Austin Johnson does not fit the typical profile of a university Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadet. The senior criminology major was deployed after his freshman year at Lander University. He served active duty in the U.S. Amy for a duration of thirteen months, with eight of those months in a combat zone in Iraq.
"I come from a slightly different circumstance than the usual cadet," Johnson shared. "I deployed in 2019-2020 to Iraq, which would have been my sophomore year here at Lander."
Transitioning from active duty back to college life was an adjustment for cadet Johnson. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledged the transformative impact of the ROTC program, helping him “shift his focus from an enlisted approach and mindset to thinking as a senior leader.”
And, despite his prior military experience, Johnson said the program offered distinctive opportunities that would have otherwise been unavailable to him.
This semester, Johnson is the cadet battalion commander of the entire Scottish Highlander Battalion, which includes Lander University, Presbyterian College, and Newberry College.
"Coordinating with the other programs in our state has been challenging, but it has given me the opportunity to gain experience as a leader," Johnson remarked.
His leadership has not gone unnoticed.
Major Adrian Chen, senior military science instructor at Lander said, “Cadet Johnson is an incredible asset to the ROTC program at Lander University. Currently serving as the highest-ranking cadet in the program as the Battalion Commander he oversees over 80 cadets from three colleges and universities. His patience and expertise have played a vital role in preparing our cadets for Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox.”
Chen added, “I am incredibly proud of the work and dedication he has put into the Highlander Battalion, and I would trust him to lead my son in combat.”
Last summer, Johnson distinguished himself as the battalion’s top cadet during the U.S. Army’s Cadet Summer Training (CST) at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Training with cadets from across the country, Johnson gained valuable squad leadership skills through rigorous field exercises in simulated combat.
During a campus visit last fall, Lieutenant General Maria Gervais, a Lander alumna, recognized Johnson for his achievements and success in completing the training exercises.
Johnson expressed his admiration for Gervais, highlighting the significance of her journey and the pride of having her as a fellow Lander alum.
Reflecting on Gervais' visit, Johnson noted, "It was great listening to her story of where she came from, and even more special that she is a Lander alum."
Beyond his military pursuits, Johnson showcased his athletic prowess by playing rugby during his first three years at Lander and earned Most Valuable Player (MVP) his last year. In 2022 the Bearcats played for the College Rugby Conference National Championship in New Orleans.
Johnson, a Clover native, plans to be commissioned into the South Carolina National Guard upon graduating in May. He looks forward to applying the knowledge and experiences gained at Lander in his future military career.
Choosing Lander University for its military program and small classes, Johnson emphasized the strong bonds formed and the enriching experiences encountered during his time at Lander.
In addition to infantry, the ROTC program offers 17 career paths, including military intelligence, logistics, engineering, nursing, aviation, and more. For more information on the Lander Military Science & Leadership program visit - www.lander.edu/rotc