Life as a Cadet

Your life as an NIU ROTC cadet will be very similar to any other college student. You’ll attend classes, study, spend time with friends and participate in extracurricular activities. What sets you apart is your involvement in military science courses.

You’ll take two to four credit military science classes each semester, a leadership lab every Thursday afternoon, physical fitness training three days a week and a field training exercise each semester. (Non-scholarship freshmen and sophomores are not required to attend physical fitness training and field training exercises.)

Additionally, you’ll learn leadership skills and values that will serve you in the future, no matter which path you chose. You'll strive to live by the Army values; loyalty, discipline, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.

While there are opportunities to volunteer for special summer training programs, between your junior and senior year you’ll attend the Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. This 30-day course is designed to evaluate your leadership capabilities and your potential to become an Army officer.

When you graduate from the program, you'll receive a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. Graduates will go either into the full-time, active duty Army or serve part-time in the United States Army Reserves or National Guard.

If you are enrolled in the NIU ROTC program, Huskie Battalion you can apply to participate in the following opportunities:

Army 10 Miler

This is an annual event held by the United States Army in Washington, D.C. The NIU ROTC sends qualified cadets to participate in this 10 mile run. All travel and accommodation expenses are paid. All military science student levels are eligible to apply.

Color Guard

The Huskie Battalion Color Guard represents the battalion at NIU and local community events. They present the national and school colors at all NIU home football games and many other athletic events. All military science student levels are eligible to apply.

Mission Support

This team accompanies NIU’s huskie mascot dog, Mission, to his appearances. The team meets once a week to train for upcoming presentations. All military science student levels are eligible to apply.

Ranger Challenge Team

An extremely challenging military skills competition, this team is composed of only the hardiest cadets. The challenge is conducted first at a regional level on a weekend in October. It consists of several events including one-rope bridge, weapons assembly/disassembly, first aid, Army physical fitness test, patrolling written test and a 10K Ruck March.

Ranger Buddy

An annual nationwide ROTC event held at Kentucky University. Over the course of one day, teams of two train and participate in a series of challenges that include a 10-12 mile ruck march, military-task obstacle course and a 2-3 mile run. Expenses for travel and accommodations are provided, and all military science student levels are eligible to apply.

Northern Warfare

An annual nationwide event held in over the course of one day in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Teams of five participate in a 24-mile ruck march and military-themed tasks that challenge winter survival skills. Expenses for travel and accommodation are provided, and all military science student levels are eligible to apply.

Please email niu_rotc@niu.edu or call 815-752-ROTC (7682) to learn more or apply.

Contact Us

Department of Military Science
Chick Evans Field House
Room 110
1050 Lucinda Ave.
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-752-ROTC (7682)
niu_rotc@niu.edu
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