Scholarship Opportunities
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.
Cadets will also get the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities through ROTC. Clubs and organizations such as the Ranger Challenge Team and Color Guard are active at West Chester University.
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:
U.S. Army Airborne School
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 (BAC), teaches Soldiers the techniques involved in parachuting from airplanes and landing safely. The final test includes five non-assisted jump. The purpose of the BAC is to qualify the volunteer in the use of the parachute as a means of combat deployment and to develop leadership, self-confidence, and an aggressive spirit through mental and physical conditioning.
U.S. Army Air Assault School
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.
Cadet Initial Entry Training (CIET)
The Cadet Initial Entry Training (CIET) is an intense four-week introduction to Army life and leadership training of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps. The aim of the course is to motivate and qualify Cadets for entry into the Senior ROTC program. CIET, as it's known, is designed for college students, typically between their sophomore and junior years. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates can take part in ROTC at their college as a third-year student in the four-year program.
Cadet Leadership Course (CLC)
The Cadet Leadership Course (CLC) is a 29-day course that begins with individual training and leads to collective training, building from simple to complex tasks. This building-block approach permits integration of previously-learned skills into follow-on training. This logical, common-sense training sequence is maintained for each training cycle. The purpose of the course is to train U.S. Army ROTC Cadets to Army standards, to develop their leadership skills, and to evaluate their officer potential. Most Army Cadets attend CLC between their junior and senior undergraduate years after having contracted to join the Army. Successful completion of CLC is a prerequisite to becoming an Army officer through ROTC.
Nurse Summer Training Program (NSTP)
The program introduces you to the Army Medical Department (AMEDD) and to the roles and responsibilities of an Army Nurse Corps Officer. Under the supervision of an experienced Army Nurse Corps Officer, you will obtain hands-on experience. Your one-on-one clinical experience will allow you to hone your clinical skills, develop your problem-solving techniques and become comfortable with developing your professional skills as a member of the U.S. Army Healthcare Team.