About Army ROTC
Army ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) is one of the best leadership courses in the country. It is an Army leadership and field training program that runs during your normal school schedule. It trains you how to lead and conduct missions as a future officer in the Army. When you graduate, you will earn your commission and gold bar of a Second Lieutenant. It is the best way to get a feel for the Army and still lead a normal college life.
The Army has a wide range of careers in more places around the world than any other U.S. military branch. Army ROTC offers mentorship, shadowing opportunities, and real-world leadership training while still having the full college experience.
Charlie Company is comprised of Cadets that come from varying backgrounds but come together to train in order to become future leaders of the United States Army. Charlie Company works as a cohesive team, exhibits camaraderie, and acts as a professional organization. While they are UC Irvine students, their qualities as a leader that they learn in ROTC are demonstrated in their everyday life activities and distinguishes them from the rest of their peers.
Military Science Courses
Our Military Science Courses (MS Class) provide students with essential skills and knowledge for future military officers. These courses cover a wide range of topics, including land navigation, tactics, and leadership.
Basic Course
ROTC cadets will acquire fundamental Army competencies and develop leadership qualities. Typically, the Basic Course consists of one elective class and a corresponding lab per semester. In addition to these academic components, cadets must participate in mandatory physical fitness training and practical field exercises. This comprehensive approach ensures a well-rounded introduction to military life and leadership development.
- Freshman and Sophomore Year
- Basic Camp
Advanced Course
In the Advanced Course, you’ll study sophisticated military strategies through classroom instruction while honing your teamwork skills to prepare for Advanced Camp. To enroll in this course, you must have completed either the Basic Course or Basic Camp. By participating in the Advanced Course, you’re making a commitment to serve as an Army Officer upon graduating from college. This phase deepens your military knowledge and leadership abilities, setting the stage for your future role in the Army.
- Junior and Senior Year
- Advanced Camp
Through a combination of classroom instruction, practical exercises, and training, Anteater Cadets gain practical experience and develop the confidence needed to become successful military leaders. These classes not only prepare students for military service but also instill valuable skills applicable in civilian careers.
Leadership Lab
The Army ROTC Leadership Lab (LLAB) is a hands-on, practical component of the ROTC program that complements classroom instruction. In these labs, cadets apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, developing crucial military skills. Land navigation exercises challenge cadets to use maps, compasses, and terrain features to navigate unfamiliar environments, enhancing their spatial awareness and problem-solving abilities. Tactical training allows cadets to practice military strategies, small unit movements, and decision-making under pressure. These exercises often involve role-playing various combat scenarios, helping cadets understand the complexities of military operations. Marksmanship training is another vital aspect of the leadership lab, where cadets learn proper firearm safety, handling, and shooting techniques. The leadership lab also emphasizes teamwork, communication, and leadership skills as cadets rotate through different roles and responsibilities. This comprehensive, experiential learning environment prepares cadets for the challenges they may face as future Army officers.
Physical Training
Army ROTC Physical Training (PT) is a crucial component of cadet development, designed to build strength, endurance, and overall fitness. Cadets typically participate in PT sessions three times per week, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, often in the early morning hours of 6am. These sessions include a variety of exercises such as running, calisthenics, strength training, and team-building activities. A key element of the physical training program is preparation for the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). The ACFT is a more comprehensive assessment of a soldier’s physical readiness, consisting of six events: the 3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift, Standing Power Throw, Hand-Release Push-Ups, Sprint Drag Carry, Plank, and 2-Mile Run. These events are designed to simulate combat-related tasks and measure strength, power, speed, and endurance. Anteater Cadets train specifically for these events to meet and exceed the required standards. Regular participation in PT not only improves cadets’ physical fitness but also instills discipline, mental toughness, and a sense of camaraderie among fellow cadets, all of which are essential qualities for future Army officers.