Give Back
THE MILITARY SCIENCE FUND FOR EXCELLENCE
To support our future leaders, please consider giving to the Military Science Fund for Excellence.
This investment will:
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Enable cadets to participate in time-honored events such as the Military Ball and Senior Cadet Staff Ride
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Assist in participation at some of the more memorable esprit corps events such as the Bataan Death March and Army 10 Miler/AUSA Conference
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Allow cadets to visit famous battlefields they have studied
Our History
The Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) started as a UNI extension program in 1981. Six years later it was granted host status and a UNI Panther battalion was established, eventually settling at the Nielsen Field House. The ROTC is a group of college and university-based training programs that prepare and commission U.S. Armed Forces officers. In Fall 2020, the Nielsen Field House was expanded to provide more space for the growing ROTC program and the Department of Military Science. Renovations include new offices, classrooms, a lounge and meeting spaces for the department. The gymnasium has also been transformed, now featuring a fully equipped new weight room dedicated to ROTC. Funding for renovations and equipment came from Federal grants and donations from the Iowa National Guard.
What We Do
Learning to become a leader will make any college experience richer and prepare one for the future. Army ROTC is the premier college level leadership program, leading to a commission as an Army officer and membership in one of the most respected professions in America. During classes, leadership labs, physical training and field training at UNI, cadets learn firsthand what it takes to lead others, motivate groups and conduct missions as an officer in the Army.
Classes are focused on developing qualities that are necessary for leadership in a military or civilian career: fast and effective decision making, strong vision, confidence and presence, effective communication and the ability to influence others towards a common goal by providing purpose, motivation and direction.
Additional Training Events
Field Training Exercise
Once a semester cadets have the opportunity to put into practice many of the skills they learn in class and in leadership labs. Spring FTX is conducted with the programs from Iowa State, University of Iowa, University of Nebraska and Creighton.
Ranger Challenge
Competition held annually at Camp Dodge in Des Moines. Teams are graded on speed and accuracy in: Army Physical Fitness Test, rifle marksmanship, one-rope bridge, hand grenade assault course, orienteering, weapons assembly/disassembly, and a 10 kilometer road march with gear and a rucksack.
Buddy Challenge
Similar to Ranger Challenge, but instead of a 9-man team, participants compete in 2-person teams. The Buddy Challenge takes place in the spring at Lawrence, Kansas with teams from across the Midwest.
How to Make Your Gift
- Automatic monthly donation withdrawn from your bank account or charged to a credit card
- Mail a check to: UNI Foundation, 121 Commons, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0239
- Visit foundation.uni.edu/fund-military-science. Forms of payment: Cash, Credit Card, Venmo, and Paypal
- See if your company will match your gift!