ROTC Profile: Hunter Blasko

Through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), Saint Francis University student Hunter Blasko has not only advanced his academic goals but also gained invaluable leadership experience—both in the classroom and beyond.

As an environmental engineering major, Blasko was introduced to ROTC early in his college career. His commitment and performance earned him a prestigious three-year scholarship. “I was fortunate enough to learn about ROTC and compete for a three-year scholarship, which paid for all but my freshman year of college,” he shared.

ROTC is one of the four commissioning sources into the United States Army, alongside the Service Academies, Officer Candidate School (OCS), and direct commissioning. What sets ROTC apart, Blasko emphasized, is the immersive, student-led nature of the program.

“Unlike most college-level organizations, ROTC offers the unique experience of being a truly student-led organization,” he explained. “Structured like an Army infantry battalion, senior cadets fill battalion and company-level leadership positions. This can entail leading as a commander, operations officer, logistics officer, etc.”

In his senior year, Blasko took on the role of company commander—leading daily operations and planning training not only at Saint Francis University, but also at Mount Aloysius College and the University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown. “This leadership experience has given me an increased appreciation for what ROTC has to offer as a whole, and especially the opportunities available at a smaller campus,” he said.

Blasko’s next steps are already taking shape. “Upon commission as a Second Lieutenant into the Corps of Engineers, I will spend my summer as a Cadet Summer Training Cadre member at Fort Knox, Kentucky. In September, I’ll move on to my Engineer Basic Officer Leadership Course in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.”

He wholeheartedly encourages others to explore ROTC. “I would without a doubt recommend ROTC to anyone looking to challenge their leadership capabilities,” he said.

Blasko’s journey through ROTC at Saint Francis University highlights the transformative power of leadership development, academic excellence, and service—a path open to any student ready to rise to the challenge.