Expect Challenge. Achieve Distinction.
ROTC
Norwich University is proud to be the birthplace of America’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, having celebrated 100 years of commissioned officer development in 2016.
Our Army, Naval, and Air Force leadership teams are integrated into Norwich University in alignment with the institution’s mission to produce leaders for our nation. Their military-science coursework is a key component of the Corps of Cadets professional development. At Norwich, students in any lifestyle, whether Corps or civilian, have the opportunity to learn about leadership and the military profession. Members of the Norwich Corps of Cadets have chosen a military education path, whether or not they pursue a commission, and civilians who attend find themselves better equipped to understand the military lifestyle and to work with military personnel. There are many opportunities to choose which path and area of service is right for you.
Before your arrival at Norwich, do your homework and check out each service’s website. Talk with friends and family who are in service. Or, simply call a recruiter. Our Norwich ROTC will welcome your call. You may also stop by anytime. As you begin your path at Norwich as a first-year Norwich cadet, or “rook,” you will have face-to-face opportunities to align with a branch of service, and can adjust your service goals as your understanding and professional aims develop. The service ROTC teams work closely together to ensure all Norwich cadets meet their professional goals. We will help guide you along the way.
Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)
OLD COPY: The College of National Services oversees Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) programs at Norwich through the departments of of Army Military Science, Aerospace Studies and Naval Science. Each department has its own chair and staff, and is run independently according to the needs and administration of the service branch.
The top administrator of the college is a dean, who is rotated annually from each of the service branches according to seniority. ROTC at Norwich
Participation in ROTC, including military labs and physical training, is an integral part of the Corps leadership experience at Norwich. Cadets must enroll in Army, Air Force, Navy or Marine Corps ROTC to maintain membership in the Corps of Cadets, and complete six semesters of ROTC courses; two apiece at the 100, 200, and 300 levels. All ROTC participants, with the exception of nursing students, must be in the Corps.
Students transferring into the Corps of Cadets are required to pass a course in ROTC for each semester in the Corps.
Depending upon the military branch and career interests, participation may include physical training, field training and practical military instruction (including Mountain and Cold Weather Company, Ranger Company, and Artillery Battery). Mission
The ROTC programs exist to commission well-educated officers into the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps in sufficient numbers to meet the requirements of these services. The general objectives of the programs are to provide understanding of the principles of military, aerospace and naval science; to develop comprehension of associated professional knowledge; to build attitudes of integrity, honor, and individual responsibility; and to encourage appreciation of national security requirements. These objectives support the mission of Norwich University and the Corps of Cadets and augment the training plan necessary to prepare cadets for service to the nations as soldiers and citizens.
The ROTC requirement is both an obligation and an extraordinary opportunity. Cadets will study leadership, ethics, troop-leading skills and a broad array of military service-related courses. Commissioning through ROTC
Cadets who participate in six semesters of ROTC are under no obligation to serve in the Armed Services. Those who wish to pursue a career as a commissioned officer compete for that opportunity by earning an ROTC scholarship or placement on a commissioning track. That is an individual pursuit; one that begins before or during enrollment at Norwich.
Cadets selected for a commission must complete a fourth year of ROTC and meet other requirements established by their chosen service. Branch-specific ROTC information Air Force ROTC Army ROTC Naval ROTC (Navy and Marine Corps)
Vision statement
To become the preeminent Army, Air Force, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs in the nation by providing unrivaled instruction, augmented with realistic hands-on training opportunities; all facilitated by a staff whose proven technical acumen and ethical underpinnings embody the very nature of military professionalism.
The quality of these ROTC units will enable the education of a diverse college population, representative of the republic that they serve, who are strategically and globally astute and capable of problem solving on the local, national, and international levels.
Air Force Aerospace Studies
The curriculum of the Air Force ROTC program provides professional leadership preparation for future Air Force officers. It is designed to assist men and women to apply their total college experience toward responsible service in a leadership role as a commissioned officer.
The AFROTC curriculum is divided into two major programs: the General Military Course (GMC) and the Professional Officer Course (POC). The GMC is offered during the freshman and sophomore years. Course work in the GMC deals with the structure, doctrine, and function of the Air Force; communicative skills; and the historical role of airpower.
Admission to the advanced course (POC) is on a competitive basis. To enroll in the POC, a student must pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT), pass an Air Force physical examination, meet physical fitness standards, qualify academically, successfully complete the AFROTC field training program, and be selected by a board of Air Force officers. The first year of the POC deals with leadership theory and practice, Air Force management theory and practice, and other aspects of being a professional officer. The second and final year of the POC addresses a broad range of civil/military relations, and the overall social and political context in which U.S. defense policy is formulated and effected.
Leadership Laboratory meets one period per week for two hours throughout the student’s enrollment in Air Force ROTC. Instruction is conducted within the framework of an Air Force organization with a progression of experience designed to develop each student’s leadership potential. The cadet physical training program is an essential part of leadership laboratory and is mandatory for all cadets. A detailed introduction and orientation to life on an active Air Force base occurs during a field encampment between the student’s sophomore and junior years.
The College of National Service
The College of National Services oversees Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs at Norwich through the departments of of Army Military Science, Aerospace Studies and Naval Science. Each department has its own chair and staff, and is run independently according to the needs and administration of the service branch.
The top administrator of the college is a dean, who is rotated annually from each of the service branches according to seniority.
ROTC at Norwich
Participation in ROTC, including military labs and physical training, is an integral part of the Corps leadership experience at Norwich. Cadets must enroll in Army, Air Force, Navy or Marine Corps ROTC to maintain membership in the Corps of Cadets, and complete six semesters of ROTC courses; two apiece at the 100, 200, and 300 levels. All ROTC participants, with the exception of nursing students, must be in the Corps.
Students transferring into the Corps of Cadets are required to pass a course in ROTC for each semester in the Corps.
Depending upon the military branch and career interests, participation may include physical training, field training and practical military instruction (including Mountain and Cold Weather Company, Ranger Company, and Artillery Battery).
Mission
The ROTC programs exist to commission well-educated officers into the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps in sufficient numbers to meet the requirements of these services. The general objectives of the programs are to provide understanding of the principles of military, aerospace and naval science; to develop comprehension of associated professional knowledge; to build attitudes of integrity, honor, and individual responsibility; and to encourage appreciation of national security requirements. These objectives support the mission of Norwich University and the Corps of Cadets and augment the training plan necessary to prepare cadets for service to the nations as soldiers and citizens.
The ROTC requirement is both an obligation and an extraordinary opportunity. Cadets will study leadership, ethics, troop-leading skills and a broad array of military service-related courses.
Commissioning through ROTC
Cadets who participate in six semesters of ROTC are under no obligation to serve in the Armed Services. Those who wish to pursue a career as a commissioned officer compete for that opportunity by earning an ROTC scholarship or placement on a commissioning track. That is an individual pursuit; one that begins before or during enrollment at Norwich. Cadets selected for a commission must complete a fourth year of ROTC and meet other requirements established by their chosen service.
Branch-specific ROTC information
- Air Force ROTC
- Army ROTC
- Naval ROTC (Navy and Marine Corps)
Vision statement
To become the preeminent Army, Air Force, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs in the nation by providing unrivaled instruction, augmented with realistic hands-on training opportunities; all facilitated by a staff whose proven technical acumen and ethical underpinnings embody the very nature of military professionalism. The quality of these ROTC units will enable the education of a diverse college population, representative of the republic that they serve, who are strategically and globally astute and capable of problem solving on the local, national, and international levels.
Space Force
AFROTC FAQ
AFROTC Battalions & Clubs
ENGAGED, INVOLVED, BALANCED.
Being involved in clubs, sports, and co-curricular activities build bonds that last a lifetime and develops the teamwork, initiative and leadership skills invaluable to ROTC and employers.
AFROTC Careers - Pathways
Plot YOUR Path To In-Demand Careers With Norwich
Let us show you some of the academic pathways to the hottest careers that the Air Force, Space Force, and civilian workforce have to offer.
PILOT
You aim to fly the most advanced aircraft in the world, push the limits of atmosphere and space, and develop the skills and leadership to propel you to a lifetime of success in whatever you set your sights on.
SPACE OPERATIONS
You want to operate on the outer edge of technology, extending our nation's reach to protect our critical systems and enhance our military effectiveness. You want to oversee space surveillance, satellite command and control, technologies not yet dreamed. You see a future that's limitless, literally.
INTELLIGENCE OFFICER
You have a knack for data, an eye for the finer details, skills when focused and honed can lead to analyzing the capabilities and vulnerabilities of an adversary pivotal successfully missions. You know the future where one of our most valuable assets on any action is information, and that future is now.
CYBERSPACE OPERATIONS
You see old foes taking their tactics to a new front and are energized, not deterred. You want to become a foremost expert on the vast world of cyberspace. From satellites to tracking systems, your work will play a critical role in mission planning to ensuring our cyberspace capabilities.
ACQUISITIONS MANAGER
You believe in solid leadership, and paying attention to the details. These will be keys to your career, as the safety and success of our Airmen depend upon having what they need when they need it. From implementing systems to securing shipping, you will train your staff to make it all run efficiently.
DEVELOPMENTAL ENGINEER
You want to take your technical savvy to the next next level, to push yourself to where failure is not an option. In engineering fields across the spectrum, you will step up and be responsible for the planning to implementation of projects essential to the success of operations all over the world.
Want to dig deeper into these careers or explore others that may suite your interest, the opportunities are near endless, explore at US AFROTC.
AFROTC Scholarships
Scholarship Strategy
Let us help you focus more on your future,
less on your debt.
A strategic approach can be just as important in landing that ROTC scholarship as it is to successful leadership. There are choices you can make along the way, from clubs and organizations you participate in, to academic paths which improve your odds of being awarded an ROTC scholarship. Not every option is right for your particular goals and interests, but read on and pick what’s right for you.
How to get highly competitive for an AFROTC scholarship at Norwich:
Scholarships are merit based. The AROTC Order of Merit List is based on academic GPA weighted by academic discipline, ROTC GPA, physical fitness score, extracurricular activities, APMS points, etc. Performance creates opportunity; the better you perform as Scholars, Athletes and Leaders, the higher your probability of earning a scholarship.
What are the best majors for seeking an AFROTC scholarship at Norwich:
While you can pursue any major, scholarship awards are heavily weighted to STEM majors.
Applying for Scholarships
There are two avenues to receive a college scholarship through AFROTC while at Detachment 867.
High School Scholarship Program (HSSP)
There are three main types of High School Scholarship Programs offered by the U.S. Airforce ROTC. See the Chart Below for Full Detail.
HOW TO APPLY: Student interested in the High School Scholarship Programs must apply on their own. Apply on U.S. Airforce ROTC.
Deadline: Varies year to year, but usually falls between December 1st and January 31st of the student’s Senior year of High School.
In College Scholarship Program (ICSP)
In-college scholarships are given out to students who have academically excelled in the classroom, in AFROTC LLAB, maintain a passing Physical Fitness Assessment, are medically qualified and meet all other prerequisites according to Headquarters AFROTC.
HOW TO APPLY: Students do not apply for In College Program scholarships, rather they request their ROTC Professors to consider them for a scholarship. The Detachment 867 commander then determines if the student is qualified and deserving for nomination to the national board. Cadets are then selected for scholarships on the national board.
Opportunities:
- Second semester of Freshman year
- First semester of Sophomore year
- Second semester of Sophomore year
Scholarship Types
|
Type |
Description |
Availability |
Percent Awarded* |
|
1** |
Pays full college tuition and most fees |
– High School Students |
5% |
|
2*** |
Pays tuition and most fees up to $18,000 per year |
– High School Students |
15% |
|
7**** |
Pays full tuition and fees but the student MUST attend a college/university where he/she qualifies for the in-state tuition rate. |
– High School Students |
80% |
**TYPE 1 scholarships cover full tuition and recipients then receive an General I.D. White Scholarship from Norwich University in the value of room and board. Type 1 scholarship recipients are not eligible to receive additional Norwich University grants, Scholarships or awards, but remain eligible for federal and state financial aid.
***TYPE 2 scholarship recipients receive an AFROTC scholarship in the amount of $18,000 per year. Norwich University reduces the Norwich University Tuition and fees to match UVM's tuition and fees. Norwich University awards a service grant to cover the difference between UVM tuition and fees and the type 2 scholarship of $18,000, resulting in full tuition being paid. Type 2 scholarship recipients do not receive ID White Scholarships and may not receive additional Norwich University grants, Scholarships or awards, but remain eligible for federal and state financial aid.
****TYPE 7 scholarships recipients receive an AFROTC scholarship in the amount of the UVM tuition and fees. Norwich University reduces the Norwich University Tuition and fees to match UVM's tuition and fees resulting in full tuition being paid. Type 7 scholarship recipients do not receive ID White Scholarships and may not receive additional Norwich University grants, Scholarships or awards, but remain eligible for federal and state financial aid.
Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFROTC)
AFROTC Detachment 867 – Home of the Yetis!
AFROTC at Norwich University forges premier leaders of character and action to lead and serve in the United States Air Force and United States Space Force.
“To give our youth an education that shall be American in its character – to enable them to act as well as to think – to execute as well as to conceive – to tolerate all opinions when reason is left free to combat them – to make moral, patriotic, efficient, and useful citizens, and to qualify them for all those high responsibilities resting upon a citizen in this free republic.”
First Published — 1843 Catalog
Internationalized Education
Norwich University values and actively supports opportunities for faculty, staff and students to be globally engaged.
We host a diverse student body of international students who come to Norwich to pursue their academic goals.
We support our faculty by empowering them to travel, teach, and engage in research overseas to build intercultural proficiency and incorporate international perspectives into their teaching.
Our U.S. students take advantage of CityLAB:Berlin, an instructional location in Germany, and a host of partner programs for education abroad and international service learning on all six continents. For the full breadth of our international offerings, contact the NU International Center.
Success After Norwich
Norwich students turn their passions and experiences into real-world opportunities, internships, and careers, thanks to one-on-one career advising, academic mentoring, and a network of thousands of alumni and parents ready to offer advice and networking.
Norwich’s 27,000-plus alumni span the globe, living and leading as entrepreneurs, advancing science and technology, improving communities, and serving our nation’s military. Their affinity for Norwich extends to every student and graduate, and they love to come back, give back, and pay it forward.
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“No one cared about my gender or physiological capabilities,” Bernheim said, reflecting on Army Ranger School. “They cared that I did the work.” Read More
10th Woman in U.S. History to Graduate Army Ranger School
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“When it came time to expand Studio 355, I made a conscious effort to hire Norwich graduates because I know what they were taught...” Read More
Founder, Studio 355 Architecture
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“I love that a small chunk of the research I’m doing will go toward the reduction of nutrients in the ocean and cleaning the water.” Read More
Graduate Student in Oceanography, UMass-Dartmouth
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Trace Norwich University’s roots with a visit to Capt. Alden Partridge’s gravesite
Visit Norwich, Vermont, the birthplace of our 200-year-old university
Accreditation and Recognition
Norwich University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), known formerly as the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. (NEASC). Learn more about Norwich University’s NECHE 2020 Comprehensive Report here. 
The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security have designated Norwich University as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. 
Norwich University has been approved by the Vermont Agency of Education to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). Participation in NC-SARA provides Norwich University with reciprocity to offer online/distance learning programs to residents of the other NC-SARA states. 
Norwich University's Project Management concentration in both the MBA and Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance programs is accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC). 
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and master’s degree program in nursing at Norwich University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education — ccneaccreditation.org.
The program is also approved by the Vermont Board of Nursing.
Norwich University's Civil Engineering & Environmental Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. 
Norwich University's Architecture program is accredited by the National Architecture Accreditation Board. 
Norwich University is a member of the Associate of Collegiate Schools of Architecture 
Norwich University is a member of the Architectural Research Centers Consortium. 
Norwich University's MBA program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. 
Norwich University's Athletic Training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education 
Norwich University's education preparation programs are accredited by Vermont’s Agency of Education’s Result’s Oriented Program Approval (ROPA) 