Teaching The Leaders Of Tomorrow

At UIUC, approximately 100 students are members of the “Fighting Illini Battalion” and enroll in military science courses each year where they learn to take charge…take command…and take the lead.  While these students come from various backgrounds, experiences, and academic curriculums they come to know, depend and support one another.

Since 1868, the Fighting Illini Battalion has had a very colorful and historic past.  Our battalion has helped in emergencies, been visited by famous people and has shown courage in the face of adversity.

Our Army ROTC Cadre have come from a variety of Army branches and participated in varied active duty and/or reserve battalions from around the world.  Their extensive real-world Army experiences give our cadets the best hands on-training and mentoring.  Our Mission:  To select, motivate, and develop the officer potential of cadets at the University of Illinois, and to commission the future officer leadership of the United States Army.

Army ROTC Cadets are some of the strongest students at the University of Illinois. Among us, you'll find fraternity presidents, student athletes, and scholars from every college and department on campus.

You probably already know us. You've seen us walking to class. If you're up early, you've seen us running in the morning. We present the colors during athletic events.

We are students, just like you. Want to try to be one of us? Give us a call.

University of Illinois Army ROTC alumni have distinguished themselves in military and civilian service for more than 130 years. They have served in every conflict since the Civil War. They have served honorably at home and abroad, defending freedom. To this day, our alumni serve proudly around the world.