As fighting continues in Iraq, Lt. Col. Dave Solley hopes Americans will put aside their differences about the war and focus on the positive changes the military is making overseas.

A 1984 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Solley served eight months as a logistics officer in the Middle East as part of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. At West Virginia University, he teaches senior military leadership and instructs Army ROTC cadets.

WVU currently enrolls about 200 students in its military science courses. This past spring, 23 WVU students were activated for duty, according to Admissions and Records.

I think a lot of them, at least the ones Ive talked to, felt they made very significant contributions in rebuilding Iraq,he said,and theyre not very happy that a lot of that doesnt get publicized. Theyre proud of what theyve done. Theyve been involved in rebuilding schools, hospitals, residences.

Solleys comments come at a time when an increasing number of people are questioning Americanscontinued presence in Iraq. While the United States has transferred political power to an interim Iraqi government, a U.S.-led multinational force remains responsible for security, and the Army is planning to recall 5,600 former soldiers as reinforcements.

As for the controversy over whether this is a just war, he added,Its not really up to the folks in the military to decide. They gave us a mission, and its up to us to execute it to the best of our abilities. I dont know anyone whos expressed reservations about being called on. Its their duty. Our seniors know theres a good possibility theyll go over there.

While the backlash continues over images of prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib, Solley is concerned that the misdeeds of a few soldiers have put a black eye on the military.

The pictures made me sick. Ive been in the military for 20 years. I dont think thats representative of the United States military at all,he said.

While students dont specifically discuss interrogation during his classes, they do talk about how to react to superiors and that they have a right and the obligation to question an order.

I dont know what training she (Pfc. Lynndie England) went through,he said,but I know that all the training I have gone through and the training thats given to students here talks about treating people humanely.

England, a West Virginia native, is one of the Abu Ghraib guards who appear in several of the photographs with the abused prisoners.

Of those taking military science classes at WVU , about 100 are serious about a career in the military, Solley said. Overall, enrollment has risen by 20-30 students from two years ago, an increase which he attributes to the programs popular hands-on approach.

Weve got a very strong ROTC program here thats doing great things. We do a lot of hands-on things like rock walls and the rifle range,he said, also noting many people take the elective courses because they have a brother, a dad or acquaintance who has been in the military, and they want to experience what its like first-hand.

Established in 1867, WVU s Army ROTC program trains cadets for a successful military and civilian career. Students are commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army active or reserve component upon graduation.

WVU ROTC on the Net:http://www.wvu.edu/~armyrotc/