Training at the Argonaut Battalion
Army ROTC Leadership Excellence Unit InsigniaThe Army ROTC unit insignia was designed to embody the various characteristics that make up an Army ROTC Cadet. The shield symbolizes the Army mission of national defense and is divided into quarters representing the four traditional military science courses comprising the Senior ROTC curriculum. The sword signifies courage, gallantry and self-sacrifice intrinsic to the profession of arms. The helmet is symbolic of the ancient civilization concept of the warrior scholar. The lamp denotes the pursuit of knowledge, higher learning, and the partnership of Army ROTC with American colleges and universities. The color gold is representative of the gold bar worn by Army second lieutenants.
Academics
College is all about academics. As a college student, you have embarked on a journey towards a chosen major. Army ROTC is a unique course- unlike any other course offered, however it is not different when it comes to the academics. Not only will the student be challenged in their normal courses, they will be challenged in Army ROTC. Cadets will learn military tactics, traditions, customs, courtesies, and doctrines. Cadets will also learn skills and lessons that are applicable to life outside of the military, to include Time Management skills, Health and Fitness, and Stress Management. Academic learning is the foundational knowledge that all the other training depends on. This foundation is used to create the base knowledge vital to an Army Officer and leader.
Field Training
Field training is the most fundamental and applicable training event that makes a difference in a cadet’s education. Applying the lessons learned in the classroom to problems and scenarios in the field is the capstone learning experience for ROTC. In the classroom, cadets will learn various skills such as Land Navigation and Terrain Analysis, Squad and Platoon Battle Tactics, Decision Making, and Leadership. In the field, this knowledge can be put to the test all at once to complete Squad Tactical Exercises, Patrolling Exercises, and Land Navigation. UWF Army ROTC cadets are put to these tests and training events often, with an opportunity for all to participate as leaders and followers. UWF is fortunate to be located in an area that provides easy access to Army, Navy, and Air Force bases that can provide an array of opportunity for training each semester.
Physical Fitness Training
Physical Fitness is part of an Army Soldier and Officer’s lifestyle and career. As such, it is a pinnacle focus of the training of Army ROTC cadets. We conduct physical training regularly and push each other to not only meet and exceed the fitness standards of the Army, but to exceed their own personal fitness goals and ambitions. UWF Army ROTC cadets participate in Physical Training (PT) 3 days a week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Running, push-ups, and sit-ups are the events that make up the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), but we do much more when it comes to training. We integrate cardiovascular training, weight training in the campus multi-million dollar fitness center, and various sports like football, soccer, frisbee. All of these training events are designed and implemented to help transform the mind and body of a cadet to be mentally strong and physically tough.
Leadership
Army ROTC is considered to be the single greatest leadership training in the country. The program is designed from start to finish to teach cadets how to be a follower and a leader. The academic coursework teaches the fundamentals of leadership and followership. The field training allows the cadets to apply their learning to lead cadets in solving field problems and real-life scenarios. During field training exercises, the cadet is presented with an operations order in which they must lead their squad or platoon in a mission to accomplish various objectives. These missions can include assaulting an objective, achieving a tactical advantage over an adversary, or gaining intelligence on the enemy without detection. During these operations the cadet is challenged with operating as both a follower and a leader on various levels. The skills learned as a leader are invaluable as an Army Officer, as well as a civilian.
Ranger Challenge
UWF Army ROTC cadets have the opportunity to participate on a team that competes annually in various events. The team is comprised of the most dedicated and physically fit cadets who are the embodiment of an Army Officer. They are strong, tough, and smart. They compete in various events that test their ability to operate as a team, accomplish obstacles and push physical endurance levels. The team is developed throughout the year to create a competing team that trains for the competition that involves various schools from the Eighth Brigade. In the past 5 years UWF Army ROTC Ranger Challenge Team has placed within the top 5 in each competition against other colleges such as Auburn, Mississippi State, University of South Alabama, and the University of Alabama. This year, for the first time in UWF history, the UWF Ranger Challenge Team placed 1st in the division!
Extra-Curricular
In addition to the training events and academics that ROTC cadets conduct throughout the week, cadets are encouraged to participate in other events that have a great amount of learning opportunity. UWF students can participate in sports teams, clubs, and organizations all over campus. The university has a wide variety of organizations and sports to choose from. The Army ROTC department also provides opportunities for the cadets to participate in events such as providing a Color Guard for public events such as sporting events and local community events such as parades, ceremonies, and graduations. UWF also hosts events and competitions for local high school Junior ROTC cadets twice a year.
US Army Training Opportunities
There are many training opportunities with the US Army through Army ROTC. These training opportunities are available to qualified cadets during the summer break at various active and reserve Army installations. The U.S. Army Airborne School is a three week course taught at Ft. Benning, GA, home of the Army's Infantry and Ranger Schools. Cadets have the opportunity to earn their Airborne wings by completing five jumps, including one at night. Air Assault is two weeks long and is taught at both Fort Campbell, Kentucky and Fort Shafter, Hawaii. Students will learn basic and advanced rappelling techniques from towers and helicopters. Mountain Warfare School is a two-week course conducted at the Ethan Allen Firing Range at Jericho, VT. Both a summer and a winter phase are offered. Its mission is to develop and conduct resident mountain warfare training under both summer and winter conditions. The mountain warfare course develops the leadership and technical skills of Army personnel by requiring them to perform mountaineering tasks in a realistic tactical mountain environment. It provides the student with the practical hands-on experience in the application of tactics and techniques needed for mountain operations. Northern Warfare Training is at Ft. Greely Alaska, just outside Delta Junction. Students have the opportunity to experience the beauty and majesty of Alaska while learning challenging and exciting skills. The Northern Warfare Training school teaches fighting techniques unique to the arctic environment including glacier training, water operations and air-mobile operations.