Named a Military Friendly Gold School
Many Scholarship and Funding Opportunities
Team-Building Competitions and Group Activities Available
Find your Military Science future at UCM
Your UCM courses will build a firm foundation of military knowledge and skills. As
you take upper-level courses you will learn to be an articulate leader through theory
and practical application. You’ll gain experience propelling off a building and leading
small units in simulated tactical missions.
The Military Science & Leadership Minor pairs well with any career field and provides
a seamless transition into the U.S. Army. Recent graduates received bachelor's degrees
in aviation, criminal justice, nursing, and marketing that paved the way for their
duty assignment.
UCM is a Military Friendly School
The Military and Veterans Success Center connects you with fellow military and veteran
students, study groups, a computer lab, and support from dedicated staff members.
Unique learning and team-building opportunities for the degree in ROTC
Zero Week
An exclusive opportunity to arrive on campus early, meet the cadre and staff, as
well as your fellow cadets, and settle in to life at UCM. This week-long orientation
includes social events as well as practical information and training such as learning
your new routine, preparing a MRE (Meals-Ready-to-Eat), and hearing from distinguished
speakers.
Ranger Challenge
Cadets compete in land navigation, team ruck march, team obstacle course, day and
night orienteering, grenade assault course and other events against cadets from across
the country.
The Brigade Ranger Challenge is the Army ROTC Varsity Sport. Teams form early in the
semester and train rigorously nearly every morning of the week. Ranger Challenge team
members accomplish more before 0800 then most college students accomplish in an entire
day. Teams train all the way up until the Brigade Ranger Challenge Competition.
This competition is conducted over two days on a non-tactical course. The mission
is to challenge Cadets' mental and physical toughness and to develop leadership while
fostering teamwork and esprit-de-corps. Teams participate in nine graded events.
Ranger Buddy
Cadets train for months to be prepared for the physical and mental challenges of participating
in the KU Ranger Buddy Competition. The annual competition is held each spring in
Lawrence, Kansas at the Rim Rock Farm facility on the University of Kansas (KU) campus.
Two-person teams from multiple Army ROTC units across the country gather to compete
in this day-long event. Teams can be either all-male, all-female or co-ed. The teams
are put to the test through a series of challenging obstacles, team movements and
tasks. These challenges require strong physical skills and a mental mindset to work
through each objective.
UCM’s all-female team ranked 3rd place nationally in 2023, and UCM's all-male team
was named National Champions in 2021 and 2017.
Northern Warfare
The Northern Warfare Challenge is one of the most challenging events offered in ROTC.
Covering over 22 miles and almost a mile change in elevation in the middle of winter,
Northern Warfare requires mental and physical strength in order to complete. Generally,
at least half of all competing teams fail to make it to the finish, proving to be
one of the most competitive events our program offers.
German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge
The German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge is a multi-event competition, the same fitness
test the German Military uses to assess their troops. Cadets compete in events that
include pistol shooting, a ruck march, a 1000M run, a shuttle sprint, a flex arm hang,
a 400M swim and a first aid exam. Each of these events is scored and each cadet is
given an overall score, which may qualify them to wear a distinctive badge on their
dress uniform. Though it is demanding, this event is filled with many opportunities
to advance your physical fitness beyond what is offered in the normal physical fitness
training program.
Army Ten-Miler
The Army Ten-Miler is the second-largest ten-mile race in the United States. It is
held every October in Arlington, Virginia and Washington, D.C., sponsored by the U.S.
Army Military District of Washington. The annual race weekend events also include
a youth run, a youth activity fair, and a pre-race pasta dinner.
Bataan Memorial Death March Team
The Bataan Memorial Death March is a challenging 26.2 mile marathon through the high
desert terrain of the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. This memorial march
is conducted in honor of the heroic service members who defended the Philippine Islands
during WWII, sacrificing their freedom, health, and in many cases, their lives. Sponsored
by the White Sands Missile Range, the New Mexico National Guard, and the New Mexico
State University Army ROTC Department.
Color Guard
Serve as a member of the color guard and learn the proper procedures for presenting
the colors. Once trained, you will get the opportunity to represent the ROTC program
in public at sporting events, Central Missouri Police Academy graduation, and other
events.
Cannon Crew & Push Up Crew
Join the Fighting Mules Battalion and get involved at UCM by leading the cannon crew
and push up crew during Mules football games.
