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200+ YEAR TRADITION OF WHAT IT TAKES

ROTC Students studying land navigation
College of National Services
 
ROTC is in our DNA. The College of National Services attracts, motivates, and prepares selected students to serve as commissioned Officers and Ensigns.
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The Corps of Cadets Progressive Leadership Model stands out. You’re not like everyone else. You don’t just settle. You seek challenge and the opportunity to grow as a leader. 
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WHAT IT TAKES

You will be challenged and developed into a better person and leader. ROTC is a four-year course that combines classroom instruction, physical training, a weekly leadership lab, and a field training exercise each semester. We have a highly dedicated and competent staff focused on training, mentoring and developing you into an Army officer. You do not have to have any previous military experience or knowledge about the Army to enroll in the course. We will teach you everything you need to know to become an officer. 

Army ROTC is divided into two major programs, the Basic Course and Advanced Course  

ROTC Basic Course: This is the first two years of Army ROTC. The course covers structure and doctrine, Army history and its role in national security. Cadets will learn personal development skills such as troop-leading procedures (TLPs) and critical thinking, the basics of platoon level tactics, and how Army Values are applied to ethical dilemmas, military operations orders, and conducting small unit tactics with an emphasis on group work.  Instruction focuses on developing basic knowledge and comprehension of Army leadership dimensions, attributes, and core leader competencies. 

ROTC Advanced Course: This is the last two years of ROTC. Cadets must have credit for the Basic Course to enter the Advanced Course. The course provides detailed instruction on problem solving, squad offensive and defensive tactics, to include specialized operations. Additional instruction in leadership and operations orders is provided, as well as advanced instruction on platoon tactical operations and small unit patrolling. You will also be taught staff operations, the theory and practice of the laws of war, leadership and resolving ethical problems.

Weekly Mil Lab and PT: Leadership and small unit tactics require a practical application to learn and master. There is a two-hour weekly leadership lab to develop leadership competencies, which progress in complexity and difficulty to develop you as a leader. Physical training is conducted three days per week to develop physical fitness and is mandatory for all cadets. 

Requirements to Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant

Successful completion of the four-year Army ROTC program at Norwich guarantees a Commission.

Successful completion consists of:

  • Eight semesters of Military Science (to include weekly Military Science lab)
  • Participation in Army Physical Fitness training three days a week
  • Completion of Cadet Advanced Camp during the summer after Junior year
  • Completion of a four-year baccalaureate degree
  • Cadets must pass the Army Combat Fitness Test and be in accordance with Army height/weight standards
  • Obtain the recommendation of the Professor of Military Science
  • Must be a US Citizen
  • Must be at least 17 years old at the time of start and under 31 at the time of completion
  • Must pass the Dept. of Defense Medical Evaluation Review Board physical
  • Must be able to obtain at least a Secret Security Clearance (No felony or domestic assault convictions)

How To Enroll

There is no application to enroll in Army ROTC. Army ROTC is an elective college course that is available to all US citizens who do not have a criminal record. 

To enroll in the course:

Step 1 - Apply Now to Norwich University.

             Select: “ROTC Applicant (Prospect)” and complete each section of “My To Do List”

Step 2 – Enroll in MS111 through the university when enrolling for your freshmen classes. 

Step 3 – Complete the enrollment forms provided to you.

gRADUATE WITH DISCTINCTION

Norwich University’s US Army ROTC unit, known as the Pioneer Battalion, had 23 students in its 2021 class recognized as national Army ROTC Distinguished Military Graduates.

90%

In 2021, 90% of Norwich University’s U.S. Army ROTC students earned their #1 branch choice when they commissioned.

lauded leaders

Our U.S. Army ROTC students exemplify success. Thirty Army ROTC students from the Class of 2022 earned Norwich Tri-Service Awards, which honor achievements in the classroom, athletics and ROTC training. Join our legacy of success.

Meet our Cadets and Graduates

  • Sarah Glidden ’22 U.S. Army ROTC student

    Sarah Glidden ’22
    U.S. Army ROTC student

    “I wanted a purpose greater than just walking through life and going through the motions. I wanted to be able to train with the best of the best and get as much training as I possibly could, and the Army’s how I did that.”
  • Thomas Walsh ’22 U.S. Army ROTC student

    Thomas Walsh ’22
    U.S. Army ROTC student

    “After graduation, I’ll directly commission into the active-duty U.S. Army. There, I’ll serve for a few years as an armor officer. After my time in the Armor Corps, I’ll serve in the Signal Corps. From there, who knows? But I know with the opportunities presented to me here at Norwich, I’ll be prepared for anything.”
  • Gracious Asantewaa ’22  U.S. Army ROTC student

    Gracious Asantewaa ’22
    U.S. Army ROTC student

    “I think preparation (for ROTC) is basically the mindset that you’re coming here for something special, something that you’re willing to dedicate yourself to. … You have to have the mentality that ‘This is what I want. This is what I’m setting my life up to and pushing yourself and persevering for it.’”
  • Elizabeth Coverdale ’22  U.S. Army ROTC student

    Elizabeth Coverdale ’22
    U.S. Army ROTC student

    “A huge aspect and a huge draw to Norwich University for me was the Corps of Cadets and the legacy that Norwich University has with the Army ROTC, part of that being the draw of specialty units.”
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VISIT NORWICH

The only way to truly know if Norwich is for you is to experience it for yourself. So come explore our campus, talk with faculty, meet our students, and see for yourself how ROTC makes the most of beautiful Vermont.

Schedule a Visit

TALK TO US

Not sure which service branch you are interested in, need help determining if Norwich is the right fit, or confused by what ROTC offers you, reach out to one of our dedicated Norwich Admission Counselors.

Contact Admissions

GET MORE INFO

Whatever you think you're capable of, you can achieve here—and more. Learn how a Norwich education prepares you to lead in a career you love.

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Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps

 

CONTACT US
Recruiting Operations Officer

(802) 485-2080 | (802) 485-2479
armyrotc@norwich.edu

 

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