Training
The West Chester Army ROTC program (Charlie Company) falls under the supervision of the Dauntless Battalion based out of Widener University in Chester, PA. Cadets participate in Physical Training (PT) in the morning on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Military Sciences classes and Leadership labs teach and reinforce techniques that are vital to the success of a cadet and soldier. Additionally, cadets attend a Field Training Exercise (FTX) each semester with the Dauntless Battalion to put into test what they were taught during the semester. These experiences allow the students gain confidence and develop leadership. Army ROTC classes, labs and physical training are conducted on West Chester's campus.
Advanced Training
ROTC Cadets receive hands-on training in rappelling, outdoor survival, first aid, land navigation (map reading), marksmanship, tactics, and other basic military skills. The following are just a few of the courses are available for ROTC cadets to attend:
Air Assault School (AASLT)
U.S. Army Air Assault School is a 10-day course designed to prepare Soldiers for insertion, evacuation, and pathfinder missions that call for the use of multipurpose transportation and assault helicopters. Air Assault training focuses on the mastery of rappelling techniques and sling load procedures, skills that involve intense concentration and a commitment to safety and preparation.
Airborne School (ABN)
Becoming a paratrooper at Airborne School is a unique experience requiring special dedication and a desire to be challenged mentally and physically. This three-week course, also known as Basic Airborne Course, teaches Soldiers the techniques involved in parachuting from airplanes and landing safely. The final test includes a non-assisted jump.
Army Mountain Warfare School (AMWS)
Mountain Warfare School is a 14-day course at Fort Ethan Allen, VT, designed to instruct students in Army operations in mountainous terrain. Graduates of the course get the E skill identifier as a Military Mountaineer. Mountain Warfare School is extremely rigorous.
Northern Warfare School (NWS)
Northern Warfare school is a two-week program of instruction at Fort Richardson, Alaska. The course provides students basic instruction on cold weather survival techniques, mountain and glacier climbing, navigation and river operations. Northern Warfare school is extremely rigorous.
Cadet Troop Leader Training (CTLT)
Provides more than 1,300 Cadets an opportunity to develop leadership skills in a training environment as they shadow and learn from platoon leaders. The CTLT program also includes more than 400 Cadets who support CST to enhance their leadership skills during the Field Training Exercise (FTX) phase as trainers and as the opposing force (OPFOR).
There are two leadership opportunities within the Cadet Troop Leader Training (CTLT) Platoon Leader. The CTLT Platoon Leader Program which consists of platoon leader positions identified by active Army, Army Reserve, and National Guard units both CONUS and OCONUS. Non-SMP MSL III cadets are assigned to the CTLT Platoon Leader program by their PMS and must successfully complete Advanced Camp before proceeding to their assigned position. CTLT Platoon Leader positions do not require an application.
Cadet Interships
Provide additional training opportunities for Cadets in specialized areas, technical fields, and research. The Department of Defense, universities, various government and civilian agencies offer internships to more than 400 Army ROTC Cadets annually.
Examples of available internships include U.S. Army Cyber (ARCYBER), MIT Lincoln Lab Internship (MITLL), National Security Agency (NSA), Nuclear Science & Engineering Research Center (NSERC), JAG Corps (JAG), and the Army Medical Department (AMEDD) as well as opportunities at West Point and the FBI.