In this chapter, we look at the “return of ROTC” movement at Columbia and other Ivy schools. The chapter presents illustrative evidence of the gap that exists between elite universities and the military, and of a struggle to bridge that gap through the reintegration of ROTC with the campus. The story of the ROTC movement at Columbia highlights the tensions that exist between the value systems of the military and the university, as well as the potential for the finding of common ground that can hold its own amid differences.

Although the renewed politics of ROTC involves tangible benefits and consequences – offering scholarship and career opportunities for cadets, providing a fresh and different voice to campus discourse, bridging the civil-military gap, improving the officer corps, and so on – it is also an example of the “creedal passions” we talked about in Chapter 1 – the fundamental values and principles about which we, the people, feel most passionate. The ROTC debate pivots around such principles as civic equality, equal respect and dignity, freedom and diversity of thought, self-sacrifice and community, and commitment. It is partly a symbolic politics, which entails groups and individuals seeking policy goals in order to secure validation or recognition of their beliefs and values.