Alec Wilson ’21
“The biggest takeaway from my time at Middlebury was becoming proficient at synthesizing lots of information into a single idea, as that is a critical skill to have as an Army officer.”
Why did you decide to pursue national service and the military?
Military service is such a unique way to give back to our country, so when I found out the military also provide college scholarships, I applied and was luckily awarded a tuition scholarship to Middlebury.
How did your Middlebury liberal arts education factor into the mindset, perspectives, approach you took to your military service?
My liberal arts education has been a huge influence on how I view my service in the military, and also how I view my role as an officer in the Army. The biggest takeaway from my time at Middlebury was becoming proficient at synthesizing lots of information into a single idea, as that is a critical skill to have as an Army officer. We are required to take in a vast array of factors when making a plan, and having the tools to do that quickly has been a huge asset.
What advice would you give to others who may be considering military service?
Get in touch with Middlebury’s ROTC Cadets. They can take you to the Military Science class they attend weekly to give you a feel for what it might be like to serve. There you will also meet the Military Science professors, most of whom are active duty or National Guard officers or senior NCOs. The ability to try out Army ROTC with no commitment is something I wish more students knew about, as it is a great opportunity to meet with and learn from some truly phenomenal men and women who wear our uniform.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
The last thing I would want to highlight is the unique opportunity to meet with people from all different backgrounds the military provides. I have learned so much these past two years since entering active duty from people with vastly different backgrounds and experiences from mine. It has allowed me to better understand the perspectives of people who grew up with different values or cultures in a place where we are all united a shared sense of values: Those of the soldier.