Student says Montana Tech’s ROTC sets her on path to achieve dream to become Army helicopter pilot
Heather Hood, a business and information technology freshman from Divide, has always wanted to serve her country.
“With a family history of service and a clear goal to become an Army helicopter pilot, I took the initial step of joining the Civil Air Patrol in high school,” said Hood.
Civil Air Patrol is a congressionally chartered, federally supported non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Enrollment is open to 12-18-year-olds. While enrolled as a cadet in the Butte Composite Squadron, Hood partook in orientation flights and leadership training.
“It’s a great program,” Hood said.
As she began her search for colleges, Hood found that Montana Technological University had everything she was looking for, including an opportunity to continue to jump start her dream of joining the Army and flying its aircraft.
“When I was reviewing my options for a business degree, Montana Tech provided the best path for me,” Hood said. “Additionally, it was offering a newly implemented ROTC program.”
Montana Tech launched its ROTC training program in 2024. The United States Army offers ROTC programs nationwide at more than 1,000 colleges and universities. These programs provide classroom instruction and training from active-duty Army and National Guard officers and enlisted service members in areas of expertise, including military intelligence, aviation, logistics, combat arms, and more. Students can take Military Science and Leadership lower division courses as an elective, without a commitment to service. This allows students to explore service opportunities before committing to service or to take a fun elective course outside their major. Students learn skills that can lead to a successful military or civilian career. Some topics include resiliency, developing and executing a plan, map reading, risk assessment, and mitigation, and much more. Students who continue into upper division courses and/or receive educational funding agree to serve as military officers after completing their degree. Graduates of ROTC programs can enter the Army as highly respected 2nd lieutenants in the Army, Army Reserve, or National Guard. In return, students can get up to 100% of their tuition costs covered, and receive a stipend to assist with living expenses.
Right now, Hood is exploring the opportunities the program offers. She’s not yet signed any contracts or enrolled for tuition benefits, and is focused on getting as much education as possible through the ROTC program to achieve her long-term goals.
“Military aviation is a very competitive field requiring strong leadership skills,” Hood said. “ROTC offers a distinct advantage by honing these skills to military standard, providing invaluable preparation for any career.”
ROTC classes at Montana Tech are taught by Associate Professor of Military Science and Montana National Guard Captain Silver Beaty, who has been a driving force behind the creation of the ROTC program on campus.
“Captain Beaty is a very good instructor and a very good leader,” Hood said. “She’s building a community and has created a student-centered environment.”
Hood has enjoyed the classes she’s been exposed to so far.
“The focus is leadership, but we also take a holistic health and fitness class,” Hood said. “The coursework includes communications, and team, and squad tactics. These courses emphasize teamwork, particularly under stress, self-awareness of strengths, and fostering trust.”
Hood looks forward to partaking in activities outside of the classroom, like field training exercises, which allow students to apply their education in a tactical environment.
“They're designed to be flexible with the students' schedules,” Hood said.
Hood is confident she’s on the right path to grow as a professional.
“Halfway through my first year, it's looking like it was the right choice,” she said.
To learn more about ROTC at Montana Tech, click here.