Program Overview
Upon entry into the NROTC program, students are designated "midshipmen" and assigned to a squad and platoon within the NROTC Battalion. It is here that they learn basic military skills such as close order drill, time management, leadership, and the use of a chain of command. Almost immediately, midshipmen are given responsibilities within the platoon and within a year, will have held a leadership or collateral billet within that platoon. The program curriculum is also designed to teach the midshipmen the Navy Core Values of honor, courage, and commitment.
Midshipmen are afforded the opportunity to participate in many of the social traditions of the Navy and Marine Corps. These events include the Navy and Marine Corps Birthday Ball, Senior Dining In, Dining Out, awards ceremonies, and commissionings. In addition to their regular class load, midshipmen are required to take at least one naval science class per semester, wear their uniforms two days per week, participate in naval science lab and drill periods, and participate in a one hour session of physical training, three days a week. The additional time required for participation in NROTC is approximately 8-10 hours per week.
Participation in NROTC offers a variety of extracurricular social and athletic activities. In addition to the various professional societies and clubs, the NROTC Unit is also very competitive in the Universities' intramural program which involves such sports as flag football and softball. Midshipmen are very active in the community, participating in Toys for Tots, Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity and other service projects. The ISU NROTC Color Guard marches in local parades and ceremonies as well as at ISU home football and basketball games.
