About ROTC

Listen to a short ROTC presentation 

Video of ROTC Information Session

Army ROTC is an elective curriculum you take alongside required college classes. It gives you the tools, training and experiences that will help you succeed in any competitive environment. Along with great leadership training, Army ROTC can pay for your college tuition. Because Army ROTC is an elective, you can participate during your freshman and sophomore years without any obligation to join the U.S. Army. You will have a normal college experience like everyone else on campus, but upon graduation, you will be commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. 

Learn more about officer careers

"Challenge yourself and learn to lead!" 

Who we are looking for

Students who succeed in the Army ROTC program are those who excel and want something more out of their college experience. These students are expected to be scholars who keep their grades up; athletes who are physically strong; and leaders who have a great desire to learn.

WMU Army ROTC Demographics

These are the program demographics as of Fall 2020.

Cadet strength: 132, 48 are female

Ethnicity: 64% Caucasian, 12% Hispanic, 11% African American, 4% Asian

On scholarship: 65%

What to expect


Cadet gets into the "L" shape, ready to rappel

At Western Michigan University, Army ROTC classes are broken down into a classroom lesson and Leadership Lab once a week. During classroom instruction, you will be instructed by one of our staff instructors who is either an Army officer or senior non-commissioned officer. You will be instructed on topics including ethics and values, leadership styles, orders preparation, map reading, Army structure and roles, and training management. Classes range from one hour once a week for first year cadets to three hours weekly for MS III and IV cadets. All cadets participate in Leadership Lab together. It doesn't matter if this is your first semester of ROTC or your last, everyone does lab at the same time. These labs are completely student led. Lab is a hands-on application of classroom instruction. You will hone your soldier skills in activities such as rifle marksmanship, water survival training, first aid and land navigation. All cadets have a two hour lab weekly.

In addition to class and lab, Bronco cadets conduct physical training a minimum of three days a week and participate in one field training exercise each semester. Physical training is conducted in the morning before any classes begin. There is no need to worry about missing other classes. Our field training exercises are held at Fort Custer in Battle Creek, MI., about 15 miles from campus. These weekend events allow us to train on activities that are unfeasible to do on campus.

Commitment

If becoming an officer and leader in the Army is for you:

  • You will serve full time in the active Army for three years (four years for scholarship winners)
  • You may choose to serve part time in the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career for six years (eight years for scholarship winners).

It is an opportunity to grow your leadership skills and challenge yourself you cannot get anywhere else. Contact the WMU Bronco Battalion for more specific details on your Army ROTC service commitment.

Learn more about Army ROTC

Nursing program

If you're considering an undergraduate nursing degree, enrolling in Army ROTC can enhance your leadership skills and critical thinking abilities while providing financial support to help make your professional goals a reality.

Being a nurse in the Army provides you with benefits not found in the civilian world. As an Army nurse and officer, you will have the respect of your peers and coworkers, as well as opportunities to train and serve in a variety of specialties.

Learn more about ROTC nursing

Simultaneous Membership Program

If you are an enlisted soldier in the Army National Guard or Army Reserve you may be eligible for the Simultaneous Membership Program. Simultaneous Membership Program cadets receive the same training as other cadets in their ROTC classes, but have the added advantage of receiving leadership training and development with their Reserve or Guard unit. These cadets serve as an officer apprentice when they attend their monthly training assemblies. Simultaneous Membership Program cadets receive tuition assistance and may be eligible for additional financial help with college.