Welcome to the Raider Battalion

The Raider Battalion is the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program at Shippensburg University. Located in the heart of the Shippensburg University campus, the Raider Battalion includes students from Shippensburg University, Wilson College, and Penn State Mont Alto.

The Reserve Officer Training Corps is an academic program offering college students the opportunity to develop their leadership skills as they pursue their education in one of the university's major fields of study. Basic military skills are taught throughout the curriculum. All activities, including developmental counseling, are designed to build self-confidence and character.

ROTC students of all levels are invited to attend other events throughout their course of study:

  • Field training exercises
  • Physical training
  • Ranger Challenge competition
  • Social affairs
  • 10K and 10 mile races

 Here's just one example of something our cadets put on each semester!

The Raider Battalion is the ROTC program at Shippensburg University. Located in the heart of the Shippensburg University campus, the Raider Battalion includes students from Shippensburg University, Wilson College, and Penn State Mont Alto. The program combines courses in military science with summer training opportunities to transform you into a U.S. Army officer.

Upon completion of the ROTC program, Ship graduates are commissioned as officers in the U.S. Army and may serve on active duty or in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard. Officers are managers within the Army. Most newly commissioned Second Lieutenants begin their careers as the leader of a platoon consisting of approximately 30 enlisted soldiers.

Scholarships are available to those who qualify. As a high school junior and senior you may apply for a four-year scholarship. As an incoming freshman, you may apply for a three-year scholarship. Qualified sophomores may apply for a two-year scholarship. Scholarships pay for tuition, fees, and a book allowance each semester. You will also be eligible to receive a stipend of up to $5,000 per year. In addition, the Pennsylvania National Guard offers an Educational Assistance Program that pays full tuition for qualified individuals.

The Reserve Officer Training Corps produces the future officer leadership of the U.S. Army. Officers in the Army are managers, problem-solvers, key influencers and planners who lead other Soldiers in all situations. A list of all officer careers and specialties follows:

  • Army Judge Advocate General's Corps Attorney
  • Financial Manager
  • Air Defense Artillery Officer
  • Armor Officer
  • Cyber Operations Officer
  • Engineer Officer
  • Field Artillery Officer
  • Infantry Officer
  • Aviation Officer
  • Military Police Officer
  • Military Intelligence Officer
  • Civil Affairs Officer
  • Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Officer
  • Psychological Operations Officer
  • Signal Officer
  • Veterinary Corps Officer
  • Transportation Officer
  • Nurse Corps Officer
  • Dental Corps Officer
  • Ordnance Officer
  • Chaplain
  • Medical Service Corps Officer
  • Quartermaster Officer

Check out the Army Officer Careers page for more info.

The Military Science minor consists of 18-20 credits that span all four years of any degree program. Anyone going through all four years of the ROTC program will automatically receive the minor, but there are ways for students not interested in commissioning to obtain it as well.

Check out the Military Science Minor Requirements for more information.