22-FALL-FTX group photo with US flag

Cadet Life

When you become a part of Army ROTC, you're not just working toward a diploma but an even brighter future as a leader alongside other motivated Cadets.

But make no mistake, you're a student first.

You'll have a college schedule like your fellow students, but you'll also receive classroom and field courses that will challenge and excite you. These opportunities include Field Training Exercises (FTXs) each semester where Cadets build their teamwork and leadership skills. Cadets also participate in Physical Training (PT) on a regular basis to keep up their strength and endurance. Other events include Combat Water Survival Training (CWST), where Cadets learn swimming techniques and overcome the fear of heights by jumping blindfolded from a high dive.

Beyond that, you can take part in events and activities with fellow Cadets that will make your college experience even better.

Sample Week

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
6:00AM - 7:00AM Physical Fitness Physical Fitness Physical Fitness
9:00AM - 4:00PM
4:30PM - 6:30PM Class and Labs

ROTC Priorities

  • Your academics come first, then physical fitness, and then the ROTC curriculum.
  • As part of the combined Green Mountain Battalion, physical fitness training happens three days a week at the Athletic Campus Facilities on the University of Vermont campus. Neighboring Saint Michael's and Champlain College go to UVM because of their proximity to the UVM campus; however, Middlebury does its fitness training on its campus.
  • Curriculum, classes, and labs are conducted on campus or at the National Guard base with transportation provided.
  • Once a semester, there is a multiday weekend lab that incorporates tactics, land navigation/orienteering, weapons marksmanship, mountaineering skills, and many more opportunities.

rapelling cadet

First Year: Leadership & Personal Development

Overviews leadership fundamentals such as giving direction, problem solving, listening, presenting briefs, providing feedback, and using effective writing skills. Students begin to explore leadership dimensions and values in a 60-minute class and a 2.5-hour leadership lab every week.

cadet on monkey bars

Sophomore Year: Innovative Team Leadership

Examines the challenges of leading in complex contemporary operational environments. Dimensions of the cross-cultural challenges of leadership in a constantly changing world and their application to leadership tasks and situations is covered. Case studies and the importance of teamwork and tactics in real-world settings are explored.

cadet rapelling

Junior Year: Adaptive Tactical Leadership

Study of intense situational leadership challenges to build student awareness and skills in leading small units. Skills in decision-making and motivating team members when "under fire" are explored, evaluated, and developed.

Senior Year: Developing Adaptive Leaders

Explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations. Students examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in the face of international terrorism. Aspects of interacting with non-governmental organizations, civilians on the battlefield, and host nation support are examined and evaluated.

  Contact Us

To learn more or to discuss how we can assist you, contact us!

Phone: (802) 865-5777
Fax: (802) 860-2775
Email: sco@champlain.edu

Physical:
251 South Willard Street
Perry Hall Room 226
Champlain College
Burlington, VT 05402-0670

Mail:
163 South Willard Street
PO Box 670 
Champlain College
Burlington, VT 05402-0670