Student & Cadet Life

As a member of Army ROTC, not only are you working towards a degree, but towards a future. Being a student first means that you maintain a normal academic schedule like your peers but are simultaneously involved in something much larger than the University itself. As a Cadet you’ll form life long relationships with your fellow classmates, and create memories in and out of the classroom.

Lifestyle

Get to know what it’s like to be a Cadet in the ROTC program on campus.

What is it like to be a Cadet?

Cadets should expect to get to know each other very well during various training events as they work side by side to accomplish given objectives. Training throughout a cadet's ROTC career will range from a beginner still learning, to intermediate cadets leading others, and expert cadets who are in charge of training the younger classmen.

What is PT like? And waking up early?

PT is fun, motivating and gives Cadets a chance to increase their physical fitness. We begin a regular PT session at 0615 and usually train until 0715. We encompass a variety of training including: Crossfit, distance runs, rope climbs, water workouts, wrestling, etc. Not only is PT a time to become more physically and mentally fit, but it also gives the MSIII Cadets a chance to use their leadership and planning skills, as they run most of the PT sessions we perform.

What are labs like?

Labs are the time that ROTC sets aside to teach Cadets hands-on practical exercises and skills that will make them successful at the Cadet Leader Course. The content of labs varies from: land navigation to drill and ceremony to Platoon operations. Labs are taught by the experienced instructors and MSIV Cadets.

What is it like to wear uniform(s) on campus?

Wearing the uniform on campus is a very rewarding experience. Not only do UNI ROTC students get to represent themselves and ROTC, but also the entire Army. UNI students are generally curious about why ROTC cadets wear the uniform and many times a Cadet may be asked what different patches mean, why a Patrol Cap must be worn, and several other questions.

What is it like to balance classes with ROTC stuff?

ROTC is a large time commitment and cadets must learn time management quickly if they want to succeed. In ROTC, grades are one the most important parts of the program and Cadets are required to maintain a good GPA. Cadets may find that they are busier than the average college student, but with hard work it is possible to maintain good grades and do well in ROTC. And ROTC Cadre are always available and willing to meet with students one on one to ensure they are successful in meeting all requirements.

What are training weekends like?

Typically we will do a variety of activities over the weekends for training, including: land navigation, garrison leadership rotations, tactical Squad Training Exercises and Platoon Operations. Cadets usually spend Friday night and most of Saturday conducting training over training weekends to help them build and refine their skills.

Who is required to participate in labs and PT?

All contracted Cadets and all MSIII and MSIV Cadets must be present and participate in labs and PT. Those cadets who are not contracted and civilians who are interested in the program are encouraged to come and participate to learn more about the program.

What summer training is available?

Every contracted cadet will attend the Cadet Leader Course (CLC) at Fort Knox, KY after their junior year of the program. At CLC, cadets will work alongside cadets from across the Nation to complete missions. CLC is a 30-day course with 14 days spent in a field environment.

Cadets that have not gone through Army basic training will attend Cadet Initial Entry Training (CIET) either after their freshman or sophomore year. CIET is 28 days at Fort Knox and cadets get trained on a variety of skills such as weapons firing, land navigation, fitness, and leadership.

ROTC has optional summer programs available for contracted cadets. This includes the Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency program (CULP). Cadets in CULP travel abroad with a small group of cadets and spend 3-4 weeks in a foreign country doing a variety of Mil-Mil partnerships, service projects, and training. Some of the countries our cadets have visited through CULP include Peru, Sao Tome, Macedonia, Bosnia, and Tanzania. This is all paid for by the Army.

Military Science Courses

Many of our courses are open to ALL students on campus with no military service requirement. If you are interested in leadership, team work and fitness we probably have a class for you.

‌Explore Courses

Additional Training Events

The Northern Iowa ROTC Battalion has events and activities that take place all year long. Each event provides the opportunity for cadets to learn new skills, compete with surrounding Universities, and create/strengthen bonds within the organization.

Cadets in UNI ROTC get the opportunity to participate additional training events throughout the year. Several of these take place on campus or in surrounding areas while others take place at Army installations nation-wide. The Panther Battalion conducts one field training exercise (FTX) every semester. FTXs are a way for cadets to put into practice many of the skills they learn in class and in leadership labs. The spring FTX is conducted with the programs from Iowa State, University of Iowa, University of Nebraska, and Creighton University. Cadets also have the opportunity to attend Army schools such as Airborne, go overseas with the Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency (CULP) program, and participate in internships.

Ranger Challenge

Ranger Challenge is a competition held annually at Camp Dodge in Des Moines, Iowa. The competition is often called "15 hours of Pain." Teams consisting of nine members each are graded on speed and accuracy in several events including: Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), rifle marksmanship, one-rope bridge, hand grenade assault course, orienteering, weapons assembly/disassembly, and a 10 kilometer road march with gear and a rucksack. UNI ROTC's nine member team trains weekly throughout the semester for this competition which is open to any cadet in the program.

Buddy Challenge

Similar to Ranger Challenge, but instead of a 9 man-team, participants compete in 2-person teams. Buddy Challenge takes place in the spring at Lawrence, Kansas. The competition consists of 2-person teams from ROTC Departments across the Mid-West competing in the same skills against other schools and competing against cadets from their own school.

Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency Program

In 2016, University of Northern Iowa Cadet, Jack Rollison spent part of his summer in Peru with the Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency (CULP) program. This was a unique experience as the U.S. cadets lived with Peruvian cadets in the barracks. This allowed the cadets to experience the day to day life of a Peruvian cadet. The cadets did everything from making their bed in the morning to going to classes to conducting physical training. The U.S. and
Peruvian cadets also went to the field and learned the basics of Peruvian Army weapon systems and land navigation.At the end of the trip, the U.S. cadets gained a deeper understanding of Peruvian culture and built friendships with their Peruvian counter-parts. During the mission the U.S. cadets greatly improved their communication skills by learning to communicate ideas even when a language barrier exists. Learning to operate and coordinate with a foreign military and civilian force is a skill that will stay with the cadets.

Cadet Professional Field Training (CPFT)

Cadets can compete to attend Army schools and other summer training events. [Cadet Nolan Cook at Fort Campbell, KY Air Assault School] These include Army Airborne School which awards the Parachutist Badge (AKA Jump Wings) and Army Air Assault School which awards the Air Assault badge. Cadets must be contracted with ROTC to attend these schools.