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Naval ROTC

NROTC Endurance Race

Colorado NROTC: A Path to Leadership and Service

A part of CU Boulder since 1941, the NROTC (Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps) program is an excellent opportunity for students at the University of Colorado to gain leadership skills and training while pursuing their education. Eligible students can also qualify for financial benefits ranging from a monthly stipend to full tuition.  The program is designed to prepare students for a career as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy or Marine Corps.

Eligibility Criteria for Participation

To participate in the CU Boulder NROTC program, students must meet certain eligibility criteria, including:

  • Being a citizen of the United States
  • Being between the ages of 17 and 27
  • Being physically fit and able to pass the Navy/Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test
  • Having a GPA of at least 2.5
  • Being able to pass a background check
  • Meeting the Navy and Marine Corps' moral and conduct standards

Leadership Lessons

The CU Boulder NROTC program provides students with a wide range of leadership training and experience.  Some of the leadership lessons that students can expect to learn include:

  • Time management and organization: Students will learn how to manage their time effectively, prioritize their tasks, and stay organized.
  • Communication: Learn how to communicate effectively with peers, superiors, and subordinates.
  • Decision-making: Students will learn how to make decisions quickly and under pressure.
  • Teamwork: How to work effectively as part of a team and lead teams of their own.
  • Ethics: Being an officer in the military brings a lot of responsibility and requires maintaining a strong code of ethics.

These lessons are taught through a combination of classroom instruction and practical application including student led Field Exercises (FEX), Leadership Reaction Courses (LRC), and hands-on Service projects and events.

Personal Takeaways

MIDN 1/C Annelene Belknap

During my participation in the CU Boulder NROTC program, I transformed from timid to confident in making decisions even in challenging situations.

“Confidence is not something that can be gifted, it must be earned through experience and hard work, and participating in the CU Boulder NROTC program provides the perfect opportunity to develop this crucial trait.”

MIDN 1/C Bryce Austin

As my four-year journey nears its end, I have improved my skills as a public speaker, communicator, planner, and leader, due to a heightened level of self-confidence and trust in my abilities and those of my peers.

“The CU Boulder NROTC Program provided me with a rich learning experience that taught me the importance of leadership, resilience, and determination in shaping my future and achieving my goals.”

Contact information.

For more information about the CU Boulder NROTC program. Prospective students can contact the Program Information Officer, 2nd Lt Justin Bandstra at (303) 492-4342 or visit the program’s website at: https://www.colorado.edu/nrotc/.

The NROTC program at CU Boulder is an excellent opportunity for students to gain leadership skills, training, and experience while pursuing their education. It is a rigorous program with high standards but is extremely rewarding and fulfilling. If you are interested in this program, make sure to be ready to work hard, learn, and lead.

Sources:

https://www.colorado.edu/nrotc/ https://www.netc.navy.mil/
Unit staff members