Cadet Life
A Typical Bobcat Battalion Cadet Week
As a Bobcat Battalion cadet/student, you will be part of a small fellowship of Ohio University students who have committed themselves to national service, in training to be soldier/leaders. Our first-year cadets begin their academic lives as part of the Army ROTC Learning Community, living together in the Convocation Center. You and your fellow cadets will meet three mornings per week for physical training, and every Wednesday you will “show your colors” by wearing the Army OCP uniform to class. This chart shows what the normal expectation is for a cadet. Each cadet will take ONE military science class per week and attend leadership lab on Wednesday and physical training on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0600 | Physical Training | Remedial PT | Physical Training | Physical Training | Remedial PT |
| 0830 | Senior Class (MSC 4010/4020) | ||||
| 0900 | Junior Class (MSC 3010/3020) | ||||
| 0940 | Freshman Class (MSC 1010/1020) | Sophomore Class (MSC 2010/2020) | |||
| 1045 | Freshman Class (MSC 1010/1020) | ||||
| 1150 | Sophomore Class (MSC 2010/2020) | 1300 Junior Class (MSC 3010/3020) | |||
| 1200 | Senior Class (MSC 4010/4020) | ||||
| 1300 | Sophomore Class | Junior Class | |||
| 1500 | Leadership Lab |
As a student/cadet, you will find there is a group of students, Army officers, and academic experts standing by to ensure your academic experience at Ohio University is the best it can be. Our priority for you as a cadet/student is:
- Ensuring your academic success
- Physical Fitness - the Bobcat Battalion prides itself in creating physically-fit leaders. Our physical fitness program will set you up to “lead from the front” in all physical endeavors.
- Preparing you to be a moral and ethical leader.
Extracurricular Programs
Bold Warrior/Ranger Challenge
Cadets form into a team of 9 and compete against 37 other teams at Fort Knox, KY, in a test of physical and cognitive feats. Cadets train in the first semester for the competition. Events include construction of and crossing a one rope bridge, simulated hand grenade tossing, obstacle courses, road marching, and many other technical events.
Red Leg
Cadets on the Red Leg team provide support to home football games and other community events as the cannon crew. Cadets fire the ceremonial cannon after touchdowns and field goals for football games and the cannon serves ceremonial purposes for remembrance on September 11th and as the start for the Athens Marathon.
Color Guard
The Ohio University ROTC Color Guard presents the colors (United States flag) during major events such as ceremonies, games, and parades. The Color Guard consists of three color bearers and a two cadet guard.
German Armed Forces Badge of Proficiency (GAFBP)
All cadets have the opportunity to earn the GAFBP annually during the Fall Semester. Cadets compete for Gold, Silver, and Bronze ratings. Events include M9 pistol shooting, road marching, a fitness test, and swimming among others. Cadets who earn the badge may wear it on their dress uniform for the rest of their career.
3 Gun Shoot
Each year the program sends a four-cadet team to compete in local 3 Gun Shoot consisting of rifle, pistol, and shotgun shooting. Cadets work with a former Special Forces soldier as they go through the course.
Xavier Best Ranger
Cadets form into two person teams and compete in male, female, and coed categories in a competition similar to the Bold Warrior competition. The competition occurs on the Xavier University campus and requires mental and physical toughness and stamina.
Army 10 Miler
The program sends a team of cadets each year to Washington, DC, to compete in the Army 10 Miler. Cadets unable to attend can run a virtual race on campus with the program.
Cadet Testimonials
“Deciding to join the Bobcat Battalion is one of the best decisions I’ve made. I have met some great friends and my education is being paid for. I have been pushed to my limits and been made stronger because of it. I am fortunate to be a member of one of the best ROTC programs in the nation. The friends made in ROTC are your friends for life!”
—Cadet Charles Cook
"Joining the Bobcat Battalion was one of the best decisions I have ever made, not because of the affordable education or the guaranteed honorable career, but because of the opportunity to grow so close with some of the best people I believe I will ever meet. The cadets I work with every day, my friends, are such a cut above the average college-aged student. The Bobcat Battalion prepares cadets to strive for academic, athletic, and moral success. Learning those skills becomes much easier knowing my cadre and my cadet-friends are all behind me, treating me like family. As an out of state student, I was worried my transition to Ohio would be difficult, but the Battalion leadership and my close friends in the program have made my time in Athens truly unforgettable!"
—Cadet Richard Danylo
“The Bobcat Battalion is comprised of Ohio U students who are willing to exceed the normal standard, day-in and day-out. Being a cadet in the Bobcat Battalion has not only pushed me to reach my goals, but to exceed them: academically, physically, and mentally. The growth I’ve experienced, because of our cadre and my peers, is immeasurable. I have made friendships and created memories I won’t forget! Being a part of such a top-tier organization isn’t easy, but it pays off—successful, confident, tenacious leaders are created and tested in the Bobcat Battalion!”
—Cadet Carissa Nickell