BMB names Jim Stoeffel new Cadet Battalion Commander
By Chelsea Donohue, Staff Writer
Gettysburg College is proud to have one of its current students, Jim Stoeffel, be named the Cadet Battalion Commander of the Blue Mountain Battalion (BMB). The BMB is part of Dickinson College’s Army Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) program. Students at Gettysburg College have the opportunity to take classes at Dickinson, whose ROTC program was established in 1952. Stoeffel, a senior, has recently been chosen to lead the BMB, as his peers and his superiors see him as an excellent cadet and leader.
Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lugar, Department Chair and Professor of Military Science at Dickinson College, explained why Stoeffel was the right choice for the position of new Cadet Commander. “Cadet Stoeffel demonstrates an exemplary level of character and education.” Lugar added, “He possesses unlimited maturity, initiative, and a rock solid work ethic. He is not comfortable simply achieving the standard, but is driven to exceed it. He has the unique combination of effective people skills and strong natural leadership ability.”
Stoeffel, a dual major in History and International Affairs, said that he has always been interested in serving. After hearing about the ROTC program from his friend, senior Ben Flanders, Stoeffel decided that he wanted to include it as a part of his college experience. Though he does say that the time commitment that accompanies ROTC puts a limit on the cadets’ social lives, he adds that the cadre “are really understanding and want cadets to experience the fun side of college as much as possible.”
Stoeffel also explained that cadets are forced to “stay disciplined with classwork, [which builds] good time management skills.” Driving to Dickinson College is also a time commitment, though it has created camaraderie among the cadets. Stoeffel said, “Driving to Carlisle and back 4-5 times a week has brought our Gettysburg crew pretty close together.”
Stoeffel started in the Army ROTC program as a freshman, but didn’t contract until his sophomore year. The process to contract isn’t always easy; space is limited for the program and cadets have to work hard to be considered. Stoeffel said that a student’s GPA, leadership skills, and physical fitness are all taken into account. He said, “Anyone can show up and take the class as underclassmen, but actually contracting with the Army requires a fairly extensive background check as well as a lengthy medical examination process.” The completion of this long and competitive process shows an extreme and admirable sense of dedication and commitment, two elements that have made Stoeffel a prime choice for the position he has just recently received.
To be in the Blue Mountain Battalion, one has to be devoted to fulfilling all responsibilities that ROTC entails. Physical Training is required three mornings a week. Cadets also have to attend one military science class and a “Leadership Lab” where they conduct tactics and field training. Though the workload may seem daunting, Stoeffel affirmed that the cadets have fun. He says, “We like to have a good time, and make training as fun as possible.”
Stoeffel’s new position has given him more responsibility within the Battalion. He said, “As Cadet Battalion Commander, my job is to set the course for our Battalion’s training, and enable the staff to best execute that vision. I receive tasks and guidance from LTC Lugar, and for every task we face the staff will give me options to tackle it. I decide whether our approach is satisfactory, and from there the cadet chain of command makes it happen.” Though Stoeffel is in a position of leadership and has a lot of responsibility, he gives a lot of credit to his fellow cadets. He revealed, “I have to track a lot of issues within our Battalion and make decisions, but ultimately I do very little leg work because we have a staff of bright cadets who can make things happen.”
LTC Lugar credits Stoeffel with encouraging his peers to achieve high goals. He said, “He has a contagious desire to learn and sets high standards for himself and those around him.” By striving to be the best leader he can be, Stoeffel is a great example for his fellow Army ROTC cadets to follow.
Stoeffel has already achieved and experienced so much in his time in ROTC, which LTC Lugar accredited to “his drive to excel.” Stoeffel has completed U.S. Army Airborne Training and has visited Benin, Africa to participate in a cultural immersion program tied to the host nation military there. He was also chosen to go to a cadet training program in Germany with an Active duty Army unit this summer.
So what’s next for Stoeffel? After he graduates, he will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and will report to Fort Sill, Oklahoma in the summer to train as an Artillery Officer. He will be going alongside his fellow cadets Brett Clarke and Ben Flanders. After he completes his four years of service, he would like to get his masters and have a civilian career. LTC Lugar explained his belief that Stoeffel will succeed, “James has already demonstrated a successful combination of aptitude and leadership skills that guarantee his success in an advanced studies environment. He is absolutely the top cadet in his class.”
