What Do We Do?

The stated purpose of ROTC is to prepare the future leaders of America to receive a commission as a United States Army Officer. To do this, the Golden Buffalo Battalion Cadre use several methods and tools:

Classroom Teaching

ROTC students are of course attending college, and some aspects of military knowledge can be taught best in the classroom. These include management skills, troop leading procedures, map reading, and other leadership basics.

Go to curriculum information and a list of classes.

Leadership Laboratories

Each week Cadets participate in outdoor training activities and involve skills that are best taught outside a classroom environment, such as terrain walks to improve land navigation, squad tactics, and survival training.

Physical Training (PT)

Physical fitness and leading a healthy lifestyle are important parts of military service. Cadets participate in PT three times per week (actual day dependent on which school attending ROTC classes) to increase muscle strength and endurance. PT consists of grass drills, push-up and sit-up improvement, and ability group runs. PT is mandatory for all contracted cadets. 

Field Training Exercise (FTX)

The Field Training Exercise (FTX) is AROTC’s most demanding training tool. One weekend a semester is reserved for the Battalion to train at the United States Air Force Academy or Ft. Carson, Colorado where the student is completely immersed in an Army-style training environment. FTX’s are meant to simulate the conditions that MS III’s will face at the Cadet Leaders Course (CLC) at Ft. Knox, KY, the U.S. Army’s largest training exercise.  Successful completion of CLC is a prerequisite to becoming an Army officer through ROTC.

Ranger Challenge Team

The purpose for Ranger Challenge Program is to challenge Cadets in tough mental and physical competition, enhance leader development, develop team cohesion, and to develop healthy competition among the battalions.  Each year, top Cadets from around the country gather to compete in Army ROTC’s varsity sport: the ROTC Ranger Challenge.  This voluntary competition offers outstanding teamwork training while demanding your best physical and mental efforts. Events include orienteering, in which teams use land navigation skills to find 40 checkpoints over a four-square-mile course; and constructing a one-rope bridge, in which teams cross a 40-foot water obstacle using a single rope and plenty of ingenuity. 

Other events include the grenade assault course or grenade throw (depending on course availability), patrolling (option to administer written test); land navigation, M4 marksmanship, weapons disassembly and assembly, and a 10K road march.

The Ranger Challenge team provides Cadets with a unique opportunity to learn soldier skills, develop physical and mental toughness, and be part of a winning tradition. Annually, more than 300 universities nationwide field teams to compete in a series of challenging military events. The Buffalo Battalion routinely fields one of the strongest teams in the nation. Training for this event includes rigorous physical fitness workouts, information classes on various elements of light infantry tactics, and a weekend Field Training Exercise where rifle marksmanship, rope management, land navigation, combat casualty care and other skills are practiced. Making a commitment to the Golden Buffalo Battalion team will provide you with outstanding leadership training, a high level of physical fitness and, perhaps more importantly, teach you about yourself. Are you up to the challenge?

Who Can Join?

The Ranger Challenge team is required to have at least 9 Cadets in order to compete – with at least one Cadet from each grade level and male/female team members. All Cadets are eligible to try-out for the team.  The only true requirement is a strong desire to be the best you can be. For more information, contact the CU-Boulder Department of Military Science at 303-492-6495.

Army ROTC Color Guard

The University of Colorado Boulder ROTC Color Guard is one of our most highly respected organizations. They are responsible for carrying our nation’s colors during parades, football games, basketball games, marches, and other various events.

Each year in Golden, the Army ROTC Color Guard is requested to be present at local parades. In addition to the Color Guard, other Cadets are welcome to attend and walk with the floats! To be part of the Color Guard is an honor and is truly respected.

Military Ball

The Military Ball is an age-old tradition in the Army. An occasion for which military personnel dress in their finest uniforms, a Military Ball is an opportunity for Cadets, cadre, alumni, and faculty to interact in a social, albeit formal, setting. Food, atmosphere, and entertainment are festive, extravagant and pleasant. Awards are presented to Cadets. This is very likely to be the most popular event the Buffalo Battalion offers.

Tri-Mil Competition

Army ROTC teaches Cadets the importance of comradery through many different events. Annually in October, Cadets compete against the Navy, Air Force, and Marine ROTC Cadets/Midshipmen as a fun way to build competitive spirit and teamwork.  For the last three plus years the Army has won this coveted competition.