The Eastern Kentucky University ROTC program is one of the best leadership programs today. It consists of Military Science and Leadership classes along with basic training. The Military Science Department is under the College of Justice, Safety, and Military Science, a program of distinction.
The wide curriculum consists of physical training, class, military labs, and an assortment of training exercises will prepare future officers of the United States Army for the 21st century battlefield. Contracted cadets graduate as a 2LT in the U.S. Army.
Join The Colonel’s Battalion and become part of an amazing tradition.
Support the Colonel’s Battalion
Your donation to EKU’s Cadet Development Fund will help prepare the next generation of U.S. Army Officers. It’s easy with the Donate Now! online link.
For more on how you can support the program, contact Military Science Army ROTC Coordinator, Claire Jennings, 859-622-1205.
The John Hardy Tribble Challenge Course is a unique part of training for Cadets in EKU’s ROTC program. As one of the few programs in the state with an obstacle course on its campus, the ROTC program utilizes the Challenge Course to better prepare Cadets for their futures.
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EKU WEEKLY SCHEDULE
As a participating student or contracted Cadet in ROTC you can expect to take one ROTC course per semester, which is separated by academic class and Basic/Advanced course. If participating students are interested in ROTC scholarships and financial opportunities, the student must be registered for an MSL course. Physical training, classroom time, and Leadership Lab take up only about 6-9 hours a week. In addition, Army ROTC Basic Course classes (Fr/So) are open to all full time college students as an elective that count toward academic credit. By taking these classes you do not incur any obligation to Army ROTC or the U.S. Army. If you are interested in Army ROTC check out one or all of the courses offered to see what it is all about!
CLASSROOM TIME
Basic course outline the foundation of leadership and military skills training. Students may register for Basic Courses during fall and spring semesters. Basic course: MSL 101/102 (2hr), MSL 201/202 (2hr) OR MSL 210 (6hr) (28-day BASIC CAMP SUMMER INTERNSHIP) **ANY STUDENT MAY REGISTER AND PARTICIPATE FOR BASIC COURSES REGARDLESS OF ACADEMIC STATUS**. Advanced Courses are required in order to graduate and commission as an Army Officer. Advanced Courses: MSL 301/302 (3hr), MSL 310 (6hr) (SUMMER TERM: JUNIOR YEAR), and MSL 401/402 (3hr). **STUDENTS MUST MEET OR COMPLETE THE BASIC COURSE REQUIREMENT IN ORDER TO REGISTER FOR ADVANCED COURSES. STUDENTs MUST RECEIVE COURSE OVERRIDE FROM EKU ARMY ROTC ADMINISTRATOR TO REGISTER FOR ADVANCED COURSES**
PHYSICAL FITNESS TRAINING
Physical Training (PT) takes place in the mornings on Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week. The early hours may take a few weeks to get used to but after a while you realize it is a great way to start your day. Regardless of your physical fitness level, Army ROTC incorporates a training regimen that adapts to all abilities where you will be challenged and see increased personal improvement. Each PT session focuses on improving a Cadet’s deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, planks, and 2 mile run capabilities in order to set them up for success on the six event Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT).
LEADERSHIP LABS (Friday)
For three hours each week, all Cadets meet to conduct Leadership Lab. This lab is a hands-on practicum which exposes the Cadets to military skills and affords them opportunities to develop and refine their leadership styles and abilities under differing constraints and environments. Every semester the Colonels Battalion conducts a weekend long Field Training Exercise (FTX) where the cadets are able to practice the skills they have been learning on campus. FTX is generally conducted at a location which is conducive to activities such as land navigation, repelling, and paintball.
EKU Color Guard
EKU ROTC Color Guard has represented both the university and the Army ROTC program at competitions, formal ceremonies, athletic events and local community events. Many times the question arises as to what makes up a Color Guard. Simply stated, a member of the Color Guard is an individual, a man or woman who thinks for themselves, but gives up a portion of their individuality for the good of a higher order than themselves. Rather than wait to be ordered to do a task, the individual usually takes the initiative and with foresight accomplishes what has to be done. Should it be any other way? They are one of the few who have their eyes on the stars and feet on the ground.
EKU Ranger Company and Challenge Team
The EKU Ranger Company provides Cadets with an opportunity for challenging training and competition. Multiple teams fall under the umbrella of the Ranger Company. These teams include the Ranger Challenge team, Best Ranger teams, and the Mountain Man teams.
The Ranger Challenge is the “varsity sport” of ROTC and consists of multiple physical and technical skill competitive events. Cadets on the Ranger Challenge team train throughout the week during the competition season and push themselves to excel at physical training, tactics, marksmanship, ruck marching, first aid, and other technical skills. EKU traditionally has placed in the top of the annual Bold Warrior Challenge at Ft. Knox, KY.
The Best Ranger teams compete at the annual Best Ranger competition at Xavier University. The competition consists of multiple technical and physical events completed in two-Cadet teams.
The Mountain Man teams participate in the annual Mountain Man Memorial March in Gatlinburg, TN. The event started as a way to honor local fallen veterans and their families but has slowly grown every year. It consists of a half and full marathon distance run and ruck march with 35 lbs. of gear.
Events
ROTC Events and Ceremonies
The purpose of ROTC activities and ceremonies are to build unit cohesion, sense of purpose and esprit de’ corps among the members of the Colonels’ Battalion. These events additionally give advance course cadets the opportunity to develop their skill in planning and resourcing events.
Colonels’ Challenge:
The Colonels’ Challenge is conducted the week prior to classes starting each fall semester. The purpose of this event is to recruit the best qualified individuals and develop the core of the freshman MSL class.
Cadet Stakes:
Each fall the ROTC program hosts a regional JROTC Raider Competition on campus. The competition takes a full day to complete and includes various team based events such as land navigation, physical training, one-rope bridge, a mystery event, and other tasks. It also gives high schools the opportunity to visit EKU and get to know cadets and cadre.
9/11 Ceremony:
In September, the Department of Justice, Safety, and Military Science Army ROTC and Office of Military and Veteran’s Affairs host the 9/11 ceremony. The day begins with a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony and ends with a stair climb in Keene Hall. Participants climb the stairwell an equal number of times to represent the stairs climbed by the first responders at the World Trade Center. Cadets also provide an armed guard while a piece of the World Trade Center is out for display on campus.
Military Appreciation Activities:
In November, the battalion will support numerous Veteran’s Day and Military Appreciation Weekend related events. Events include National Roll Call, Memorial Ceremony, Veteran Recognition football game, paver and chair dedications, as well ceremonies held at the Veteran’s Memorial on the EKU campus.
Patching Ceremony:
Each fall new cadets will earn their unit patch by demonstrating their ability to meet the requirements of the Army ROTC Program. To be eligible to participate in the patching ceremony new cadets must be academically eligible, meet the requirements of physical training, and be in good standing with the battalion.
Military Ball:
The Military Ball is the social event of the year where cadets can bring dates to a formal dinner with dancing. This event is steeped in tradition with cadets learning more about military etiquette and ceremony. The ball is mandatory for contracted cadets.
Awards Ceremony:
The battalion will host an awards ceremony at the end of the spring semester. During the ceremony, Cadets will be awarded various military and fraternal awards for their dedication and accomplishments over the school year.
Commissioning Ceremony:
The battalion will host a mid-year and end-of-year Commissioning Ceremony. The graduating cadets will earn their “Gold Bars” and become a commissioned officer in the United States Army.
