Cadet Experience

The training you receive while enrolled in the University of Georgia Army ROTC program is designed to train and develop students in to scholars, athletes, and leaders. Military Science classes are 3-4 hour credit classes that will prepare you with the tools, training and experiences that will help you succeed in any competitive environment.

The classes consist of two lectures and one leadership lab per week. The classroom lectures cover management, ethics, tactics, law, military history, and Army society while the leadership labs focus on tactical training to include basic rifle marksmanship, rappelling, land navigation, and squad tactical exercises. During classes and field training, you will learn first-hand how to lead others, how to motivate groups, and how to conduct missions as an officer in the Army.

Three images of cadets, from left to right: six cadets gathering in the forest, a large group of cadets outside on a lawn, and seven cadets leaving an army helicopter.

ROTC at a Glance

Incoming Cadet
Cadets are immersed in the army lifestyle and the values that come with it. Cadets complete physical training three days a week and begin taking labs to learn basic soldier tasks, individual movement techniques, basic officership, land navigation, and military customs and courtesies.

Sophomore Cadet
Sophomore Cadet become more engaged with the program and begin to take on leadership roles. The curriculum continues with land navigation, small unit-level tactics, battle drills, rules of war, and the principles of war.

Junior Cadet
Junior Cadets begin leading other Cadets in physical and combat training with the oversight of seniors and cadre members. Throughout the year, Junior Cadets also begin teaching classes to sophomore and freshman cadets. The classroom instruction includes in-depth analysis of the principles of war, platoon-sized tactics, and troop-leading procedures.

The year culminates with Advanced Camp, located at Fort Knox, KY, which lasts five weeks.

Senior Cadet
Senior Cadets prepare to commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army.

Throughout the year, Senior Cadets plan all the events for the battalion and develop junior cadets in their leadership roles. Classroom instruction involves the administrative side of leadership, which includes planning, operations, and training.

Clubs

Army ROTC also has unique clubs, such as Ranger Challenge, Color Guard, the Scabbard and Blade Honor Society, and the Bulldog Battalion Student Organization.

Ranger Challenge

Cadets walking through a course with their hands on their heads as a part of the Ranger Challenge Competition. The Ranger Challenge Team walking in full gear through an open field. The 2023 Ranger Challenge Team posing in front of a building with 14 rangers and one in the front kneeling holding a UGA flag.

Color Guard

The 2004 Color Guard posing in formation in green uniforms and red berets. Four Color Guard members kneeling next to Uga and Hairy Dawg at a UGA football game. Color Guard holding the American and Georgia flags inside a rodeo barn.

Scabbard and Blade Honor Society

Composite of the 1920 1st Scabbard and Blade Members. The 1965 Scabbard and Blade members posing outside the Military Building.

Summer Training

Each summer, Cadets attend several different summer training opportunities. Between their MS3 and MS4 year, Cadets attend Advanced Camp (AC) at Ft. Knox in Kentucky, where they are assessed on the information and skills they have acquired through ROTC to ensure they are prepared to become officers.

In addition to the training Cadets receive on campus, there are also many opportunities for additional training all over the world. These training opportunities include Airborne School, Air Assault School, Mountain Warfare School, Cadet Troop Leader Training, Military Internships, as well as other opportunities.

Cadet holding a thumbs up and smiling with headphones on inside a small tactical room. Cadet holding an award. Three individuals wearing uniforms, the one in the middle is wearing a camo uniform and the ones on the sides wearing a blue uniform. Cadet leaning against a sign that says School of Engineering Air Force Institute of Technology. Cadet wearing a camo uniform and black beret standing outside in from of a structure that says "The Air Assault School."

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a typical week like for a Cadet?

Cadets participate in physical training (PT) 3 days a week in the mornings before classes as a group. Physical training may include work outs such as group runs, weight training, ruck marches, or group sports such as basketball or dodgeball.

Cadets attend their MILS class twice a week along with a leadership lab on Thursday afternoons. Cadets also attend their regular classes, participate in clubs and sports, and take part in other activities on and off campus.

If I sign up for MILS, am I committed to the Army?

No, there is no requirement to contract until MILS 3010. You may take the first two years of AROTC with no commitment to serve after.

Why Should I choose Army ROTC over a different service’s ROTC program?

The Army offers a wider range of career opportunities, in more places worldwide, than other U.S. Military services.

Do Cadets wear uniforms everyday?

No, Contracted Cadets are only required to wear uniforms on scheduled class days, other specified days for events, and to PT. Non-contracted Cadets will be given an ROTC polo shirt to wear on scheduled class days.

Can I participate in other organizations and clubs?

Yes! Cadets are encourages to be active in both on and off campus organizations, including greek life, sports teams (Including varsity, club, and IM teams), and service organizations, such as HEROS and UGA Miracle.

What should parents know about ROTC?

Army ROTC helps your student by combining a solid academic foundation with a leadership development program. Cadets learn the principles of leadership, Army history and organization, as well as military field craft. ROTC offers classroom studies, hands-on field experience, and physical training.