Military Science (ROTC)

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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 over 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.

Featured Cadets

Morgan Breon

Academic year: Senior

Hometown: Milroy, PA

Major/Minor: Homeland security major with minors in criminology and leadership

Hobbies: Reading, drawing, working out, playing soccer, and volunteering with Hammer's Allstars

Campus Activities: Vice president of Aspiring Future Command Club, secretary of the American Sign Language Club, intermural and club soccer, Security Studies Club, and Project to End Human Trafficking Club

“My favorite thing about ROTC is the people I have met within our program and the programs of other schools. I have met so many amazing people so far and continue to be amazed by their eagerness to help and motivate others. My closest friends are people I have met through ROTC and the events I have been involved in with them. Through ROTC, I have been given many opportunities to travel to places like West Point, where I was able to network with lots of knowledgeable cadets.”

Doug Joseph

Academic year: Senior

Hometown: Gibsonia, PA

Major/Minor: Health and physical education with a concentration in physical activity and fitness management with a minor in leadership

Hobbies: Working out, running, and nutrition for health

Campus activities: Treasurer of the Aspiring Future Command Club, SRU Cannon Crew, ROTC Movie Club member, and volunteer at Storm Harbor Equestrian Center

“I joined the ROTC program as a second semester freshman. I was hesitant at first, but can say, it was the best decision I have made thus far. It has set me up for success and given me confidence to better myself physically and mentally. One of the best examples of this was that I was given the opportunity to go to the United States Military Academy at West Point for field training in the summer before my junior year. The experience gave me great connections and made me a more well-rounded person and cadet with better leadership skills as well giving me confidence in public speaking. I will always be thankful for the SRU ROTC program for opening a door to countless opportunities and making the college experience more memorable.”

Olivia Kahley

Academic year: Senior

Hometown: Milroy, PA

Major/Minor: Cybersecurity major with a concentration in secure software and a minor in leadership

Hobbies: Volunteering, working out, tennis

Campus activities: Honors College, Honors College Diversity Subcommittee, public relations officer for the American Sign Language Club, secretary for the Aspiring Futures Command Club, ROTC Color Guard, ROTC Cannon Crew, club tennis

“ROTC has pushed me to grow in every aspect physically, academically, and as a leader. This program has provided me incredible opportunities to challenge myself, from participating in two internships to completing Cadet Field Training. I’ve been taught the value of leadership, teamwork, and resilience, all while being surrounded by those who are like-minded and are driven to make a difference. The connections I’ve made, and the lessons I’ve learned, will stay with me forever. I’m incredibly grateful for this journey, as it continues to push me to become the best leader I can be.”

Jacob Reisinger

Academic year: Senior

Hometown: Saegertown, PA

Major/Minor: Major in park and resource management with a minor in leadership

Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, hiking, and working out

Campus Activities: Intramural flag football, softball, soccer, and a member of the Aspiring Future Command Club

“Joining the ROTC program at Slippery Rock has let me make some lifelong friends. I will forever be grateful for that. The culture at Slippery Rock is filled with discipline, hard work, and respect. It is an environment filled with people that I love to be around because I know that they are always pushing me to be better. ROTC has opened doors for me that I never thought would be possible, and shown me the importance of doing your best in everything you do.”

Autumn Wyatt

Academic year: Senior

Hometown: Fairview, PA

Major/Minor: Psychology major with minors in leadership, and healthcare administration and management, along with a certificate in middle eastern studies

Hobbies: Running, reading, and listening to music

Campus activities: Arabic Club, Aspiring Future Command Club, and the SRU’s women’s track and field team (4 years).

“ROTC has given me experiences I never thought possible. In the summer of 2024, I had the chance to attend Airborne School and earn my Airborne wings—a pretty rare accomplishment for a college student! Becoming a paratrooper is something I’m incredibly proud of, but it’s not just about career opportunities. ROTC has also brought some incredible people into my life and helped me grow my network in ways I never expected.”