ROTC Cadet Life

Basic camp is an intensive 32-day training event at Fort Knox that introduces Cadets to the processes and systems within the Army. Cadets learn leadership skills, team building, and begin to learn the Army Values.

Basic camp gives the Cadets a change to learn what normal-progression Cadets learned in their first two years of ROTC classes. It allows aspiring Cadets to catch up to the foundational skills that their piers learned during the first two years. Not all Cadets have to attend basic camp.

More About Basic Camp

Advanced camp is a 35-day training event at Fort Knox. Cadets continue to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills while being evaluated. Cadets demonstrate the leadership and tactical skills that they developed throughout their time in ROTC. Cadets attend this camp the summer after their Junior (MSIII) year. 

Cadets receive a ranking against up to 6,000 other Cadets attending the camp throughout the Summer. The grade and placement that they receive at camp will be what helps to determine if they can serve in the component and branch that they want as an Officer in the Army. 

Learn more about Advanced Camp

CTLT gives Cadets the opportunity to shadow an active duty Officer in their branch of choice. For three to four weeks, Cadets learn valuable leadership skills and get to experience daily life in their desired job placement. Cadets travel, live, and eat free of cost during their mentorship. 

Ranger Challenge is a competition held at Fort Knox each year. Our team is comprised of cadets from the Chippewa Battalion. These schools are Central Michigan, Ferris State, Northwood University, and Alma College. Cadets complete a series of events and challenges that test their mental and physical toughness. Some of these events include road marches, land navigation, one-rope bridges, marksmanship, and many others. There are up to 38 schools from 7th Brigade that compete, and the top two move on to the more advanced competition at West Point. Cadets are selected to compete by the team captains.

Ranger Challenge Common Attributes:

• Physical and mental toughness
• Tactical proficiency
• Land navigation skill
• First aid knowledge
• Marksmanship ability

The Army 10-Miler is an event held annually in Washington D.C. This team is comprised of cadets from the Chippewa Battalion. These schools include Central Michigan, Ferris State, Northwood University, and Alma College. Military personnel, veterans, and civilians worldwide travel to compete. Each year, cadets from the Chippewa Battalion are selected to represent the school. The course typically passes through iconic landmarks like the Pentagon and National Mall. 

10-Miler Common Attributes:

• Cross country/track background
• Distance running ability
• Sub 1 hour 30 minute 10-mile run capabily

The Cannon Club is a group of volunteer cadets who fire the cannon at Ferris football games. They typically fire after the national anthem, after the team runs out, after every Bulldog touchdown, and at the end of the game. Cadets will also be available to answer questions about the cannon and to demonstrate how it works. 

The Queen's Court at Ferris State raises the US flag during the national anthem at football games. The cadets practice the ceremony prior to football games and throughout the season. The purpose of this club is to uphold traditions, respect, and patriotism. This club is volunteer based. 

At hockey and basketball games, the Color Guard carries the national flag, state flag, Army flag, and rifles. Cadets render the proper respects during the playing of the national anthem and then execute a formal exit. This club is volunteer based. 

Tactics club offers cadets the opportunity to refine their tactical proficiency outside of normal class hours. The class is designed for our students to obtain a deeper understanding of their tasks and missions as leaders. All academic levels are encouraged to attend. 

Before the annual Central Michigan vs. Western Michigan football game, the game ball is transported by running it between Mount Pleasant and Kalamazoo. Ferris cadets participate by running one of the legs of the route. Cadets typically run between two and three miles per person. Central Michigan is the host school of Ferris State. Our schools colaborate a number of times throughout the year.

Cadets at Ferris State participate in a number of volunteer and fundraising events throughout the Big Rapids area. Events that we participate in annually include the Reed City marching band glow show and the Big Rapids Veterans' Day Parade. Cadets also organize fundraisers to help fund cadet activities and our staff rides.