Kutztown Army ROTC

Non-Scholarship Cadets

Army ROTC is one of the Nation's top leadership development programs available to students.  Even without a scholarship, contracted Cadets receive a wide range of benefits designed to enhance personal growth, professional readiness, and career opportunities.

• Monthly Stipend: Receive a tax-free stipend of $420 per month during the academic year once contracted.
• Paid Summer Training: Attend the Cadet Summer Training (CST) course at Fort Knox--fully paid and essential for commissioning.
• Exclusive Training Opportunities: Compete for slots at elite Army schools such as:
  • Airborne School (U.S. Army Parachute Training)
  • Air Assault School (Helicopter Operations and Assault Tactics)
  • Mountain Warfare, Sapper Leader, and Combat Diver Qualification Courses
• Leadership Development: Lead peers in challenging environments, sharpen decision-making skills, and build resilience under stress.
• Career-Ready Credentials: ROTC graduates are highly regarded by employers across all industries for their discipline, problem-solving, and leadership.
• Guaranteed Job After Graduation: Commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army--serving Active Duty, Army National Guard, or Army Reserves.
• Uniforms, Equipment, and Training Resources Provided: All issued at no cost to the Cadet.

Whether you are looking to earn a commission or simply gain unmatched leadership experience, Army ROTC gives you the tools to lead, the confidence to succeed, and the opportunity to serve with honor.

Scholarship Cadets

Army ROTC scholarships offer more than just financial support--they unlock access to a high-impact leadership pipeline and a debt-free path to a commission as a U.S. Army Officer.  At Kutztown University, scholarship Cadets in the Steel Battalion (Bravo Company) can receive comprehensive benefits designed to set them up for success both in uniform and beyond.

• Up to Full Tuition and Fees OR Full Room and Board: Choose to have 100% of tuition and mandatory fees covered OR elect full room and board--a benefit matched by Kutztown University for contracted scholarship Cadets.
• Annual Book Allowance: Receive $1,200 per academic year to cover textbook and supply costs.
• Monthly Stipend: Earn a $420 per month, tax-free stipend during the academic year--beginning your first day as a contracted Cadet.
• Priority Course Registration: Kutztown University offers early course registration for contracted ROTC Cadets, ensuring academic flexibility alongside ROTC committments.
• Top-Tier Leadership Training: Gain access to exclusive Army training schools:
  • Airborne School (Paratrooper Certification)
  • Air Assault School (Helicopter Insertion and Rappel Tactics)
  • Cadet Troop Leader Training (CTLT) (Shadow a 2LT in an active-duty unit)
  • Cultural Understanding & Leadership Program (CULP) (International training opportunities)
• Guaranteed Career After Graduation: Commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army with assignment options in Active Duty, National Guard, or Army Reserves.
• All Equipment and Uniforms Issued at No Cost: Uniforms, field gear, and other necessary training items are provided free of charge.
• Kutztown ROTC Cadet Community: Benefit from a strong peer network, mentorship from prior-service Cadets and Cadre, and campus leadership opportunities.

With no obligation until your sophomore year (for 4-year scholarships), this is one of the most comprehensive scholarship and leadership packages availabe in higher education today.

Army ROTC scholarships provide outstanding students with the opportunity to pursue a college degree while developing as future leaders of the U.S. Army.  Scholarships are highly competitive and available at multiple stages of a student's academic and military career.

High School Students - National ROTC Scholarship

The Four-Year National Army ROTC Scholarship is available to high school seniors planning to attend a four-year college or university with an ROTC program.

Key Benefits:

• Covers 100% of tuition and mandatory fees OR room and board
• Includes an annual $1,200 book allowance
• Monthly, tax-free stipend of $420
• No military obligation during the first year of college

Eligibility:

• U.S. Citizen
• High school GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Minimum SAT (920) / ACT (19)
• Physically and medically qualified

Apply online through the U.S. Army Cadet Command portal during your senior year of high school.

College Students - Campus-Based Scholarships

There are two-year, three-year, or four-year scholarships available to students already enrolled in college who demonstrate strong leadership potential and academic performance.

Competitive Selection Based On:

• Academic GPA and course rigor
• Performance in the Army ROTC and physical fitness
• Leadership involvement and potential
• Cadet Command interview and Cadre recommendation

Benefits:

• Full tutition and mandatory fees OR room and board (covered by Kutztown University for scholarship Cadets)
• $1,200 annual book stipend
• $420 per month living stipend during the academic year

Campus-Based Scholarships are awarded by the Professor of Military Science and are extremely competitive.  Early enrollment in the ROTC Basic Course (freshman / sophomore years) is recommended to increase selection chances.

Enlisted Soldiers - Green to Gold Program

The Green to Gold Active Duty Option Program is a two-year program that offer eligible, Active Duty enlisted Soldiers a path to transition from enlisted service to commissioned officer while completing their college education.

Green to Gold Options:

• Active Duty Option (ADO): Stay on Active Duty while earning your degree and participating in ROTC.
• Scholarship Option: Leave Active Duty and receive a 2-, 3-, or 4-year ROTC scholarship.
• Non-Scholarship Option: Separate from service and enroll as a full-time student and Cadet.

Eligibility:

• Minimum 2 years Active Duty service
• Under age 30 at the time of commissioning
• U.S. citizen with a high school diploma or equivalent
• GT score of 110+ and meet physical / medical requirements

Scholarships are competitive at all levels. Interested students and Soldiers should contact the Steel Battalion Recruiting Operations Officer for personalized guidance and application support.

Train as a Cadet.  Serve as a Leader.  Earn While You Learn.

The Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) allows you to attend Army ROTC and serve in the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard at the same time while completing your degree.  As a Cadet in the SMP, you gain leadership experience by drilling one weekend a month with a unit as an Officer Trainee, while simulataneously training with the Steel Battalion ROTC at KU.

Key Benefits of SMP Cadets:

• At Kutztown University (PA National Guard Only)
  • 100% Tuition Coverage through the Education Assistance Program (EAP) - covers full tuition and the technology fee at KU for eligible PAARNG members
  • PA Guard EAP GI Bill Kicker: Up to $200-$350 per month, on top of other benefits
  • Priority Class Registration at Kutztown University for contracted ROTC Cadets
  • Full Room & Board Available for scholarship recipients--Kutztown University matches the ROTC tuition scholarship with full housing / meal plan coverage
  • Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA): Up to $4,500 per fiscal year (can be stacked with EAP)
• Financial Incentives (All SMP Cadets)
  • Drill Pay as an E-5 (Sergeant): Approximately $350-$450 per month while serving part-time
  • ROTC Monthly Stipend: $420 per month (tax-free) once contracted
  • VA Chapter 1606 Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR): Up to $466 per month for eligible Guard / Reserve Soldiers
  • Reserve Component GI Bill Kicker: Up to $350 per month (based on unit availabilty)
• Military & Career Development
  • Serve in a local PA Guard or U.S. Army Reserve unit while attending college courses
  • Develop leadership skills alongside experienced NCOs and Officers
  • Compete for advanced training opportunities like:
    • Airborne School
    • Air Assault School
    • Northern Warfare, Sapper, and other specialized courses
  • Commission as a 2LT in the U.S. Army upon graduation with options for:
    • Active Duty
    • Army National Guard (ARNG)
    • U.S. Army Reserves (USAR)

Eligibility

• Enrolled full-time at Kutztown University and in the Army ROTC
• U.S. citizen
• Physically and medically qualified
• Enlisted in the Army National Guard or U.S. Army Reserves
• Be contracted or eligible to contract in ROTC

SMP is the ideal program for students who want financial security, leadership training, and a guaranteed career path while serving part-time in their community.

As part of the Steel Battalion Army ROTC, Bravo Company Cadets receive structured, progressive instruction designed to build leadership, military skills, and physical fitness throughout their academic career.

Academic Courses

• MS Level I & II (Freshman / Sophomore Cadets): Attend ROTC academic instruction on Tuesday mornings at Kutztown University.  Focus areas include military customs, basic leadership, land navigation, and Army values.
• MS Level III & IV (Junior / Senior Cadets): Attend advanced courses and leadership labs at Lehigh University's Mountaintop Campus in Bethlehem, PA.  Curriculum emphasizes tactical leadership, planning operations, and preparation for commissioning.

Leadership Lab

• All Cadets (MS I - IV) attend a weekly leadership lab on Thursday afternoons at Lehigh University, where they conduct hands-on tactical training, drills, and team exercises.

Physical Training

• Physical training is conducted multiple mornings per week, primarily at the Kutztown University campus for Bravo Company Cadets.
• On occasion, PT sessions may be held at Lehigh University or Penn State Berks to support joint battalion training events.

Bravo Company Cadet - Weekly Training Schedule

(Typical Week During Fall / Spring Semester)

*transportation is not provided when training (classes or PT) is held at other ROTC campuses. Students should coordinate transportation through ride share with other cadets or by using personal vehicle.

Military Science (ROTC) courses are officially offered through Lehigh University and considered elective credits at most participating schools, including Kutztown University.

Enrollment Process

• Kutztown University Students
  • ROTC courses are not listed in the KU course catalog.  KU students must complete a Lehigh University cross-registration form each semester to enroll in Military Science courses.  Cadets will receive guidance on completing the form from the ROTC Enrollment Officer.
• Students from Other Institutions (i.e., Penn State Berks)
  • Also enroll via Lehigh University cross-registration, with academic credit transferred back to their home institution as elective credit (subject to institutional policies).

Credit Details

• Military Science courses typically offer 1 to 3 credit hours, depending on course level
  • MS Level I & II (Freshman / Sophomore) = 1-2 credits
  • MS Level III & IV (Junior / Senior) = 2-3 credits plus required lab
• You will be informed of the exact number of credit hours for each course at the time of registration

Course credit acceptance may very slightly by institution.  Students are encouraged to consult their academic advisor to determine how ROTC credits apply to their degree requirements.

Leadership in Action

Steel Battalion Cadets can elevate their ROTC experience through specialized teams that develop tactical expertise, unit cohesion, and public presence.  These auxiliary groups offer Cadets the opportunity to compete, represent, and lead in way that build confidence and professionalism beyond the classroom.

Ranger Challenge - "The Varsity Sport of ROTC"

The Steel Battalion Ranger Challenge Team, led by Cadre at Lehigh University, competes each fall in high-intensity intercollegiate military competition at Fort Dix, NJ, alongside top teams from across the 2nd ROTC Brigade.

• Ruck marches (up to 12 miles)
• Land navigation (day and night)
• Marksmanship and weapons assembly
• Tactical lanes and medical evacuation
• Team obstacle courses and problem-solving events

Events are open to all male and female Cadets.  Tryouts are held early in the Fall Semester--training is physically and mentally demanding.

Steel Battalion Ranger Challenge Accomplishments

• Consistent 1st Place Finishes (last 5 of 6 years) at Brigade-level competition (Fort Dix)
• Recognized for outstanding land navigation and weapons lanes performance
• Selected to represent the Brigade at advanced-level competitions in past cycles
• Competes with a combined team of top Cadets from Lehigh, Kutztown, Penn State Berks, and other Battalion schools

Joining the Ranger Challenge team is a proven way to distinguish yourself in the commissioning process while forming bonds that a lifetime.

Color Guard - Honor.  Tradition.  Precision.

The Color Guard serves as the ceremonial face of the Steel Battalion, presenting the national and service flags at university, military, and civic events.  Cadets practice traditional drill and ceremony and uphold the customs of the U.S. Army with professionalism and pride.

Appearances include

• Kutztown ad Lehigh home football games
• Veterans Day and Memorial Day events
• University commencements and community ceremonies

Led by a student Color Sergeant, the team is open to all Cadets regardless of class year or drill background.

Running Team - Fitness.  Competition.  Pride.

The Steel Battalion Running Team trains Cadets for competitive endurance events while reinforcing physical readiness and unit spirit.  The team participates in races year-round, highlighted by the prestigious Army Ten-Miler in Washington, D.C. 

Recent Highlights

• Annual participation in the Army Ten-Miler, representing Steel Battalion alongside Cadets from across the nation
• Frequent placement in local 5Ks, 10Ks, and ROTC fitness challenges
• Reinforces PT excellence and mental toughness across all MS levels

All Cadets are welcome--no racing background required, just the drive to improve.

Participating in auxiliary groups is a hallmark of high-performing Cadets.  Whether you are rucking, running, or rendering honors--these teams build the grit, confidence, and leadership that define Army Officers.