“I think it’s important to fight for the nation that has given me so much. It’s a big commitment, but I felt I was ready to take that step,” the no-preference freshman said. “I want to give back — (ROTC) is a great way to do that.”

A perfect fit
Growing up 15 minutes away from MSU’s campus in Mason, Mich., Geer always was a part of the action, his mother Susan Geer said.

In high school, he was captain of both the football and track teams, class president and active in student organizations — all while maintaining a 4.0 grade-point average at Mason High School, she said.
“He has always been a team player,” said Susan Geer. “He’s known for giving 110 percent at everything he does.”

Jonathon Geer’s mother was not the only one to notice his accomplishments.

MSU Army ROTC Maj. Marty Lepak also was intrigued by Jonathon Geer’s physical and academic endeavors, noting that he displayed a strong sense of leadership ­— a defining characteristic of cadets in the program.

“Looking at what he accomplished in high school, he has a lot of potential to become a leader in our program,” Lepak said. “He’s a top-tier cadet. He really exemplifies what we’re looking for.”

A step above
Although roughly 200 MSU students have shown interest in the ROTC program by enrolling in military science classes, approximately 140 are contracted cadets — 18 of which are freshmen, said Lepak.

As contracted members of the program, cadets must meet specific requirements aside from the university’s normal academic schedule.

They must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, keep up with the physical fitness requirements and an intensive training schedule, while also attending military science courses. The courses teach students basic military concepts, history and skills both in the classroom and through outside, hands-on training, Lepak said.

“Our cadets will be ready to meet the demands of their future mission, which is to defend our nation,” Lepak said. “The experience they will gain from their education at MSU will put them in a good position to lead the next generation of soldiers in the Army.”

MSU Army ROTC Cadet Executive Officer and psychology senior Catherine Doyle said her time in the program has given her the confidence necessary to succeed.

“One thing I’ve learned throughout my experience that is very valuable is you never stop learning,” Doyle said.

“The younger cadets have to remember to enjoy college. When you have so many obligations, it’s easy to forget that, but you only get to go to college once.”

Cadet experience
Although Geer only has been at MSU for a mere four months, he said he already has been given countless opportunities he will never forget.

Aside from befriending his fellow cadets and becoming part of their “tight knit” group — a major highlight of his time here thus far — he said he has experienced the military through exciting, hands-on training.

“There’s a lot of unique opportunities that come with ROTC,” he said.

Geer said he was able to spend a weekend at Fort Custer in Battle Creek, Mich., participate in a grenade assault course, ride in a Black Hawk helicopter and shoot an M-16 rifle.

But his most memorable experience was traveling to Washington, D.C., to participate in the Army 10-Miler race.

“Traveling to the Capitol with the 10-miler team was an amazing experience,” Geer said. “We took fifth out of 64 teams.”

As a member of the ROTC’s endurance team, Geer said he runs five days a week, totalling about 20 miles.

“It makes me feel proud,” he said. “I’m working toward something and have a goal in mind.”

Future of service
MSU Provost Kim Wilcox said MSU’s Army ROTC is the university’s joint commitment to create leadership for the armed forces through knowledge and engagement.

“The (ROTC) program has long been strong at MSU — I see the same in the future,” Wilcox said. “Through various times of war and peace, we’ve always had an ROTC program.”

Although Geer doesn’t know exactly what branch of the Army he wants to serve in upon graduation, he wants an active-duty position.

MSU Career Services Interim Executive Director Theda Rudd said although there is not a specific path that ROTC students tend to take after graduation, the skills they learn through their time at MSU give them some edge over potential job market competition.

“(Employers) want to see leadership and initiative,” Rudd said. “That’s where opportunity lies for students that are in the ROTC program.”

If he successfully completes the program, Geer will be commissioned as an Officer in the Army, becoming a leader right out of college, Lepak said.

“I’ve been in the army for 26 years,” Lepak said. “It’s people like Jon that give me hope for the next generation of our military,”