What is Army ROTC?
ROTC is an elective college course designed to train future Commissioned Officers in the United States Army. ROTC may be taken by any students during their freshman and sophomore years without any military obligation. Following graduation from the Reserve Officer's Training Corp, cadets receive a Commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
What is a Commissioned Officer?
Officers are the leaders and decision makers of the U.S. Army. Officers serve as planners and managers in all functions of the Army and are the men and woman who lead and guide their soldiers. Officers require a four year college degree and are responsible to develop and maintain high professional standards.
Is ROTC like boot camp?
No. Cadets attend college classes like other students, participate in varsity and intramural sports, are involved in clubs and enjoy time with their friends.
What are the benefits of participating in Army ROTC?
The main benefit of joining ROTC is to become a Commissioned Officer in the United States Army - one of the most technologically advanced organizations in the world. ROTC students taking only the first two years without obligation, benefit from leadership training. Students will learn communication skills, briefing skills, interpersonal skills, will maintain a high degree of fitness and creating better citizens.
Most officers fulfill their minimum obligation by serving 4 years of active duty and 4 years in a reserve component. A reserve component may be the Army Reserve, the National Guard or the Individual Ready Reserve - a list only activated in cases of national distress.
Other officers choose to fulfill their entire service obligation in the Army Reserve or National Guard. Officers in this case have other civilian occupations and serve in the Army 1 weekend a month and 2 weeks a year.
What sets “Steel” battalion ROTC apart from other schools?
The "Steel" Battalion is consistently rated among the best ROTC programs in the country as well as one of the oldest. It is also noted for being one of the highest ranked producers of engineers in the country. Our cadets are scholar, athlete, leaders who are very involved on their college campuses. Our cadets are varsity athletes, student club presidents, class officers and are respected by their peers.
What would be my job in the Army?
Simply put; a leader. Once you've been Commissioned, you'll find plenty of opportunities as an Officer to apply what you've learned in college. Today's Army is more advanced than ever with the most advanced equipment and sophisticated computers. If you plan on majoring in electrical engineering or mechanical engineering, the Army may have opportunities for you in Aviation, the Corp of Engineers, Military Intelligence, Ordnance or Signal Corps.
As a Lieutenant, you'll be making management decisions about budgets and administrative planning, directing daily operations of personnel and equipment. While your counterpart in private industry might just be enrolling in a management training course, you'll already be leading men and women on the job and adding to your leadership credentials.
What's the next step about getting involved in Lehigh University Army ROTC?
For information on Admission and Enrollment to the program you may contact Mr. Harry Harp at 610-758-3272 or email him at hjh213@lehigh.edu. You are also welcome to visit Lehigh University and schedule an appointment to tour our department or meet with a representative who will gladly answer any questions you may have.
The “Steel” battalion is hosted at Lehigh University. Students also participate from DeSales, Lafayette, Kutztown, Moravian, Muhlenberg, Alvernia, PSU-Berks, PSU-Lehigh Valley, Northampton Community College and Lehigh Carbon Community College.