Military Science (ROTC)
Military Science (ROTC)
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.
For information about the Interdisciplinary Programs, BS - Concentration in Leadership Studies, view here.
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.
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
D2L Site for current Cadets.
Alex Moymer
Academic year: Senior
Hometown: Punxsutawney, PA
Major/Minor: Safety Management Major with minors in Leadership, and Adventure Fitness
Hobbies: Running, camping, and art
Campus Activities: Green & White Society, American Society of Safety Professionals, American Industrial Hygiene Association, Aspiring Future Command Club, Line Dancing Club, ROTC Color Guard, Student Representative to SRU Council of Trustees.
“Through the ROTC program at Slippery Rock I have met so many outstanding people. Many of them I can call lifelong friends. SRU is an open door to new opportunities that is there for your taking and a large community that will support your goals. The culture in the ROTC program is success, motivation, and pride in what we do. You will learn how to become the best version of yourself and how to push through barriers.”
Erica Buchheister
Academic year: Senior
Hometown: Shippensburg, PA
Major/Minor: Major in Physical Activity and Fitness Management with a minor in Leadership
Hobbies: Climbing, swimming, and doing art projects
Campus activities: Climbing Club, Swim Club
“The ROTC program has a strong community, and it feels like a second family to me. If I ever needed help from another cadet, I know they would instantly do everything they could to support me. Being on the Ranger Challenge team, I have made some of my closest friendships within the program, especially with the other females on the team. They encourage me during our hardest training sessions, and we all push each other to become better. Having these opportunities to be involved in the ROTC program at Slippery Rock has helped me grow as a person and to become more accountable for myself.”
Marcus Bilak
Academic year: Senior
Hometown: Johnstown, PA
Major/Minor: Major in Homeland Security with a minor in Leadership
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, lifting, and running
Campus activities: Kairos Bible Club, Cannon Crew, Color Guard, ROTC 21-Gun Team
“My time in SRU ROTC started in the fall of 2023. Since then, I have made a massive amount of progress physically and academically. I have numerous experiences with wonderful friends that I will never forget. I have learned many things to better myself as someone who leads by example, not by force. The cadets of SRU ROTC always want more and that drive is contagious. I love that everyone wants to see you get better by the hour. Through Army schools and internships, ROTC has given me experiences and knowledge that I never knew I would have. From traveling the country for an internship for 2 weeks to learning how operators train at Robin Sage, I have learned so much from the programs and CAIT schools in ROTC.”
Bryce Lorence
Academic year: Senior
Hometown: Forrest Hill, PA
Major/Minor: Corporate Security Major
Hobbies: Lifting, snowboarding, playing guitar, and playing sports
Campus Activities: Club Lacrosse, Ranger Challenge Team, ROTC Color Guard, ROTC Cannon Crew, ROTC 21-Gun Team
“ROTC has been a big part of my life for the past couple of years, and I am beyond grateful that. The SRU ROTC program has given me plenty of opportunities to grow as a leader and as a person. The whole program wants to see you succeed and will ensure you are taught the skills needed to succeed.”