Military Science (ROTC)

Frontier Battalion Logo

The Department of Military Science provides a program of leadership development which prepares college men and women for service as Officers in the United States Army. After graduation, they serve as Commissioned Officers on Active Duty, or as an Officer in an Army Reserve or National Guard unit. To accomplish this, the department:

Prepares Cadets to be commissioned as Second Lieutenants through a curriculum which develops leadership and management skills, and provides opportunities to utilize these skills in a variety of practical applications.
Provides an understanding of how to lead and influence small organizations, with a strong emphasis on personal integrity, ethical decision making, goal setting, and mission accomplishment.
Offers adventure training, such as rappelling, land-navigation, marksmanship, and for selected students, airborne and air-assault training and the opportunity to serve with Active Duty Army units, worldwide, during the summer.
Provides programs and experiences which increase self-confidence, self-discipline, physical stamina, poise, and other attributes essential to the development of a leader of character -- one who is prepared to serve the nation or the Commonwealth both in or out of uniform

The Army ROTC four year course curriculum is available in the University Catalog here.

History

On 21 July 1980, Slippery Rock State College contacted the First ROTC Region at Fort Bragg, North Carolina about establishing an Army ROTC program at Slippery Rock University. The mission establishing Army ROTC at Slippery Rock was assigned to Indiana University of Pennsylvania. An Extension Center Agreement was submitted on 21 August 1980 and was approved on 1 March 1981.

In January 1982, the first military science course was offered at the freshman level. The following fall semester, Both MS I and MS II classes were offered. The first Advanced Course class was offered in September 1982. The first commissioning class of Slippery Rock's ROTC program graduated in May 1984. In October 2002, Slippery Rock University became a host institution for Army ROTC.

Since the beginning of Advanced ROTC, Slippery Rock Cadets have consistently scored among the top 20 of 93 schools in the First ROTC Region. Slippery Rock, along with its former host institution, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, has won the Governor's Trophy for the Best ROTC Unit in the Commonwealth three separate times. Additionally, Slippery Rock was awarded the General Douglas MacArthur Award as the best unit in this ROTC region, out of 42 colleges and universities, in 1993, 1995, 2002, and 2019. The commissioning class of 2007 had the honor of being #1 out of 19 schools in the 2nd Brigade, Eastern ROTC Region.

Since its inception, Slippery Rock's Army ROTC Battalion has commissioned nearly 500 officers.

Slippery Rock University's ROTC Program offers a first-rate military education to supplement the other fine academic offerings of the University. Slippery Rock ROTC graduates are currently serving successfully in the Army in leadership positions throughout the world.

Apply for an ROTC scholarship

High School Students

High school students can apply for three and four year Army ROTC college scholarships here. Select the option to create GOARMY.COM account and begin the application process.
High school students are eligible to apply beginning 28 February of their junior year thru 10 January of their senior year.

College Students

College students can apply for two, three or four year Army ROTC scholarships through the ROTC Enrollment Officer at their university. Contact the Slippery Rock University Army ROTC Enrollment Officer at 724.738.6175 or sru.rotc@sru.edu

Cadet Resources

D2L Site for current Cadets.

Cadet Resources (PDF)

Featured Cadets

JULIA WATSON

Academic year: Senior

Hometown: Union City, PA

Major/Minor: Business administration with a concentration in management and a minor in leadership

Hobbies: Exercising, horseback riding, working on trucks, and painting

Campus activities: Western Equestrian Club, Arabic Club

“Being a part of the Frontier Battalion has afforded me the opportunity to meet amazing people and make lifelong friendships. Through ROTC, I have been able to mentally and physically challenge myself. The participants in this program support and build each other up in a genuine way. I have learned many new skills and have had many opportunities to grow on a professional and personal level. ROTC has had, and will continue to have, a positive influence in all of my future endeavors.”

JACOB SHRADER

Academic Year: Senior

Hometown: Latrobe, PA

Major/Minor: Information systems with minors in computer science and leadership

Hobbies: Spending time with my friends and family, reading and working out

Campus Activities: Leadership Excellence Club, Arabic Club, SRU ROTC Cannon Crew, and Intramural Basketball

“From the moment I transferred here to Slippery Rock and joined ROTC, everyone made me feel welcome. I was able to meet a great group of people and learn from the best. The program here has given me the opportunity to grow as an individual as well as instill a pride for, not only the Army, but SRU as well. Without a doubt, my time here in ROTC will have a profound impact on my future for years to come.”

NATHAN MAGGI

Academic year: Senior

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

Major/Minor: Information systems with minors in cybersecurity and leadership and a certificate in Middle Eastern studies

Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, running, and playing soccer

Campus activities: Leadership Excellence Club, Arabic Club, and intramural sports

“Since joining Slippery Rock University Army ROTC, I have been presented with many opportunities to further my academic and professional career. The dedication and hard work that the cadre and staff put into the program is remarkable. I have developed as a leader and as an individual, and I will continue to develop during my remaining time at SRU and with the US Army.”

ELIJAH STEWART

Academic Year: Senior

Hometown: Franklin, PA

Major/Minor: Biology with a concentration in biomedical studies and a minor in leadership

Hobbies: Working out, being outdoors, and relaxing with friends and family

Campus Activities: Member of the Men’s Volleyball Club, Rock Powerlifting Club, and intramural volleyball

“Coming in as a transfer student in my junior year, cadets in the ROTC program immediately made me feel welcome and part of a family. Slippery Rock ROTC has allowed me to build lifelong relationships with outstanding individuals. The program itself has provided amazing opportunities as well as provided me with the structure and motivation to be successful in my academic studies.”