Teaching The Leaders Of Tomorrow

The Huskie Battalion draws a majority of our Cadets from here on the NIU main campus, but we also have affiliate agreements with Kishwaukee and Waubonsee Community Colleges which allow students to cross enroll for credit if they eventually plan to attend NIU for their four year degree.  We function under the College of Health and Human Sciences here on campus, but our Cadets come from every one of the seven Colleges and Schools that make up the University.  Our motto “Huskie’s Lead the Way!”  represents all that we strive for which is to grow adaptive, flexible students who will lead both here on campus and eventually in the US Army.

Army ROTC has been a part of the NIU experience since 1968, and we have commissioned over 500 Lieutenants since our first graduating class in 1971.  While we have moved from one academic element to another within the University, we have consistently made positive contributions to the NIU reputation and provided a home away from home for our Cadets.

Our cadre bring a wealth of combat, army and civilian experience to our students, and we take pride in the fact that we function just like an Army unit when it comes to caring for our Cadets.  That means that we track academic progress, arrange counseling and assistance with other University departments, and truly take and interest in our Cadets personal growth..  We have Active Duty Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) working alongside Officers and NCOs from the Reserve Component, and each brings a unique perspective and background that we find helps our Cadets map out their future.

NIU ROTC Cadets are a cut above their contemporaries here on campus.  They have elected to challenge themselves and take on additional responsibilities both here in College and in the years beyond.  Their academic majors vary from business to nutrition, to nursing, to visual arts, but each and every one of them strives to excel no matter what their field of endeavor.

Huskie Battalion alumni have gone on to distinguish themselves in both military and civilian life.  They are the best examples of what our program can do for you.