Army ROTC

Program Description

The Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (Army ROTC) offers qualified students the opportunity to Commission as a US Army Second Lieutenant (2LT), while earning a college degree. After graduation/commissioning, 2LTs fulfill their service obligation in the Active Duty (full-time), National Guard or Army Reserve components, while maintaining a civilian career.

Over the course of your four years in the program, nearly all Cadets earn a scholarship through the national high school or campus-based programs, after enrolling. Scholarship benefits include: 100% tuition (Resident or Non-Resident), $600 semesterly book allotment and a $420 monthly stipend. The stipend and other potential bonuses are available to non-scholarship Cadets.

The traditional four-year program requires one class and a weekly leadership lab, totaling 24x academic credits. Army ROTC Course credits replace electives for all Penn State Majors, though the exact number varies by Academic College (6-18x). Course subjects and credits appear under ARMY course descriptions in this Bulletin.

The program is comprised of two successive phases: the Basic Course and Advanced Course. While the Advanced Course cannot be altered, there are two and three-year paths that allow students to complete the program, regardless of their start point in the Basic Course. Interested students should contact the NLB Enrollment Officer, to determine the most appropriate path to commissioning.

What is the Army ROTC?

The Penn State Army ROTC – Nittany Lion Battalion (NLB) is located entirely at the University Park campus. It is the country's largest traditional ROTC Program and one of the most successful. It is the only Army ROTC Host Program located on any Penn State Commonwealth Campus. Several other Penn State campuses offer Army ROTC through cross-enrollment agreements with other universities.

Penn State Commonwealth Campuses with Army ROTC (Host Universities in parentheses:

Abington (Widener University)
Berks (Lehigh University)
Brandywine (Widener University)
Erie (Gannon University)
Harrisburg (Dickinson College)
Lehigh Valley (Lehigh University)
Mont Alto (Shippensburg University)
Penn Tech (Lock Haven University)
Wilkes-Barre (Scranton University)
Scranton (Scranton University)

Points of Contact for these programs can be found on the Contact tab or at the NLB website.

Interested Penn State 2+2 students, transitioning from ANY Commonwealth Campus, MUST verify eligibility with the NLB Enrollment Officer, no later than the semester preceding their transition. Summer training may be required to satisfy Basic Course requirements.

For additional information on Penn State Army ROTC, connect with the Scholarship and Enrollment Officer at 207 Wagner Building on the University Park campus or call 814-865-7255 or visit our the Nittany Lion Battalion website.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ARMY ROTC - NITTANY LION BATTALION

Program Requirements

Overall Requirements

Cadets must complete both Basic and Advanced Course requirements.

Basic Course – There are several ways to meet Basic Course eligibility requirements.
- Progression – Complete Army ROTC Classes 101, 102, 201 and 202 in succession, during a student's freshmen-sophomore years.
- Compression – Complete the above-listed Army ROTC classes in one year, with simultaneous enrollment in Army 101/201 and Army 102/202.
- Basic Camp – Inability to complete the four ROTC classes requires attendance at the 32-day Army ROTC Basic Camp, designed to introduce Cadets to the Army.
- Basic Combat Training – Prior service soldiers, sailors or airmen qualify for the Advanced Course, based on their completion of Basic Combat Training.
Advanced Course – The Advanced Course is very rigid, with programs only able to shift Camp attendance from one summer to another, if necessary.
- Classes – Complete Army ROTC Classes 301, 302, 401 and 402 in succession, during a student's junior-senior years.
- Advanced Camp – Cadets complete Army ROTC Advanced Camp between their junior and senior years (exceptions considered for injury or academic conflicts).

Campus Requirements

These are the requirements Cadets must complete throughout the school year.

Army ROTC Cadets commit about eight hours to weekly Army ROTC requirements:

Two Army ROTC Classes on Tuesdays/Thursdays (3 hours)
Three Physical Fitness Sessions (3 hours)
One Military Studies Lab (2 hours)

Additionally, there is one field training exercise (FTX) and one formal event, per semester.

Training Requirements

Advanced Camp is the only required summer training event; traditionally occurring between a Cadet's junior and senior years.
Advanced Camp is the capstone leader development opportunity for all Cadets between their junior and senior years in ROTC.
Advanced Camp is 35-days long and held at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Cadet Professional Development Training (CPDT)

Though optional, there are many training opportunities available to Cadets that can enhance their experience, while in Army ROTC.

Cadet Troop Leader Training (CTLT) – CTLT provides Cadets an opportunity to develop leadership skills in a training environment as they shadow and learn from platoon leaders.
Cadet Advanced Individual Training (CAIT) – CAIT provides Cadets an opportunity to attend a variety of specialized training courses, including Airborne, Air Assault, Combat Diver Qualification Course, Basic Military Mountaineer Course, Jungle Operations and more.
Nurse Summer Training Program (NSTP) – NSTP provides opportunities to practice and develop leadership skills in a clinical environment. Cadets work side-by-side with an Army Nurse Corps Officer in this 4-week long program.
Cadet Internships – Provides additional training opportunities for Cadets in specialized areas, technical fields, and research. Some examples of available internships, include: U.S. Army Cyber (ARCYBER), MIT Lincoln Lab Internship (MITLL), National Security Agency (NSA), Nuclear Science & Engineering Research Center (NSERC), JAG Corps (JAG) and the Army Medical Department (AMEDD) as well as opportunities at West Point and the FBI.
Project Global Officer (GO) – Project GO is a nationwide program open to all qualified ROTC students offering fully-funded opportunities in critical language education, overseas study, and cross-cultural experience.

Entrance to Army ROTC

There are many paths to join Army ROTC and the Nittany Lion Battalion. Reach out and discover the one that's best for you!

Academic Advising

All Campuses

David Rizzo
Scholarship and Enrollment Officer
207 Wagner Building
University Park, PA
814-865-7255
army.rotc@psu.edu

Career Paths

Commissioned Officers are the managers, problem solvers, key influencers and planners who lead Enlisted Soldiers in all situations.

Officer Branches / Career Fields

Adjutants General Officer: An Adjutant General Officer is responsible for helping Soldiers with the tasks that affect their overall welfare and well being, while assisting commanders by keeping Soldiers combat-ready. In many cases, the duties of an Adjutant General Officer are very similar to the function of a high-level human resources executive in the civilian world. Officers are leaders, and being a leader in the Army requires certain qualities such as self-discipline, initiative, confidence and intelligence.
Air Defense Artillery Officer: The role of an Air Defense Artillery Officer is to be a leader in operations specific to the Air Defense Artillery Branch and to be an expert in the tactics, techniques and procedures for the employment of air defense systems.
Armor Officer: Armor Officers are responsible for tank and cavalry/forward reconnaissance operations on the battlefield. The role of an Armor Officer is to be a leader in operations specific to the Armor Branch and to lead others in many areas of combat operations.
Aviation Officer: An Officer within the Aviation Branch is first an expert aviator but is also responsible for the coordination of Aviation operations from maintenance to control tower operations to tactical field missions. From providing quick-strike and long-range target engagement during combat operations to hauling troops and supplies, Army helicopter units play a critical role in getting the job done in many situations.
Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Officer: The Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Officer advises the commander on issues regarding nuclear, biological and radiological warfare, defense and homeland protection. Chemical Officers also employ Chemical units in combat support with chemical, smoke and flame weapons, technology and management. Officers are leaders, and being a leader in the Army requires certain qualities such as self-discipline, initiative, confidence and intelligence.
Engineer Officer: An Officer in the Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for providing support in a full spectrum of engineering duties. Engineer Officers help the Army and the Nation in building structures, developing civil works programs, working with natural resources as well as providing combat support on the battlefield.
Field Artillery Officer: The Army's Field Artillery Branch is responsible for neutralizing or suppressing the enemy by cannon, rocket and missile fire and to help integrate all fire support assets into combined arms operations. The role of a Field Artillery Officer is to be a leader in operations specific to the Field Artillery Branch and to be an expert in the tactics, techniques and procedures for the employment of fire support systems.
Finance Officer: Finance Officers direct and coordinate finance and accounting functions and serves as the advisor to the Commander on all financial matters and matters pertaining to Finance Corps personnel and units. They also establish, control and audit all finance and accounting systems. Finance Officers also prepare and distribute reports and financial statements to provide the commander and staff with adequate information for management, status of funds and budget purposes.
Infantry Officer: An Infantry Officer is responsible for leading and controlling the Infantry and combined armed forces during land combat. They are also involved in coordinating employment of Infantry Soldiers at all levels of command, from platoon to battalion and higher, in U.S. and multi-national operations. Officers are leaders and being a leader in the Army requires certain qualities such as self-discipline, initiative, confidence and intelligence.
Medical Service Corps Officer: Medical Service Corps Officers are essential in treating and helping the overall health of Soldiers and their families. They are also responsible for much of the medical research that takes place in the Army. From medical fields such as optometry and podiatry to laboratory sciences to behavioral sciences, the Army Medical Service Corps includes many areas of specialty.
Military Intelligence Officer: Military Intelligence (MI) Officers are always out front, providing essential intelligence and in many cases saving Soldiers who are fighting on the front lines. MI Officers assess risks associated with friendly and enemy courses of action and act to counter or neutralize identified intelligence threats. The MI Officer also uses intelligence systems and data to reduce uncertainty of enemy, terrain and weather conditions for a commander.
Military Police Officer: Military Police Officers are utilized in direct combat and during peacetime to lead other Military Police Soldiers while they serve five main functions:
- Maneuver and mobility support operations,
- Area security operations,
- Law and order operations,
- Internment and resettlement operations and
- Police intelligence operations.
Nurse Corps Officer: Army Nurse Corps Officers lead diverse nursing teams in a variety of settings and provide holistic multi-disciplinary care for Soldiers and their families. Officers are leaders. All Army leaders require self-discipline, initiative, confidence, the ability to problem solve and make timely decisions.
Ordnance Officer: Ordnance Officers are responsible for ensuring that weapons systems, vehicles and equipment are ready and available - and in perfect working order - at all times. Thus, Ordnance Officers and the Soldiers they lead are a critical component in the Army's success. Ordnance Officers also oversee the developing, testing, fielding, handling, storage and disposal of ammunitions.
Quartermaster Officer: Quartermaster Officers are responsible for making sure equipment, materials and systems are available and functioning for missions. More specifically, the Quartermaster Officer provides supply support for Soldiers and units in field services, aerial delivery and material and distribution management. Officers are leaders, and being a leader in the Army requires certain qualities such as self-discipline, initiative, confidence and intelligence.
Signal Corps Officer: A Signal Corps Officer must be an expert in planning, installing, integrating, operating and maintaining the Army's voice, data and information systems, services and resources. Signal Officers must be highly intelligent, forward-thinking and have a complete knowledge of communications and data management technologies.
Transportation Officer: Transportation Officers are experts in the systems, vehicles and procedures in moving troops and supplies in the Army. Transportation Officers are responsible for commanding and controlling Transportation operations and combined armed forces during land combat. Officers are leaders, and being a leader in the Army requires certain qualities such as self-discipline, initiative, confidence and intelligence.

US Army Components

Active Duty Component (Full-Time): The Army counts on active duty Soldiers for day-to-day operations. Each Soldier has his or her own specialized training and serves a critical function within his or her unit. Active duty Soldiers serve in the Army 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the duration of their service commitment. Think of it as working a full-time job. Active duty Officers will live on or near a military installation that serves as your unit's base of operations, will be paid a full salary, and have access to all of the benefits of a full-time Soldier. Benefits include medical and dental health coverage for the service member and their dependents (if applicable) and basic housing allowance.
US Army Reserve (Part-Time): The Army Reserve the Army's pool of extra resources and personnel. Reserve Soldiers perform critical Army jobs on a part-time basis and are a Federal entity. Unlike active duty, Army Reserve Soldiers serve part time, allowing them to earn an extra paycheck, go to school, or work a civilian job while still maintaining many of the benefits of military service. As a Reserve Officer, you will spend one weekend a month on duty and two weeks a year in training. Soldiers in the Army Reserve may be called to active duty to provide their expertise.
- Unlike serving on Active Duty, you will be able to live anywhere in the United States. If you are planning on attending college or advancing within your civilian career, Army Reserve service will provide you with the flexibility to live where you choose. Part of the benefit of becoming a Soldier in the Army Reserve is the free time you will have to accomplish your personal goals.
- Career fields in the US Army Reserve do not include Combat Arms branches (Infantry, Air Defense Artillery, Armor, Field Artillery).
Army National Guard (Part-Time): The Army National Guard offers you the chance to be part of a team your community and nation can count on. The Army National Guard is a state funded entity and is a unique and essential element of the U.S. military. Founded in 1636 as a citizen force organized to protect families and towns from hostile attacks, today's National Guard Soldiers hold civilian jobs or attend school while maintaining their military training part-time, always ready to defend the American way of life in the event of an emergency.
- The Army National Guard has a unique dual mission. Domestically, the Army National Guard operates under the direction of state governors and is tasked with protecting communities here at home. The Guard's federal mission puts it under the control of the president, which allows Guard units to support active duty military forces in responding to threats abroad and humanitarian disasters.
- The Army National Guard serves in more than 2,000 communities across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each state and territory has its own Army National Guard, which means you can serve close to where you work or attend school. Typically, Guard Soldiers live with their families in communities of their choosing, rather than on a military base. Service in the Army National Guard is part-time, which allows Guard Soldiers to pursue their educational and civilian career goals on a full-time basis. At a minimum, Guard Soldiers train one weekend a month and two weeks a year, although additional training may be required of certain units and in support of specific missions.
- Army National Guard Soldiers can choose from more than 150 military jobs, including public affairs, transportation, law enforcement, healthcare, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields. Soldiers can serve in positions that complement their civilian careers, or in a military job completely unrelated to their education and civilian experience. No matter which Guard job a Soldier chooses, the Soldier will receive fully paid Army training to provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their military position. Career opportunities in the Army National Guard are subject to the availability of jobs in the state a Cadet will want to serve in.

Contact

University Park and 2+2 STUDENTS

ARMY ROTC
207 Wagner Building
University Park, PA
814-865-7255
army.rotc@psu.edu

Abington and Brandywine

WIDENER UNIVERSITY (HOST)
Keith Karbel (Contact)
610-490-7035
krkarbel@widener.edu

Berks and Lehigh Valley

LEHIGH UNIVERSITY (HOST)
Jajuan Broussard (Contact)
610-758-3274
jabe21@lehigh.edu

Erie

GANNON UNIVERSITY (HOST)
Ray Patterson (Contact)
814-871-7682
patterso019@gannon.edu

Harrisburg

DICKINSON UNIVERSITY (HOST)
Erik Rodney (Contact)
717-254-8306
rodneye@dickinson.edu

Mont Alto

SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY (HOST)
Greg Newton (Contact)
717-477-1896
rotc@ship.edu

Pennsylvania College of Technology

LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY (HOST)
Briton Orndorf (Contact)
570-484-2299
bdo324@lockhaven.edu

Scranton and Wilkes-Barre

UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON (HOST)
Bill Ramsey (Contact)
570-941-7457 x 1
herbert.ramsey@scranton.edu