Praise: UC Irvine ROTC

Last month the University of California at Irvine launched a new Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) on campus, the timing to coincide with the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.  UC-Irvine knew that it was important that a program like ROTC be open to all students.  The Army would have to comply with UC-Irvine's non-discrimination policy:

It prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services.

The program is up and running.

UCI alumnus Christian Peralta, battalion commander for the program, said he is glad the hard work and good relationships forged among cadets, campus military veterans, student government leaders, and key administrators and faculty members paid off. Now, with an established program in place, Peralta said he wants to help mentor and develop the kind of strong, ethical leaders needed in today’s military.

“UCI graduates intelligent and adaptable students needed to be successful in today’s world,” he said. “The military needs capable, intelligent and adaptable leaders, so one of the aims of establishing a program was to create a connection between UCI students and officer leadership in the military.”

Of course hate groups like the American Family Association are upset.  Too bad for them.  The future of the United States Army and the University of California at Irvine looks bright.