Program Overview
Upon entry into the NROTC program, students are designated "midshipmen" and assigned to a platoon within the NROTC Battalion. It is here that they learn the basic military skills: close order drill, inspections, and use of the chain of command. After one or two years in the ranks, midshipmen are given the opportunity to hold billets and develop their leadership skills.
Midshipmen are also afforded the opportunity to participate in many of the social traditions of the Navy and Marine Corps. A variety of formal balls, dinners, and awards ceremonies are held throughout the year. In addition to their normal course load, midshipmen are required to wear their uniforms one day per week, participate in naval science drill laboratory, and attend a one hour physical training (PT) session once a week. The additional time required for participation in NROTC is approximately 3-5 hours per week.
NROTC participation 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. The ISU NROTC Color Guard marches in local parades and ceremonies as well as at ISU home football and basketball games.
