Cadet Life
The Army Reserve Officers Training Corps is an opportunity for students to receive military training and experience without obligation or fees.
Students who would like a job after college can receive an Army commission through the program and become an officer in either the reserves or active duty upon graduation. Over 70% of the commissioned officers in the United States Army went through Army ROTC.
Why join cadets?
A Unique Kind of Class
The unique idea behind Army ROTC is that it is a class, like any other university class. Just by taking Military Science classes, a student is not obligated to do anything for the Army. Just like any other class, a student can withdraw at any point in the semester, so long as they are not contracted. A student does not have to contract if he or she does not want to.
What sets Army ROTC apart from a normal class? Fun, excitement, and scholarships are just a few words that students taking ROTC use.
Excitement
ROTC students learn to lead and handle complex situations. They use the skills gained from ROTC to lead their peers, navigate in the forest using a topographical map and compass, and accurately fire and qualify with the M16A2 rifle, just to name a few.
Students also get the chance to fly in Army helicopters during field training events. Some students even receive a scholarship to learn to fly helicopters themselves.
ROTC students do not have to pay any fees for these exciting activities. Even uniforms and books are provided by the Army at no fee to the students.
Cadet Events & Activities
UND Army ROTC Color Guard is the face of the Battlion in the Greater Grand Forks Community. UND Army ROTC Color Guard team displays professionalism and military bearing essential to being an Army Officer. Color Guard practices weekly to improve and perfect their drill and ceremony skills that they use at the various events they do around the community. Some of the events Color Guard is involved in over the course of the year includes UND sports games, holiday ceremonies both on UND Campus and in the Grand Forks community, as well as parades. They are also asked to do a number of other events on and off campus.
Army ROTC has a hockey team that every cadet can take part in during the winter months. Every year, the team plays ten to twelve games against other UND intramural teams at the Ralph Engelstad Arena. The team’s main goal is to build strong relationships between cadets and have a good time playing hockey.
The significance of the Army vs Air Force ROTC football game extends beyond the fiield, embodying a spirited rivalry rooted in the military tradition. The annual match not only showcases the atheltic prowess of these cadets but also fosters camaraderie and a healthy competition. The game serves as a platform for both Army and Air Force ROTC programs to demonstrate discipline, teamwork, and leadership - core tentets of their training.
Our cadets understand what it means to give back to the community and volunteer their time. Once every fall, Grand Forks hosts the Special Olympics for local area athletes who have disabilities. Our cadets take part in this event every year by providing referees, scorers, and fans. The cadets always enjoy spending the day with such wonderful people and seeing the joy they can bring to local citizens.
Through ROTC, Cadets gain a crucial skill - rappelling, which improves their physical abilities and builds trust in themselves, their equipment and their instructors. Exceptional Cadets may seek the demanding experience of attending Air Assault School, where they can show case their rappelling proficiency by descending from a helicopter. Beyond standard training, the Fighting Hawks Battalion's Cadets have had the unique opportunity to apply their rappelling skills to iconic structures like the Alerus and Ralph Engelstad Arena. These experiences enhance their technical prowess and broaden their perspectives, preparing them for the diverse scenarios they may encounter in their military careers.
Zero week activities take place the week before school starts where all the upcoming MS IV’s and Cadre get together to plan for the upcoming semester’s events. It is also special bonding time for the Cadets who will be working so closely together in the upcoming school year. During the week, they learn how to cook over an open fire, have some fun playing outside activities, play floor hockey and most importantly learn how to work together. It is a good time had by all.
The weekend before Fall Semester starts, UND holds an annual designated move-in day for all the new incoming students. ROTC Cadets sign up to help incoming students move into their doom rooms. Organizations across campus come together to help out the newest members of the University. Move-in Day is an enriching volunter event for our program because we meet many new students and help make their transition less stressful! This is one example of our fun inter-organizational volunteer events throughout the school year.
Want More Information?
For more information on Army ROTC visit the national website or contact Trudy Soli.