ROTC Life
When you come to ISU to begin your freshman year of college, all Midshipmen, whether they have a scholarship or are enrolled in the College Program, are invited to attend a Freshman Orientation for five days before university classes begin. This orientation includes an introduction to the skills of Close Order Drill, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps and their traditions, and physical training. Uniforms are also issued during the week of orientation. The goal of this process is to familiarize the incoming freshmen with life as a Midshipman in the Naval Services, allow them to meet the other Midshipmen of the battalion, and give them an idea of what to expect and what will be expected of them for the next four years at Iowa State University NROTC.
In addition to classes required for their particular degree program, each Midshipman will take a Naval Science class and attend lab periods on Tuesdays for two hours and an hour of drill each Thursday once the semester starts. Every Tuesday, Midshipmen wear their uniforms all day while on campus to enhance public relations and unit pride.
At Iowa State NROTC, academics are our number one priority. The battalion hires tutors to help Midshipmen succeed in their courses, especially Calculus, Physics, and Chemistry. Assistance is also available from battalion Midshipmen for other classes. While academics is our top objective, it is recognized that extracurricular activity contributes to a well rounded individual, and therefore Midshipmen are encouraged to be involved in campus activities and even various unit activities which might include Color Guard, Drill Team, and community service.
Through Midshipmen run clubs such as John Paul Jones Society and Semper Fi Society, the battalion gets an additional source of income that helps support the unit's extracurricular activities. It also provides funds to defray the cost of the Navy / Marine Corps Birthday Ball, the Senior Class Mess Night, gifts from the battalion, and picnics or pizza parties the battalion may host.
Organized physical training, or PT, assists the Midshipmen in preparation for the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) and the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) administered each semester for Navy and Marine options respectively. Physical work outs are also designed to get Midshipmen in the routine of military lifestyle and develop good habits.
All of these factors-- academics, extracurricular activities, and physical fitness-- are what comprise life as a Midshipman at ISU NROTC. Four years later, these experiences and opportunities prepare the Midshipman to succeed as a commissioned officer who exemplifies Honor, Courage, and Commitment in the United States Navy or Marine Corps.
