Army ROTC classes and training
Classes
The general military science curriculum used for Army ROTC is not branch specific, but instead represents basic subjects common to all Army officers. It consists of a lecture course, accompanying lab and physical fitness class. The physical fitness class is required for contracted cadets. It is optional for others but highly recommended for those considering a future as an Army officer.
Labs
Engage in challenging outdoor activities such as small unit tactics, rifle marksmanship, and land navigation skills on your way to becoming a U.S. Army Second Lieutenant. Leadership skills develop over the semester until Cadets lead others while still under the guidance and supervision of the cadre.
Training review
Army ROTC Summer Training Opportunities
Army ROTC cadets can participate in various summer training programs, typically between their sophomore and junior years. These programs are designed to enhance leadership skills, provide practical military experience and prepare cadets for future commissioning as officers in the U.S. Army.
Leadership Development Exercise (LDX)
The Leadership Development Exercise (LDX) is conducted once per semester, offering cadets a multi-day practical exercise to demonstrate the skills and knowledge acquired during the semester.
- The fall LDX focuses on squad-level operations.
- The spring LDX emphasizes platoon-level operations and often involves collaboration with cadets from neighboring universities.
Cadet Summer Training (CST)
Cadet Summer Training (CST) is held annually at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and serves as the U.S. Army's largest training exercise and the USACC's capstone training event. Most Army ROTC cadets attend CST between their junior and senior years, after contracting to join the Army. Successful completion of CST is a prerequisite for commissioning as an Army officer through ROTC.
The 29-day course begins with individual training and progresses to collective training, building from simple to complex tasks. This structured approach allows for the integration of previously learned skills into subsequent training activities. Every day at CST is a day of training.
Visit Future Army Officers for more information.
Cadet Troop Leadership Training (CTLT)
Cadet Troop Leadership Training (CTLT) provides cadets with the opportunity to experience active service during a four-week leadership experience conducted at real Active Army units across the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, Europe and Korea. Cadets serve in lieutenant-level positions and interact with soldiers in platoon-level elements, performing leadership and management tasks necessary to train the platoon's soldiers and maintain equipment.
While participating in CTLT, cadets continue to receive a rate of pay and allowances equivalent to that received at the Cadet Leadership Course.
Visit U.S. Army Cadet Command Cadet Leader Training for more information.
Cadet Leadership Training (CLT)
Cadet Leadership Training (CLT) provides cadets with the opportunity to apply leadership skills, interact with highly skilled and experienced noncommissioned officers and drill sergeants, and improve common task skill proficiency in an Army training environment. Cadets serve in positions with the cadre of Initial Entry Training and One-Station Unit Training units — Basic Combat Training.
Visit U.S. Army Cadet Command’s Cadet Leader Training for more information.
Cadet Field Training (CFT) at West Point
Cadet Field Training (CFT) is a four-week event held during the Cadet Summer Training cycle, where ROTC cadets integrate with the West Point Corps of Cadets. At West Point, cadets train on individual and collective small unit tasks, providing incredible training opportunities for less-experienced ROTC cadets by fully immersing them into Army training and operations. CFT also serves as a great opportunity to integrate ROTC and West Point cadets before they are commissioned together into the officer corps.