March 8, 2021
As a child, Homeland Security major Jason Nikolatos dreamed of serving his country in the US Army. During his freshman orientation at St. John’s University, he met recruiters for the Red Storm Battalion of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)—and immediately committed to the program.
“I was interested in seeking new opportunities,” Jason recalled. “Since joining, I have learned so much about myself and what it means to lead others.”
Jason, now a junior, chose St. John’s because his values aligned well with the University’s Catholic and Vincentian mission. “My belief in God is an enormous factor in my life,” he noted.
In addition to ROTC, he serves as a Student Ambassador and is a member of multiple honor societies, including the National Society of Leadership and Success, the Collins College of Professional Studies Honor Society, and the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, Inc.
ROTC trains cadets for leadership roles in the Army that are also applicable to civilian careers. For example, his training has helped him to focus inward and consider how he relates to individuals whom he may manage one day.
“The different perspectives we receive from our professors and fellow cadets are essential,” he said.
Cadets are tested and evaluated on a regular basis, both physically and academically. “We are constantly expected to perform well in our classes and on our physical training tests. In addition to those metrics, we are graded on our ability to lead others by how well they accomplish tasks we set out for them.”
Jason credits his professors and fellow cadets for making him a better future officer. “They teach me the importance of motivating others and working toward a common goal. They are directly responsible for my success.”
Last summer, Jason attended The Sabalauski Air Assault School, located at Fort Campbell on the Kentucky-Tennessee border. While there, he was introduced to how the Army utilizes rotary winged aircraft on the battlefield.
“I became well versed in topics such as aero medical evacuation, pathfinder operations, combat assault operations, sling load operations, and basic combat repelling,” he said.
Jason will be commissioned in May 2022. He hopes to pursue a career in the Infantry, a branch of the Army that he noted is as old as the Army itself. “An infantryman is often trusted with the most difficult tasks related to combat. While it poses risks, I see it as the most fulfilling role in which I can serve.”
“Cadet Nikolatos is an outstanding leader who takes initiative and is always volunteering to be the first to attempt difficult tasks,” stressed CPT. Byron D. Nolde, Assistant Professor of Military Science, and one of Jason’s instructors. “He is respected by both his peers and instructors. He will inspire his soldiers and lead from the front. I am excited to see what the future holds for this young leader.”
After he fulfills his obligation to the Army, Jason plans to enter the security field. “I see myself working to protect assets and people, either in the public or private sector,” he noted, adding that he is also interested in potentially attending law school. “Wherever I go, St. John’s will lead the way.”