College of National Services

Dean, Colonel Mark Ciero

The College is comprised of the Departments of Army Military Science, Naval Science, and Aerospace Science; each having a department chair and staff.

Corps of Cadets & ROTC

Army Military Science

The program of Military Science (MS) attracts, motivates, and prepares selected students to serve as commissioned Officers in the U. S. Army total force, either on active duty or on reserve duty with the National Guard or Army Reserve.  It provides an appreciation and understanding of the history and future efforts of land power in the defense of the United States. It develops the dynamic leadership required in the 21st century and complements the baccalaureate degree, in the chosen course of study.

The MS Leadership Laboratory is a weekly, two-hour period of practical instruction and an integral part of the Military Science curriculum, enhancing leadership, physical fitness, and military skills training. Outside of the regular curriculum, there are three, Practical Military Training companies offering additional training and development: 

• Mountain Cold Weather Company (MCW) traces its roots to post WWII when former members of the 10th Mountain Division saw the need to continue training soldiers in the concepts of mountain warfare and formed MCW at Norwich University. They become exceptionally proficient in climbing, rappelling, skiing, and snowshoeing, as well as tactical operations at elevation and/or in sub-zero temperatures. Commissioning Cadets who successfully complete MCW training enter the Army knowing they bring highly valued skills that few of their peers possess. Norwich University’s MCW enjoys a close relationship with the Army’s Mountain Warfare School, located 47 miles north in Jericho, Vermont.

• Ranger Company Ranger Company: Combines light infantry tactics, techniques, and procedures; modern equipment; and austere learning environments; with camaraderie, mentorship, and coaching to develop the future Leaders of Norwich and the U.S. Army.

• Norwich Artillery Battery: Cadets develop leadership skills through rigorous training while employing various artillery pieces, such as the M1A1, 75mm Pack Howitzer, Sir W.C. Armstrong, and the Whitworth Salute Cannon.

The Army ROTC Basic Course provides military instruction required for entry for the Advanced Course.  Cadets may attend Basic Camp held at Fort Knox during Cadet Summer Training (CST).  To qualify for enrollment in the Army ROTC Advanced Course (MS 300/400) requires:

• 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA

• Physical requirements

• 2.0 minimum GPA in the Army ROTC Basic Course (MS 100 & MS 200)

• Demonstrated leadership potential
   

The Advanced Course requires completion of a thirty-day Advanced Camp in the summer, after the Junior year.  Additional professional development opportunities include Army schools (Airborne, Air Assault, Mountain Warfare, etc.), Cultural Understanding Language Proficiency, and International study abroad (e.g. Project Global Officer). Cadets must also participate in a field training exercise in both fall and spring of every year in the ROTC program.

In addition to the Military Science courses, Cadets are required to complete a military history course: (course and course are the preferred courses, however, the following courses also meet the requirement: course, course, course, course, course, course, course, course, course, course, course, course, course, course. The Army ROTC program is integrated with the Corps of Cadets.  Membership in the Corps of Cadets is required to contract and pursue an Army ROTC commission. 

Naval Science

To develop midshipmen morally, mentally and physically; to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty and loyalty; and to instill in them the core values of honor, courage and commitment in order to commission college graduates as naval officers who possess a basic professional background, are motivated toward careers in the naval service, and have a potential for future development in mind and character so as to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government.

The primary goals of the Naval ROTC Program are to provide students:

• A strong sense of personal integrity, honor, and individual responsibility;

• Leadership training to successfully lead others under stressful and demanding conditions;

• An understanding of the fundamental concepts of naval science and a basic level of military aptitude;

• An academic background to successfully undertake demanding leadership and managerial positions;

• A high state of physical fitness for personal health and performance.

The Naval Science Leadership Laboratory is a weekly two-hour period during each academic semester. Emphasis is placed on non-academic professional training. The laboratory is intended for such topics as drill and ceremonies, leadership and ethics, physical fitness and swim testing, cruise preparation and evaluation, safety awareness, preparation for commissioning, personal finances, and applied exercises in naval ship systems, navigation, naval operations, naval administration, small unit infantry tactics, and military justice. Enrollment into Naval Science Laboratory is restricted to students contracted to U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.

In addition to the Naval Science courses, Cadets seeking a commission in the Navy or Marine Corps through the NROTC program must also successfully complete the academic courses listed below.

Air Force Aerospace Science

The Air Force ROTC program provides professional preparation for future Air and Space Force officers.

AFROTC is divided into two major programs: the General Military Course (GMC) and the Professional Officer Course (POC).

• The GMC is offered during the freshman and sophomore years; the course discusses the structure, doctrine, and function of the Air Force, communication skills and the historical role of air and space power.

• Admission to the POC is on a competitive basis. To enroll in the POC, students must pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT), and an Air Force physical examination, meet academic and physical fitness standards, successfully complete the AFROTC field training program, and be selected by a board of Air Force officers. The first year of the POC is leadership theory and practice, Air Force management theory and practice, and other aspects of being a professional officer. The second and final year of the POC addresses a broad range of civil/military relations, and the overall social and political context in which U.S. defense policy is formulated and affected.

Leadership Laboratory meets weekly for two hours throughout enrollment in Air Force ROTC. Instruction is conducted within the framework of an Air Force organization with a progression of experience designed to develop  students' leadership potential. The cadet physical training program is an essential part of leadership laboratory and is mandatory for all cadets. A detailed introduction and orientation to life on an active Air or Space Force base occurs during a field encampment (field training) between the student’s sophomore and junior years.