The Jayhawk Battalion posing at Allen Fieldhouse

Become the Leader you are Striving to Be

Join the elite ranks of KU Army ROTC and carry on a proud tradition dating back to World War I. Our program is one of the top ROTC programs in the country, offering the unique advantage of having all military services represented right here at the University of Kansas. Since our establishment in 1918, we have commissioned over 2,300 second lieutenants - a testament to our dedication to producing the best leaders in the Armed Forces. Enroll now and become part of the legacy of excellence at KU Army ROTC.

Welcome to the Jayhawk Battalion

Becoming a U.S. Army Soldier means joining the world's most formidable fighting force. Our mission is to train, work, and serve together to protect America's freedoms while living a unique and diverse lifestyle that only the Army can provide.

As the premier producer of Army officers, Army ROTC has been the broadest avenue for men and women seeking to serve as leaders in the Army since its founding in 1916. With more than half a million lieutenants commissioned through our program, we are proud to offer the most respected and prestigious pathway to a career as an Army officer.

Our cadets come from all walks of life and backgrounds, each with their own unique interests and accomplishments. From former student government presidents to varsity sports captains, club presidents to National Honor Society members, our diverse group of individuals excel in their chosen areas of interest.

Join us at the Jayhawk Battalion and become part of a legacy of excellence in leadership, teamwork, and service to our nation.

Sign Up for Fall 2024 New Cadet Orientation

Join New Cadet Orientation (NCO): A dynamic three-day training event to kickstart your ROTC journey.

About the Jayhawk Battalion, Army ROTC

Army ROTC is a college elective that teaches you the skills needed for a successful career. You'll combine classroom time with hands-on experience and learn leadership and management skills. Additionally, because it's an elective, you can try it out for up to two years with no commitment. Whether you choose a career in the Army or the corporate world, Army ROTC will provide you with the confidence and leadership skills you need to succeed in college and beyond.

What is the outcome of studying Military Science?

  • A Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Active Army, Army Reserves, or the Army National Guard
  • Live by the Army Values (Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage).
  • Have specific mental, physical, and emotional attributes.
  • Demonstrate specific conceptual, interpersonal, technical and tactical skills.
  • Influence others through communication, decisiveness, and motivation.
  • Operate units by planning, executing and assessing progress.
  • Improve the Army by developing people, teams and self.

What do you do in the Jayhawk Battalion?

  • Attend physical training three mornings per week, M-W-Th from 0600-0700
  • Attend Leadership Lab (2 hours) Thursday afternoon (3:00-5:00 pm)
  • Attend a class on Thursday (Freshman/Sophomore- 6:30-7:20 pm; Junior/Senior- 6:30-8:20 pm)
  • Help with projects (football games, Veteran's Day parade, blood drives, community service projects, etc.)
  • Two (2) field training exercises (FTX) per year (48 hour duration in the Fall semester and 96 hour duration in the Spring semester) 
  • Attend a 37-day Cadet summer training event between the Junior and Senior year at Fort Knox, Kentucky

What do you study in Military Science?

  • Basic leadership skills
  • Basic Soldier skills (land navigation, marksmanship, military orientation)
  • Confidence and team building
  • Army history and traditions

What do you get out of KU Army ROTC?

  • A Full or Part-Time Job (Active Duty Lieutenants start at approximately $57,000)
  • Scholarship opportunities (100% of tuition and fees, book allowance and stipend)
  • Physical fitness

LEARN MORE ABOUT ARMY ROTC This link will take you to goarmy.com and you will be able to learn more about the careers the Army offers.

KU Army ROTC By-the-Numbers

2,320
Total number of Commissioned Second Lieutenants in Program History
82%
ROTC Graduation rate which is higher than the University Average.
69%
Cadets receiving National Scholarship, Campus-Based Scholarship, or State/Federal Tuition Assistance.
3.23
Average GPA for the Unit. ROTC places an emphasis on Studying, Networking, and Mentorship.

National High School Scholarship Application

Seize the Opportunity: Applications Open on June 12, 2023. Join Our Team, Forge Your Path as a Future Army Leader. Apply Now!

Cadets in Action

In ROTC, the thrill of adventure awaits beyond the traditional classroom setting. Cadets have the opportunity to engage in a wide range of exhilarating activities that go far beyond textbooks and lectures. From heart-pounding Helocasts and intense Weapons Ranges to adrenaline-fueled Combatives training, our program offers a dynamic and hands-on approach to learning. But the excitement doesn't stop there. Military Balls, camaraderie-building exercises, and a host of other thrilling events are also part of the ROTC experience. Discover a world where education meets adventure, where classroom boundaries are surpassed, and where lifelong memories are made. Join us in ROTC and embrace the excitement of a truly extraordinary journey.

Jayhawks in action

Two Cadets jumping out of a helicopter into Clinton Lake during the spring Helocast event

Ignite Your ROTC Journey: Let Us Help You Begin!

Take the Next Step: Apply, Inquire, Connect! Explore National High School Application, Request Information, Schedule an Appointment. Get started now!