Training
ROTC cadets are organized into a command structure based upon their academic year, leading to different roles and responsibilities for each.
100 & 200 LEVEL COURSES
As a 100 or 200 level cadet (MSI or MSII), you will be introduced into the program and guided by higher level cadets. You will be instructed in basic/individual tasks, yet also be a constituent in collective training exercises. Non-scholarship cadets can take the first two level series without incurring any military duty obligations.
300 LEVEL COURSES
As a 300 level cadet (MSIII), you will be evaluated as a leader in your ability to organize, prepare, instruct, and direct your fellow cadets to the successful completion of training exercises. Course instruction will focus on the orders process, troop leading procedures, and small unit tactics. During the course of the year, the leadership performance of the 300 level cadets will compose a portfolio important to that cadet’s rank in the national order of merit list
400 LEVEL COURSES
As a 400 level cadet (MSIII), you will work in a battalion-level staff position to plan, organize, and implement training events for the lower classes. You will share your leadership experience and conduct leadership evaluations on the 300 level cadets.
CADET EVALUATIONS AND ORDER OF MERIT LIST
The performance of cadets will be evaluated at all levels by examining grades, physical fitness, tactical knowledge, and demonstrated leadership ability. These evaluations serve to produce a nationwide ranking of cadets in an order-of-merit list (OML). The OML is an important consideration of every cadet in the program as it is the primary determining factor in branch selection. The Army is divided into a variety of occupation branches to which cadets vary in their preferences. A higher rank on the OML increases the probability of acquiring your top choice. Branch selections are usually posted in the fall of a cadet’s 400 level year.
CONCURRENT TRAINING – WEEKLY/SEMESTER
PHYSICAL TRAINING
PC ROTC regularly conducts physical training from 0615-0730 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Objectives of this training is to develop physical fitness of our cadets so they can meet and exceed physical fitness requirements. As a 300 level cadet, you will be given a turn to compose and implement PT plans.
LEADERSHIP LABS
PC ROTC conducts Leadership Labs from 1500 – 1800 every Thursday afternoon. The focus of the training varies from week to week, each session building your tactical skills or preparing for larger training exercises. Cadets are required to wear their uniform throughout LAB days. LABS are normally conducted at our ROTC training area. Our training area is within 3 miles of campus, over 1,000 acres in size, and has a land-navigation course.
LAND NAVIGATION
Each semester, PC ROTC conducts day and night land navigation training. Cadets will utilize prior classroom instruction on map reading, terrain association, and the compass to find a series of points/markers in the woods at our training area near Presbyterian College.
FIELD TRAINING EXERCISES
Each semester, our ROTC program conducts a lengthy field training exercise (FTX) over the course of one weekend. Fall FTX focuses as an introduction to the program and encompasses events such as land navigation, rappelling, the swim test, obstacle/confidence courses, and rifle marksmanship. The Spring FTX serves as a test of the 300 level cadets in their tactical leadership over a variety of missions, battle drills, and variables. The Spring FTX serves as a capstone experience to the year’s tactical exercises, emphasizing platoon-level leadership and missions. Each FTX is conducted on the training grounds and facilities of
BASIC RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP
During the Fall FTX, the battalion spends one day on the M16 rifle range at Fort Jackson to practice skills in basic rifle marksmanship.
COLOR GUARD
The PC ROTC Color Guard is responsible for presenting the colors at a variety of actives throughout the year such as Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, and several athletic events on campus.
