Don't Let Stuttering Keep You Out of the ROTC

 

Starting a freshman year in college, I was required to take basic Reserve Officer Training (ROTC). I felt good about doing well with weapons and drilling in formation, so I continued in advanced ROTC. Speaking in public was minimal, and when it was required, it was before large groups who needed to be addressed in a loud voice.

 

I had earlier convinced myself that my speech impediment was a consequence of faulty breathing that resulted in speech blocks. (I have a theory about the evolutionary origins of faulty breathing, reviewed years ago by a speech specialist who found my ideas about our amphibian ancestors interesting but not likely to be proven.) People like me don't stutter while we sing. Likewise while we shout.

 

Add to my feelings of confidence a pride in my appearance — wearing distinctive clothing that fit (i.e., an Army uniform), I was able to get through four years of ROTC (during the time of the Korean War), to be commissioned as an infantry second lieutenant and ordered to active duty. As confidence in my speaking grew, while addressing, in sequence, squads and platoons, later as a company commander, diligently preparing for my daily duties, the number of my speech blocks decreased to the point that none of my subordinates, few colleagues, and only one superior officer were aware of my stutter.

 

I believe that we who stutter need not delay our progress through life. Build confidence, take pride in your appearance, choose work and activities that you can learn to accommodate, and rehearse to meet your challenges. Believe in yourself—and persevere.