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.

Featured Cadets

BANK THOMAS

Academic year: Senior

Hometown: Pattaya City, Thailand

Major/Minor: Accounting major with a leadership minor

Hobbies: Working out, hiking, playing soccer, spending time with friends, and going to the shooting range

Campus Activities: Intramural soccer, Aspiring Futures Command Club, SRU ROTC Cannon Crew, and Color Guard

“Participating in Slippery Rock University's ROTC program has been an enriching experience that has greatly enhanced my college years. One of the most positive aspects has been the multitude of opportunities it has provided beyond my major. For instance, I had the chance to participate in a forensic internship in Tampa, FL, which broadened my horizons and expanded my skill set in unexpected ways. The program has introduced me to a diverse network of individuals from all over the United States and the world. Building friendships with peers from different backgrounds has been both rewarding and eye-opening, fostering a sense of connection and global perspective. The ROTC at SRU has been instrumental in honing important life skills such as time management, communication, planning, and creative thinking. These skills are not only important in a military context but also invaluable in all aspects of life, including academic pursuits and future career endeavors. Overall, the ROTC program at Slippery Rock University has significantly enriched my college experience, offering a platform for personal growth, skill development, and meaningful connections that extend far beyond the classroom.”

YULIYA SAGER

Academic year: Senior

Hometown: Edinburg, PA

Major/Minor: Homeland security major, leadership minor, and Arabic minor

Hobbies: Traveling, working out, and spending time with my family

Campus activities: Arabic Club, Aspiring Futures Command Club, SRU ROTC Color Guard

“Joining ROTC influenced my personal growth and development, impacting not only my physical capabilities but also my mental. The program helped to raise my confidence level, enabling me to effectively lead and motivate others. Additionally, my time management skills have seen great improvement, and my tendency to procrastinate has significantly decreased. ROTC has continuously challenged me to push beyond my limits, especially during events like Ranger Challenge and other competitions, fostering invaluable self-discovery. From day one, I've felt welcomed by the ROTC community, developing meaningful friendships across all class levels of the program. SRU ROTC has provided invaluable guidance in planning my future career path, holding me accountable, and fostering a strong sense of self-awareness. My experience with ROTC has been transformative, shaping me into a more resilient, disciplined, and purpose-driven individual.”

SYDNEY MONTANA

Academic year: Senior

Hometown: Belton, Texas

Major/Minor: Homeland security major with a minor in leadership

Hobbies: Traveling, cooking, boxing, and being outdoors

Campus activities: member of the Student Government Association Senate, women’s volleyball, Rock Career Champions Peer Mentor, president of the ROTC Movie Club, student employee in the ROTC office, ROTC Color Guard, and intramural sports

“As a military kid, my life has been consistently inconsistent. After several moves during my childhood, Slippery Rock was a place for me to put down temporary roots while pursing my academic and athletic goals and my future career. ROTC has felt like a home away from home. It provides me with a sense of purpose and family while being hundreds of miles from Texas. The mentorship and guidance I have received from multiple people in the ROTC program is nothing short of genuine and valuable in my professional and personal development. I am so thankful for SRU Army ROTC as my first step toward becoming a military officer. I wouldn't want it any other way.”

CAYDE DAVIDSON

Academic year: Senior

Hometown: Greenville, PA

Major/Minor: Health and physical education with a concentration in school wellness education with minors in leadership, aquatics, Arabic, and a certificate in emergency medical response

Hobbies: Enjoying time with loved ones, being outside, and playing soccer or tennis

Campus Activities: Intramural soccer

“Slippery Rock University Army ROTC has been the highlight of my time at SRU. ROTC has given me educational and social benefits that exceed the "Army lifestyle." I have met amazing people, created eventful memories, and opened endless doors of opportunity for my future. I am beyond thankful for the support system SRU ROTC cadre and staff have provided and continue to provide.”

AMOUR GRIZZLE

Academic year: Senior

Hometown: Upper Saint Clair, PA

Major/Minor: Major in public health and a minor in leadership with a certificate in middle eastern studies

Hobbies: Reading, playing video games, Pilates, cooking, and baking

Campus activities: Arabic Club, Aspiring Futures Command Club, SRU ROTC Color Guard

“I've been a cadet with Slippery Rock's ROTC since my freshman year. It has been amazing to be a part of this program and create friendships that will last a lifetime. Frontier Battalion has created amazing opportunities for me to grow as an individual and set me up to be a great officer in the Army. I know that my time here will have a phenomenal impact on my future.”

NICK WILE

Academic year: Senior

Hometown: Greensburg, PA

Major/Minor: Criminal justice major with a minor in leadership and a certificate in middle eastern studies

Hobbies: Sports and hanging out with friends

Campus activities: Intramural sports, Aspiring Future Command Club, and Lemon Club

“Through ROTC, I have made long-lasting relationships and experienced many challenges that developed me as a person. Getting the opportunity to lead people toward a common goal has been my favorite part. The friends and mentors I have gained during my time in ROTC have changed my life. I am forever grateful for the opportunities this program has granted me.”