Army ROTC cadets are regular students, just like everyone else on campus. They choose a major, and pursue an academic curriculum outlined by the university. The Army ROTC program is designed to augment a student’s standard curriculum, recognizing the fact that our cadets are students first and foremost.
Once a week our cadets meet together as a group for leadership laboratory, along with their regular ROTC academic class meetings. During training, students will put on the uniform and conduct training geared towards developing leadership and military skills. Students who have made the decision to pursue a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard will also participate in Physical Training (PT) in order to develop and maintain their physical fitness level.
Not all of our students go on to serve their country in the military. Some go on to serve as leaders in industry and government. For more information about our curriculum, please click here.
In addition to the standard ROTC curriculum, a student may elect to participate in a variety of clubs and activities geared towards ROTC students:
Ranger Challenge
The varsity sport of Army ROTC, Ranger Challenge an opportunity for schools to compete with each other completing military tasks. A team is composed of eight to ten cadets and is tested mentally and physically through rigorous training and competition. In addition to rope bridge assembly, cadets compete in a grenade assault course, the Army Physical Fitness Test, M16 / M60 disassembly & assembly, land navigation course, and a 10K road march.
Pershing Rifles
The Pershing Rifles is a national fraternal organization geared towards further developing leadership skills and abilities in its members. Alumni of the organization have reached some of the most powerful, and honorable positions within our military, civilian work force, and government. The Pershing Rifles at Canisius College exists to instill a sense of Brotherhood amongst its members, develop their leadership skills, and field an exhibition rifle drill team for competition.
Color Guard
The Color Guard is one of the most proficient organizations on campus. Cadets participating in the Golden Griffin Army ROTC Color Guard present the colors at ceremonial events including home football games and local parades. The Color Guard demands precision and coordination from participating cadets, enhancing skills in drill and ceremony, military customs, military courtesy, and discipline.