VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE VOLUME LXXXVm FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1994 NUMBER 9 Down to the Basics with Bozeman Joe Hanell Cadet Staff Writer a real supporter primarily involved people that applied for the job. No of myself as a with the special NCO's applied for the job. Sgt.Maj. Last June Gen. Knapp appointed track coach and projects and Maj. Goodson considered it but he had Col. Michael L. Bozeman as VMI's of the tfack pro- Simpson with the another tour that he had to extend for Commandant of the Corps of Ca- gram. When he training and opera- on the active duty side of the house. dets. He is a 1967 graduate of The asked me I tions aspect. He has a There were some civilians that ap- Citadel and has a master's degree found it really unique background plied that had prior service and were from the University of South Caro- difficult to say in that when he was working in law enforcement. But lina. Commissioned in 1967, he is no when he ap- here and with his ac- there were no other NCO's that did now a colonel in the United States parently needed tive duty extent and apply. So I don't look at it as getting Army Reserve. During his three years the help and had also as a National rid of an NCO position it's just a on active duty he served with dis- answered all Guard officer. Col. matter of bringing in the two best tinction as a platoon leader and for my objections Scott has a varied people that we could find to bring one tour commanded a long range as to why he background with the into the office. reconnaissance patrol unit in Viet- thought I would Army, and while he Cadet: Do you think the Corps needs an nam. On 1 June he assumed the du- be qualified. I was here with the de- everyday influence from an NCO? ties of Deputy Commanding Gen- took it because partment he coordi- Bozeman: No. I think the Corps needs to eral of the 97th Army Reserve Com- I thought I nated and he staged be exposed to individuals who are mand headquartered at Fort Meade, could help and most of the Dining professional, who demonstrate mili- Maryland. He will be promoted to make a differ- In's, the Marshall tary bearing and have their interest at brigadier general in the near future. ence and if I awards, etc. Both arc heart and will hold them to high His military awards include the Sil- could it would very familiar with standards and will enforce the stan- ver Star, Bronze Star, Air Medal, be worth doing. V.M.I, and 1 thought dard and ensure a cadet adheres to it. Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Of course be- Maj. Simpson was a If they don't they will also take the hind all of this, Leaf Cluster, the Combat plus since he is a action where the cadet is boned. the number one graduate. They are Infantryman's Badge and the Ranger Cadet: So you are not Vying to say that an reason, which is both what I thought Tab. He has been the head coach for NCO couldn't uphold these stan- why I came we needed here to VMI's Track and Field and Cross dards? here in the first support me and 1 can Country teams since July 1985. Un- Bozeman: No. I think NCO's in a full place too. be- U-ust them and I have der his leadership, VMI has won military situation are critical and cause I believe a lot of faith in them. seven conference championships, we're going to bring some NCO's in one hundred Cadet: Why did you and he has been named Southern here in terms of preparation of Cadre percent in the get rid of the NCO Conference Coach-of-the-Year for next year. An NCO could do a mission of V.M.I, and what V.M.I, position? seven times. marvelous job in here but I'm just stands for. of coordination in projects, etc. I had worked with Col. Scott before. They Bozeman: I didn't really get rid of the saying I don't think in this environ- Cadet: What were the reasons you ac- Cadet: What prompted you to hire Col. clearly stood out as the two best NCO position. That position has ment that it really makes that much cepted the position as Commandant Scott and Maj. Simpson? candidates with not only myself but never really been an NCO position. difference whether it's an NCO or an of the Corps of Cadets? Bozeman: We advertised for the jobs and with the committees and key people It was an NCO position because they officer. Whoever is in this office the Bozeman: I served with Gen. Knapp as primarily what I was looking for was here that did interview every candi- put an NCO in it, but years before it Corps needs to be able to look to one of his Battalion Commanders in someone with a unique background date. I thought they were clearly the had been an officers position. It them and say these people are pro- the Army Reserves and we had that and uaining in operations and also two bcit people for the job todo what wasn't really doing away with an fessional, their providing the kind of Reserve affiliation. He has also been someone that was excellent in terms I needed them to do. Col. Scott is NCO, it was just taking the best See "Bozeman" on Page 3 Newest Member of the Parents Council Revealed University of Virginia was inuoduced to forum between cadets and the administra- Corps Boosts Morale Wyndham Buerlicn the VMI parents council when his son tion and providing input to better guide Cadet Staff Writfr mauiculated in 1992. He was so im- the Institute in making decisions on cadet pressed with their involvement in helping life. It also provides the parents with a As Parents Weekend draws near, out new cadets and in easing the minds of better understanding and appreciation of the VMI Parent's Council is preparing for new cadet's parents. "Matriculation is a VMI. "This, in turn helps make the par- a busy weekend of meetings, helping to tough time for everyone, especially new ents more valuable ambassadors of VMI." guide cadet's parents, and helping to an- cadet's mothers." Mr. Buerlein's wife, Bob feels that the VMI Parent's Council is swer any questions that they might have. Judy is also an active member of the unique in comparison with ntost schools, The Parent's Council has been around for parents council and is especially thankful where their mission is primarily to recrtjit many years. However, many parents and for the help the VMI Parent's Council funds. cadets do not know exactly what the orga- provided her throughout her son's rat year. The Parents Council at VMI is nization is all abtiut. In order to provide "Involvement in mauiculation is composed of sixty individuals that make more insight on the subject, I interviewed just one of the many aspects where the up different committees — each one hav- Bob Buerlein, the new Chairman of the Parent's Council is active," says Mr. ing a member of the VMI faculty or ad- Parents Council. Buerlein. Much of the time is spent work- ministfation to help guide them and pro- Mr. Buerlein, a graduate of The ing behind the scenes helping to act as a See "Parent" on Page J JO Marshall observes the curious ratline activities from the Old Courtyard n^t^tH Ifti had developed a logical plan for Dean Case introducing the concept at VMI. Randall Cadet Staff Writer added that a Dalmatian is an "attractive, Named after one of VMI's most cute, All-American fire-u\jck dog." revered alumni, Marshall, a six week old When asked whether or not this Dalmatian, is the latest addition to the would set a precedence for other Cadets in Corpi of Cadeu. First Class President Ed barracks being able to keep pets Cadet «9jm> - mmus Randall and Cadet First Captain Sean Randall emphasized, "Marshall is the Bufke purchased the dog using Class funds. Coqj's pet. The whole basis of having For the time being. Marshall will live in a him is that he is something for the whole few Rr« Class rooms in order to help the Corps to enjoy. Petting Marshall is not a pup adjust to barracks life. 'The reason First Qass privilege." The First Class for this is so that Marshall will respond to President also remarked that he hopes tiwami a few Cadets he considers to be his masters. Marshall's presence will have a positive This will also help him establish loyalty" effect on Corps moral. taid Cadet Randall adding, "we plan to When asked on how the talk to both (he commandant and B&G Commandant and Superintendent felt about finding a suitable location to build a about the issue of a Corps Mascot. Burke spacious pen (for Marshall]." said "this is a good example of the Corps V ' '.J ^ Marshall was introduced to the running the Corps. The adminisuation is i I m' Corps during a check formation on not getting involved in this." Wednesday amidst mixed feelings from Marshall's first public the Corps. Some Cadets were appearance as the official Corps mascot •••'"'vKS'SffllU.' • apprehensive of the concept of a Corps will be at Saturday' s football game against .ItntKt twtt i mascot.