Physical fitness training is the focus of the new commander of the ISU Reserve Officer Training Corps.

Col. Michael Artese, professor and chair of air force aerospace studies, took over the position in August. As commander, Artese said his job is to help the cadets complete their training program.

One of the biggest challenges of the program is the physical fitness aspect, Artese said. Every summer, the cadets must go through rigorous field training, which includes running, push-ups and sit-ups.

“It is very physical,” Artese said. “If they don’t do well on that, it detracts from the rest of their time there.”

Air Force cadets said they are anxious to see what this year will hold under Artese’s command.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what he’s going to do with the detachment,” said Justin Pedersen, senior in management and member of the AS700 class.

Artese said keeping the cadets motivated is one of his top priorities, although he commended them for being highly self-motivated. “At this stage, they are in the program because of their commitment to the country,” he said. “They want to do some good for the country and the world.”

Although his military career has spanned over 30 years, Artese said he had not planned for a lifelong commitment. He was in the top ten for the draft and enlisted in the military in 1972. He chose the Air Force because he believed the education benefits were better than those in any of the other services.

Artese completed a degree in aeroscience technology at Troy State University in Alabama. He has also attended the Air War College, the Armed Forces Staff College, and the Air Command and Staff College.

Although Artese’s job as ROTC Commander has just began, he said he is most looking forward to the end of the year.

“The best thing is when you pin those second lieutenant bars on [the cadets] in front of their parents,” Artese said. “That’s the very best thing you do the entire year.”