ROTC – Military Science

Olivet’s Roaring Tiger Battalion is one of the top ROTC programs in the nation. It offers students, in any academic major, the opportunity to learn lifetime leadership and management skills — even if the military is not part of their post-collegiate plans.

As an Army ROTC cadet, you will learn and practice principles and skills of military leadership, management, Christian values and selfless service to others. While you build expertise and confidence for the future, you will inspiring strength in others. This is an equal experience for men and women, with the exception of different physical fitness standards.

About the Program

All About Leadership

Strong leadership skills launch students into their future careers — in the military and beyond. Cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army upon graduation from Olivet. They may serve with the U.S. Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard, or enter law enforcement as police officers or special agents with the FBI or CIA.

Detail photo of building trimming

Areas of Study

Students who want to pursue a cause that’s bigger than themselves and are physically fit and are well-organized often find the military to be a good fit for them. Olivet prepares students academically and spiritually. Students who complete the entire upper-division course of study receive a commission as second lieutenants in the United States Army and are also awarded a minor in military science by the University. ROTC prepares them physically, mentally and emotionally.

Contact Us!

For more information contact the Department of Military Science.

ROTC@olivet.edu

815-928-5496.

Roaring Tiger Battalion

ONU ROTC Opportunities

As an Army ROTC cadet at Olivet Nazarene University, you will learn and practice skills of military leadership and management alongside a supportive community with foundational Christian values. Watch the video to see what it’s all about!

ROTC at Olivet Nazarene University

Army ROTC offers two-, three-, and four-year scholarships that pay full tuition and mandatory fees. Students can apply at any time from their junior year in high school to the second semester of their sophomore year in college. All scholarship students also earn a $420 monthly stipend while in school, and an annual allowance of $1200 for books and miscellaneous fees.

If you believe you’re an ROTC leader, we’ll help you become it.

Career and Leadership Preparation

Olivet’s four-year military science/Army ROTC program is an additional component to the requirements for earning a bachelor’s degree from Olivet. Cadets choose to pursue a variety of degree programs: criminal justice, nursing, engineering and others. Upon graduation, cadets are commissioned as officers in the U.S. Army, and receive a bachelor’s degree in his/her major area of study.

The program starts with the Basic Course for all students. Then, they have up to two years – with no obligation for future Army service – to decide if this is how God is calling them to serve. When students continue with the Advanced Course, they agree to serve their country for a total of eight years after graduation. This service may be as an officer on full-time duty or part-time in the Army National Guard or Army Reserve while they pursue a civilian career.

ROTC at Olivet allows students to:

  • Learn leadership skills from a Christian perspective for success in the military and in life
  • Develop gifts and talents in a structured setting
  • Be mentored by another cadet during first three years in the program
  • Plan and lead a battalion exercise from start to finish for the Roaring Tiger Battalion
  • Learn basic soldier skills; Apply learning in carrying out a field training exercise
  • Combine classroom time with hands-on experience in leadership development, adventure training and military skills
  • Receive grants to cover room and board expenses
  • Compete against cadets from other northern Illinois ROTC programs in Ranger Challenge Competition
  • Be part of a paid four-week leader evaluation camp during the summer after junior year

By the Numbers

5050%

male to female ratio

22

major battalion training exercises each year

33rd

largest Extension Unit in the country

Director, Military Science Department

LTC Alex Moen

LTC Alex Moen hails from Winnebago, IL. Upon graduation from Winnebago High School he attended Texas A&M University and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Field Artillery. He completed the Field Artillery Basic Course at FT Sill, OK and was stationed at FT Bliss, TX with 5-82 FA 4th Brigade Combat Team 1st Calvary Division as a Firing Platoon leader and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Upon return from deployment, LTC Moen went back to FT. Sill for Captain Career Course and then was stationed with 4-320th FA 4th Brigade Combat Team 101st Airborne (Air Assault). He served as a Squadron Fire Support Officer for 1-61 CAV during a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Upon returning from deployment, LTC Alex Moen commanded Alpha Battery 4-320th Field Artillery and Headquarters and Headquarters Support Company (HSC) for Headquarters Battalion (HHBN) 101st Airborne (Air Assault) in Afghanistan in support of OEF.

Military Science Faculty

Possible Careers in Military Science

  • Police officer
  • U.S. Army National Guard officer
  • U.S. Army officer
  • U.S. Army Reserve officer
  • Pastor
  • Nurse
  • Computer engineer
  • Engineer