BRIEFING

Santa Clara University — Bronco Battalion

ARMY ROTC

Department of Military Science

Agenda

01

Program Overview

What is ROTC? Enrollment, timeline & requirements

02

Weekly Schedule & Training

PT, MILS class, labs, and Field Training Exercises

03

Scholarships & Perks

Financial support, stipends, and UCSC cadet benefits

04

Extracurricular Activities

Ranger Challenge, Color Guard, and competitions

05

Specialty Schools

Air Assault, Airborne, Mountain Warfare, CDQC & SAPPER

06

Army Internships

EIP, CTLT, ASB, RIP, AMEDD, and more

07

Branching Process

TBB, branch categories, commissioning options

Department of Military Science

SECTION 01

Program Overview

Building the next generation of Army Officers

Department of Military Science

What is Army ROTC?

• Leadership-Building Program
• Army ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) is a college-based program designed to develop future commissioned officers in the U.S. Army.
• Academic & Military Integration
• Cadets take Military Science (MILS) courses alongside their regular degree program, developing leadership, ethics, and tactical skills.
• Commission Upon Graduation
• Successful graduates are commissioned as Second Lieutenants (2LT) in the U.S. Army — Active Duty, Army Reserve, or National Guard.
• Hosted at Santa Clara University
• The Bronco Battalion at SCU serves as the host program for cadets from SCU, UCSC, Stanford, SJSU, and surrounding colleges.

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Enrollment Pathways

• Traditional Track (Freshmen & Sophomores)
• The standard path — join as a freshman or sophomore, with or without prior military service. Cadets complete the full 4-year program (MS1–MS4).
• 2-Year Contract (Juniors — Prior Service Only)
• Juniors may enroll on a 2-year contract, but only if they have prior military service. This shortened track requires immediate commitment to a cadet contract.
• Basic Camp Requirement
• Students joining during their sophomore year may be required to attend Basic Camp at Fort Knox during the sophomore-to-junior summer to make up the MS1 year content.
• MS5 Status (5-Year Undergraduates)
• If your undergraduate degree takes 5 years, you will be classified as an MS5 cadet — the program is flexible to accommodate longer degree plans.

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Cadet Summer Training (CST)

• What is CST?
• A mandatory 5-week training event held at Fort Knox, Kentucky. CST is the �culminating field training experience for all ROTC cadets.
• When Does It Happen?
• Cadets attend CST during the summer between their junior (MS3) and �senior (MS4) years.
• Commissioning Requirement
• Successful completion of CST is a requirement for commissioning as a U.S. Army officer. It cannot be waived under normal circumstances.
• What to Expect
• CST evaluates leadership, land navigation, physical fitness, tactical operations, and teamwork — preparing cadets for their role as platoon leaders upon commissioning.
• MS5 Flexibility
• Cadets on the 5-year track attend CST between their MS3 and MS4 summers — the timeline remains the same regardless of graduation year.

Department of Military Science

SECTION 02

Weekly Schedule & Training

Physical training, classroom instruction, and field exercises

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MS1 / MS2 Weekly Schedule

First and second-year cadets — foundational military science and physical training

⚑ Lab location rotates — confirm each week with your cadre. All cadets regardless of year group attend the same lab session.

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MS3 / MS4 Weekly Schedule

Junior and senior cadets — advanced leadership and increased class time

⚑ MS3/MS4 cadets carry greater leadership responsibility during labs and PT sessions — senior cadets lead formations and training events.

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Field Training Exercises (FTX)

• Frequency
• One FTX per semester — typically held once in the fall quarter and once in the spring �quarter.
• Location
• Fort Hunter Liggett, California — a U.S. Army Reserve installation in Monterey County �ideal for field operations training.
• What Happens at an FTX?
• Cadets practice land navigation, tactical movement, leadership reaction courses, �patrolling, and small unit tactics in a realistic field environment.
• Equipment Issued
• All necessary field equipment and uniforms are issued to cadets at no cost — including �rucksacks, canteens, load-bearing equipment, and field gear.
• Who Attends?
• All cadets (MS1–MS4) participate. FTXs are a critical opportunity to apply classroom instruction in the field.

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SECTION 03

Scholarships & Perks

Financial support and exclusive benefits for UCSC cadets

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Army ROTC Scholarships

• Three Tiers of Scholarships
• Scholarships are awarded at the local, branch specific, and national level — multiple opportunities to receive funding throughout your cadet career.
• National Scholarships
• Competitive scholarships covering full tuition and room & board at the host campus (Santa Clara University). Cadets from partner schools (e.g., UCSC) receive full tuition, but room & board coverage applies to SCU only.
• Branch Specific Scholarships
• The Minuteman Scholarship supports cadets pursuing the Army Reserve or National Guard — covers full tuition OR up to $12,000 per year in room and board. Also, $1,200 a year book stipend on top of cadet stipend.
• Local SCU Scholarship Board
• Santa Clara Army ROTC holds an annual scholarship board to award a local scholarship covering tuition. Any enrolled cadet may apply.
• Flexible Award Duration
• Scholarships may be awarded for 2, 3, or 4 years — meaning you can receive a scholarship whether you join as a freshman, sophomore, or junior.

Minuteman Scholarship

Link

National Scholarship

Link

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Stipend & UCSC Cadet Perks

$420 / Month

Monthly Stipend for Contracted Scholarship Recipients:�Covers textbooks, supplies, uniforms, and travel expenses between UCSC and SCU.

Priority Enrollment

UCSC cadets receive priority class enrollment — register before the general student population.

Remote Parking Waiver

Freshmen & sophomores receive a remote parking permit waiver — no additional cost for campus parking.

C-Permit Waiver

Junior and senior cadets receive a C-permit parking waiver on the UCSC campus.

Gear & Uniforms

All field equipment and uniforms issued at no cost. Dress blues provided for Color Guard members.

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SECTION 04

Extracurricular Activities

Compete, serve, and build esprit de corps

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Ranger Challenge

• What is Ranger Challenge?
• An intense inter-ROTC competition where cadet teams go head-to-head against programs from across the region in the Ranger Challenge Competition — demonstrating physical toughness, military skills, and unit cohesion.
• Events Include:
• Rucking (loaded ruck marches), land navigation, obstacle courses, weapons assembly, physical fitness challenges, and tactical problem-solving events.
• When Does It Happen?
• The main competition is typically held in the winter. Practices and preparation begin throughout the fall quarter.
• Who Can Participate?
• Any motivated cadet can try out for the Ranger Challenge team. It's one of the most physically demanding and rewarding things you can do as a cadet.
• Esprit de Corps
• Ranger Challenge builds tight bonds between cadets and fosters the warrior ethos that defines great Army leaders.

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Color Guard

• What is Color Guard?
• A ceremonial team of 4 cadets who present the national and state flags at �official events and ceremonies.
• Team Composition
• 2 cadets carry the U.S. national flag and California state flag. 2 cadets serve�as armed escorts carrying rifles.
• Events & Performances
• Color Guard cadets represent the Bronco Battalion at a wide range of �events — from SJSU Spartan football games to major NFL games including �San Francisco 49ers games at Levi's Stadium.
• Practice Schedule
• Cadets practice periodically between classes — fits around your academic schedule without significant time burden.
• Dress Blues Access
• Color Guard members receive access to the Army Service Uniform (Dress Blues) at no cost and are fitted for free.

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Staff Ride

• What is a Staff Ride? �A long-standing U.S. Army tradition — an experiential, peer-led learning opportunity where cadets conduct independent research, assume the roles of historical units or leaders, and brief their peers on key battles while physically walking the terrain where they occurred.
• When Does It Happen? �Senior cadets (MS4) enrolled in MILS 401 participate in the staff ride as the culminating experience of their officership and military history coursework. Academic preparation throughout the quarter leads into on-site briefings at museums, memorials, and preserved battlefields.
• Where Do We Go? �From Belgium to South Korea, Santa Clara's Bronco Battalion is uniquely positioned to take this tradition international. In December 2025, six MS4 cadets traveled to South Korea to study pivotal Korean War battles — including the Battle of Osan and the Battle of the Naktong Bulge — standing on the very ground where history unfolded.
• What Cadets Experience �Visits to war memorials, preserved battlefields, active U.S. Army units, and historically significant sites. The 2025 cohort also visited the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) through special military connections — an experience rarely available to the public.
• Why It Matters: �Maps only tell part of the story. Walking the terrain transforms classroom strategy into lived understanding — and connects the history of past conflicts to the responsibilities of future officers. "Leadership isn't just a role, it's a moral responsibility. The staff ride reminded me that I owe my future soldiers preparation and honesty." — AJ Martinez '26, Bronco Battalion MS IV Cadet
• Funded By:�International staff rides are made possible through donor support. The Army provides the curriculum framework — travel costs are covered through contributions to the SCU Military Science program.

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Department of Military Science

SECTION 05

Specialty Schools

Advanced training opportunities beyond ROTC

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Air Assault School

• What is Air Assault School?
• A rigorous 10-day U.S. Army course that trains soldiers to conduct �air assault operations using military rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters).
• What You Learn
• Rappelling from helicopters, sling-load operations, pathfinder �techniques, and combat assault tactics. The course culminates in a �12-mile road march.
• The Air Assault Badge
• Graduates earn the coveted Air Assault Badge — one of the most �recognized skill badges in the Army.
• How It's Offered to Cadets
• Cadets may be nominated by cadre and selected to attend Air Assault School over the summer. Selections are competitive and based on performance, fitness, and leadership evaluations.
• Physical Requirements
• Candidates must meet Army fitness standards and pass a physical assessment at the start of the course. Physical preparation is strongly encouraged beforehand.

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Airborne School

• What is Airborne School?
• A 3-week course at Fort Moore, Georgia that qualifies soldiers to conduct parachute operations from fixed-wing military aircraft.
• The Three Weeks
• Ground Week: Mastering exit techniques, landing falls, and parachute control. Tower Week: Jumps from 34-ft and 250-ft towers. Jump Week: 5 qualifying parachute jumps from C-130 or C-17 aircraft.
• The Parachutist Badge
• Graduates earn the Basic Parachutist Badge (Jump Wings) — a prestigious Army skill badge worn for life.
• How It's Offered to Cadets
• Cadets are nominated by cadre during their cadet career and may attend over the summer between academic years. Selection is competitive and based on cadet performance.
• Why It Matters
• Airborne qualification opens doors to elite assignments including the 82nd Airborne Division, Army Special Operations, and Ranger Regiment billets.

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Additional Specialty Schools

• Mountain Warfare School
• Conducted at the Vermont National Guard's Mountain Warfare Training Center. Teaches cold-weather survival, mountaineering, and high-altitude operations. Summer and winter courses available.
• Combat Diver Qualification Course (CDQC)
• One of the most challenging courses in the Army — trains soldiers in underwater combat diving using SCUBA equipment for clandestine infiltration. Typically reserved for Special Operations-track cadets.
• SAPPER School
• A 28-day leadership and combat engineering course at Fort Leonard Wood. Tests leadership under extreme physical and mental stress. Graduates earn the SAPPER Tab — one of the hardest to earn in the Army.
• Selection Process
• All specialty schools are competitive. Cadets are selected based on performance evaluations, physical fitness, leadership scores, and cadre recommendations.

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SECTION 06

Army Internships

Gain real-world experience across the Army enterprise

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Internship Application Process

• How to Apply
• Cadets submit a formal packet to the specific internship program they wish to participate in. Applications are coordinated through your cadre (the ROTC instructors at SCU).
• Standard Packet Components
• Most programs require a letter of recommendation from a cadre officer or professor, and a personal essay explaining your interest, qualifications, and goals.
• Timing
• Applications are typically submitted during the academic year for summer internship slots. Deadlines vary by program — work with cadre early.
• Competitiveness
• Internship selection is competitive across all ROTC programs nationally. Strong academic performance, physical fitness scores (AFT), and leadership evaluations improve your chances.
• Pro Tip
• Start preparing your personal statement and building a relationship with your cadre early — strong letters of recommendation come from officers or faculty who know you well.

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Army Internship Programs (1 of 2)

Technical & Research Programs

Intelligence, Legal & Medical Programs

• Engineering Internship Program (EIP) — Work alongside Army engineers on infrastructure, R&D, and technical projects.
• Army Science Board (ASB) — Support senior scientific advisory panels informing Army technology and policy.
• Research Internship Program (RIP) — Conduct hands-on research at Army laboratories and research centers.
• National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSAIP) — Support nuclear security missions and policy within the DoD/NNSA enterprise.
• Rapid Equipping Force (REFIP) — Help identify and field rapid-acquisition solutions for deployed Army units.

• Intelligence & Security Command (INSCOMIP) — Support Army intelligence collection, analysis, and security operations.
• Forensic Internship Program (FIP) — Apply forensic science skills in support of Army criminal investigation and legal cases.
• Army Medical Department (AMEDDIP) — Gain clinical and operational experience within Army medical facilities.
• Nurse Summer Training Program (NSTP) — Designed for nursing students; work in Army hospital and clinical settings.
• Joint Training Counter-IED OIC/SIMS (JTCOICSIMSIP) — Train on IED defeat tactics and simulation-based operations.

Department of Military Science

Army Internship Programs (2 of 2)

Leadership & Operational Programs

How to Choose the Right Program

• Cadet Troop Leader Training (CTLT) — Shadow and assist active duty platoon leaders in a real operational unit. Highly recommended for all cadets.
• Public Affairs Officer Internship (PAOIP) — Develop communications skills working with Army public affairs offices and media operations.
• Chaplaincy Internship Program (CHIP) — Support Army chaplains in pastoral care, counseling, and religious support missions.

• Align with your branch interests — if considering Medical, apply for AMEDDIP or NSTP. Cyber-track? Pursue INSCOMIP.
• CTLT is universally valuable — regardless of branch, seeing a real unit before commissioning is one of the best things you can do.
• Talk to your cadre — they have visibility into which programs are most competitive and which fit your profile.
• Apply to multiple programs to maximize your chances of selection.

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SECTION 07

The Branching Process

Choosing your Army career path

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The Branching Process — Overview

• What is a Branch?
• Your branch is your primary specialty as an Army officer — it defines your job (MOS), your training pipeline, and the type of unit you'll lead upon commissioning.
• When Does Branching Happen?
• After completing CST, cadets enter their senior year (MS4) where they take on the senior cadet leadership role AND begin determining which branch of the Army they will commission into.
• Over 20 Branches Available
• The U.S. Army organizes its branches into four categories: Combat Arms, Combat Support & Information, Force Sustainment (Logistics), and Medical.
• Talent Based Branching (TBB)
• Cadets pursuing Active Duty or Reserve commission go through TBB — a structured process involving interviews or packets that matches each cadet's skills, education, and preferences with Army branch requirements.
• National Guard Commissioning
• Guard-track cadets must proactively reach out to the specific unit they wish to join and obtain an acceptance letter to commission into that unit's branch.

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Combat Arms Branches

• Air Defense Artillery (AD)
• Protects Army forces and national assets against aerial and missile �threats using Patriot, SHORAD, and other air defense systems.
• Armor (AR)
• Employs tanks (M1 Abrams) and cavalry for offensive operations, �reconnaissance, and combined arms combat.
• Aviation (AV)
• Conducts aerial operations including assault, attack, reconnaissance, �and lift missions using rotary and fixed-wing aircraft.
• Corps of Engineers (EN)
• Provides combat engineering, mobility/countermobility, survivability,� and construction support to the Army.
• Field Artillery (FA)
• Delivers precision indirect fire support to maneuver forces using howitzers, rockets, and missile systems.
• Infantry (IN)
• The primary ground combat force — leads the fight in close combat, urban operations, and direct action.
• Special Forces (SF)
• Unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, direct action, and special reconnaissance missions — the Army's elite special operations force.

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Combat Support & Information Branches

• Chemical Corps (CM)
• Provides CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) defense, reconnaissance, and decontamination capabilities.
• Cyber Corps (CY)
• Conducts offensive and defensive cyberspace operations, electronic warfare, and network operations — one of the Army's fastest-growing branches.
• Military Intelligence (MI)
• Collects, analyzes, and delivers intelligence to commanders at all levels — HUMINT, SIGINT, GEOINT, and all-source analysis.
• Military Police (MP)
• Provides law enforcement, force protection, detainee operations, and area security across the battlefield.
• Signal Corps (SC)
• Designs, installs, and operates communications networks and information systems that keep the Army connected.
• Civil Affairs (CA)
• Manages civil-military operations — engages local populations and governments to support mission objectives and reduce civilian-military friction.

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Force Sustainment (Logistics) Branches

• Adjutant General's Corps (AG)
• Manages all soldier personnel records, HR operations, and soldier welfare programs across the Army.
• Chaplain Corps (CC)
• Provides spiritual care, counseling, and religious support to soldiers and their families.
• Finance Corps (FI)
• Manages all Army financial operations including pay, contracting support, and fiscal accountability.
• Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG)
• Provides legal services including military justice, operational law, administrative law, and legal assistance to soldiers.
• Ordnance Corps (OD)
• Maintains, repairs, and manages weapon systems, vehicles, ammunition, and explosive ordnance disposal.
• Quartermaster Corps (QM)
• Supplies food, water, petroleum, clothing, and general supplies — keeping the Army fed, fueled, and equipped.
• Transportation Corps (TC)
• Moves troops, equipment, and supplies by land, sea, and air to sustain operations worldwide.

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Medical Branches

• Medical Corps (MC)
• Army physicians providing clinical care, medical leadership, and operational medicine support.
• Medical Service Corps (MSC)
• Healthcare administrators, scientists, and medical operations officers managing Army medical units and facilities.
• Medical Specialist Corps (SP)
• Physical therapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, and physician assistants serving Army medical needs.
• Nurse Corps (AN)
• Registered nurses and advanced practice nurses providing patient care across Army hospitals and combat support hospitals.
• Dental Corps (DC)
• Army dentists providing comprehensive dental care and oral health services to soldiers worldwide.
• Veterinary Corps (VC)
• Veterinary officers supporting food safety, military working dog care, and research laboratory animal medicine.

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Active Duty, Reserve & National Guard

• All Branches Are Available — With Conditions
• Upon commissioning, all branches listed are available — but availability varies between Active Duty, Army Reserve, and National Guard. Some branches are restricted to Active Duty only.
• Talent Based Branching (TBB) — Active / Reserve
• Cadets commissioning into Active Duty or the Army Reserve go through the TBB process. TBB involves a structured series of interviews or a competitive packet that evaluates your skills, academic background, physical performance, and branch preferences against the Army's talent requirements.
• National Guard Commissioning
• Cadets wishing to commission into the National Guard follow a different path — you must identify a specific Guard unit, reach out to that unit directly, and obtain an official acceptance letter authorizing you to branch into that unit's designated MOS.
• Plan Ahead
• Branch preferences should be discussed with your cadre early in your MS3 year. Research branches that align with your degree, career goals, and whether you want Active Duty, Reserve, or Guard service.

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Thank You

For Your Time and Interest in Army ROTC

Bronco Battalion | Santa Clara University | Department of Military Science

Department of Military Science

?

QUESTIONS

We're here to help — ask anything about ROTC, commissioning, or life as a cadet.

Interested? Feel Free to contact our Recruiting and Enrollment Officer Mario Morales:�Office: 408-554-6840�Email: mcmorales@scu.edu

SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY | ARMY ROTC | DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE

Department of Military Science