is a leader in supporting ROTC programs and is a producer of leaders that serve not only in the military, but in the government, in business and the civil sector," Taylor said. "Look at McPherson in Iraq."

Taylor has only been in office two months, but some of his colleagues said the impact he's made in that short time is already visible

"He has the perfect demeanor and experience for this job," Lt. Col. James Rhoads said. "There is a sense of resurgence in the air, it seems to be a more positive tone. He has infused new blood and enthusiasm into the program."

Maj. Ray Draeger said Taylor has been positively motivated and has helped ROTC find a stronger direction.

"We are better organized," Draeger said. "He has improved the direction of leadership."

Taylor served time in Iraq during the first Gulf War and in Bosnia.

War, he said, changed him forever.

"Having a combat experience changes everybody," Taylor said. "A soldier never wants to have to go to war. It's a combination of being scared, excited and worried about your people.

"It is wanting to come home and accomplish a mission."

The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks affected Taylor in much the same way as the war. Taylor said he lost friends during the attacks, so the event was especially close to him.

"It felt like someone ripped my heart out," he said. "You have to compare it to Pearl Harbor - when your country is attacked, it's personal."

Taylor said he's worried for the soldiers stationed in Iraq. Of all the issues surrounding military action in Iraq, he said the troubles of the soldiers should be the primary concern of the nation.

"If you look throughout history, the army and the soldiers always bear the heaviest burden," Taylor said. "Soldiers are hurt and killed everyday. It's ironic that students here in the program will get some military training and find themselves out on the freedom frontier."

Above his job and title, Taylor said he is happy just to be able to teach and lead the men who will be the future leaders of the military. Regarding the war on terrorism, Taylor said they will be the ones to win it.

"In general, the proudest, most challenging job is to be able to lead soldiers in both peace time and combat," he said.