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.
By enrolling in ROTC, you are preparing for a career as a military officer, not enrolling in the Army. ROTC cadets do not have to commit to any military obligation (unless accepting an ROTC scholarship) during the first two years of the program. Students are encouraged to take advantage of all opportunities available to Shippensburg students including sports, band, SGA, and fraternities.
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.
Military Science Programs
Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Program
The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Program is a sequence of elective courses that prepare students to become officers in the United States Army upon graduation. It develops your leadership skills while you pursue a graduate or undergraduate degree in any of Shippensburg University’s majors.
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
- 5K and 10K races
Military Science Minor
The Military Science Minor enhances leadership skills and prepares you for leadership opportunities and consists of 27 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.
Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)
The Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) allows you to participate in Army ROTC and serve in the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard at the same time. It gives you an opportunity for additional training and experience. Cadets serve as Officer trainees in the Reserve or National Guard while completing college. You can earn Reserve/Guard pay and benefits in addition to your Army ROTC allowances.
Why Choose ROTC?
Benefits
Monthly stipends, critical language incentives, and summer training opportunities exist for ROTC students.
Scholarships
There are many scholarship opportunities for ROTC students that assist with many of the financial obligations of a college education.
Careers
Officers in the Army are managers, problem-solvers, key influencers and planners who lead other Soldiers in all situations. Below you will find a list of all officer careers and specialties.
US Army Reserves Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the sections below to view or download helpful Army National Guard (ARNG) and US Army Reserve (USAR) information for ROTC cadets.