Welcome to Penn State Altoona Army ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps). By enrolling in ARMY 101 or 102, you have taken the first step in exploring an option that will you will benefit from regardless the number of semesters that you take ROTC. Please allow me take a few minutes to give you some initial information about our program.

Army ROTC is an educational program that provides you an opportunity to learn about Army organization and gives you practical leadership experience. ROTC students are not in the military. There is no obligation until your junior year unless you accept an ROTC scholarship before then. Freshman and sophomore courses are worth 2 credit hours each. You can apply at least six ROTC credits towards your degree requirements. Each freshman course consists of one hour of classroom instruction, two hours of leadership lab, and three hours of physical training each week. Activities include land navigation, paint ball, first aid, weapons training, and many more events.

In order to participate fully in Army ROTC, we have to have two forms completed and placed in our files. The Medical Fitness Statement (DA Form 3425-R) can be completed by any licensed physician (preferably your family doctor). Legibly print the student’s first name, middle initial and last name where indicated. After a physician examines the student, the physician signs and date the form. The Dental Exam Information Form can be completed by the student. Legibly print the information where indicated on the form and the student (Cadet) signs the form. NOTE: We are not asking for any dental records. We are required by law to have the information on file. Complete these and bring them to the first leadership lab.

Physical training is an integral part of the ROTC program. Click here for a few tips to get you started. I highly suggest that you buy a pair of quality running shoes from a store that helps ensure the right type of shoe for your running style. The store I buy from has me run in each pair I try as the salesperson watches and critiques the performance of the shoe for my technique.

If you did not give Major Foster or Sergeant First Class Rickman your phone number and Penn State email address at FTCAP, send a short message stating that you signed up for ROTC to AltoonaROTC@psu.edu. We may have at least one event prior to the start of classes and will need the means to inform you about the time and location.