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ROTC plays Pentagon games

The University’s Air Force ROTC is preparing future Air Force officers to respond to the numerous and disastrous scenarios that can evolve in unstable areas.

UH was the only school in the country to work alongside the Pentagon in order to develop crisis strategy planning when the program first started in April.

Undergraduate students participated in a fictional disaster scenario that took place in Darfur.

“While the end product (for the scenario) is very important, the events leading up to (it) are equally as important,” said Colonel Aldru Aaron, who worked alongside students and Pentagon supervisors.

“By better understanding how to effectively develop a contingency plan, as well as how to execute the written plan, our students are better prepared to effectively use their given undergraduate degrees,” Aaron said.

Students learned about different governments and world organizations, as well as the possible interactions between them.

Students were instructed in inter-agency and contingency planning using a humanitarian effort for their basis.

“Each student developed their specific component of the contingency plan and ensured it seamlessly interweaved with other agency’s plans, requirements and available resources,” Aaron said. “In the end, students used this plan to resolve the world crisis in the hypothetical cyber-world environment.”

This work not only developed their humanitarian efforts but their ability to serve under higher-ranking officers.

Students received training not only in inter-agency planning and operations, but also in leadership skills, public speaking and interpersonal relations.

All aspects of the training showed the students how to produce a “synergistic effect on the overall outcome,” Aaron said.

The program is new but the work that has been completed and the efforts to come will only strengthen the program and prepare the students for life after college.

“In just seven years as an AFROTC Detachment at the University of Houston, Detachment 003 continues to be one of the fastest growing and respected detachments in the nation,” Aaron said.

“We will continue to develop (the students’) communication skills by actively participating in multiple university and community events, improving cadet’s leadership and followership skills and ensuring that each has the physical prowess to answer our nation’s call,” Aaron said.

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