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What is the Army ROTC?

Army ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) offers opportunities and challenges that can put you on the fast track to success in life. You'll develop the confidence, self-esteem, motivation, and leadership skills you'll need regardless of your career plans.

ROTC is an elective course that provides a combination of academics and important hands-on training. You'll be offered physical and mental challenges, geared to help you succeed in college and beyond. You will learn teamwork, confidence, leadership, and be given responsibilities, such as training and leading younger cadets, administering the Army Physical Fitness Test, leading training labs, and more.

The skills and responsibilities given to you as a cadet will prepare you for life after college. In addition to our on-campus training, we offer instruction in adventure training like mountaineering, rappelling, and orienteering.

Where does it take us?

  • Active Duty Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant
  • Reserve Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant
  • National Guard Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant
  • Minor in Leadership Studies

What do we do?

  • Attend classes 1-3 times per week
  • Attend a hands-on-training lab for 3 hours, once a week
  • Attend physical training 1-3 times per week
  • Go to Fort Knox in the summer between our MSIII and MSIV years for Advanced Camp
  • Field Training Exercise in the Fall
  • Joint Field Training Exercise in the Spring with our partner ROTC programs
  • Help with community events (Football Games, Veteran's Day Parade, Blood Drive, Community Services

What do we study?

  • Basic Leadership Skills
  • Basic Soldier Skills (navigation, riflery, military orientation)
  • Confidence and Team Building
  • Army History and Traditions
  • How to Function Under Stress

Learn More About ROTC at ISU

The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps’ “Bengal Detachment” at Idaho State University, along with commissioned officers from other Army ROTC programs have made a significant contribution to our nation. A large number of dedicated officers have served their country with distinction, pride, and honor. Many of those officers have gone on and chosen military service as their career.

This program continues to train outstanding young men and women to serve their country as officers and leaders in their community, subsequent professions, and in the United States Army. As a cadet, you will have a normal college student experience, with the skills and leadership abilities to succeed in life after college. The difference between those in our program and those who are not is when you graduate, you will be an Officer in the United States Army, with either a full-time or part-time job, guaranteed!