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More Than Classes

Many Cadets enjoy participating in ROTC extra-curricular opportunities, whether that is a physical challenge that you compete with a team or having the honor to present the Colors at an athletic event. Cadets are encouraged to be involved in these activities because it is often through these events that Cadets receive valuable experience and build camaraderie. 

NORTHERN WARFARE CHALLENGE

This challenge has been deemed "The Hardest Race in ROTC", and it's for obvious reasons. Competitors come from across the country, in teams of five in order to transverse the Bluffs NWC1of La Crosse, WI. The competition doubles as both a skill and physical challenges as it takes the willing Cadets through 18 miles of snow covered trails with bitterly freezing winds. The trail covers over 3500 feet of elevation with six stations to test various abilities before finishing on top of Grandad's Bluff. Those that have competed in Northern Warfare Challenge have stated that their mental state was also tested as they had to push through their comfort zone in order to complete the grueling race. Upon completion, Cadets have a better understanding of winter survival skills as well as a new level of physical and understanding of themselves. The winning school takes home an event streamer, the travelling trophy, and year long bragging rights.

RANGER CHALLENGE

Ranger Challenge TeamThe Ranger Challenge competition is held annually at Ft. McCoy for members of the 3rd Army ROTC Brigade. This competition is physically demanding and requires additional physical training alongside the required Army ROTC training. The Ranger Challenge teams trains in addition to regular PT throughout the year. They review the skills and tasks that will be tested at the competition as well as maintain a high standard of physical fitness. During the competition, Cadets are tested in a number of functional areas to include: 

-Land Navigation
-Obstacle Course
-One Rope Bridge
-Weapons Assembly/Disassembly
-Radio Operations
-Litter Carry/Medical
-Zodiac Carry
-10K Forced Road March

COLOR GUARD

The Color Guard is composed of cadetscolor guard1 from each school who go to university and community functions to perform the traditional carrying of the United States flag, the Army flag and the State of Wisconsin Flag. The Color Guard squad is utilized for various athletic events on all the campuses, memorial events and other local ceremonies and is often featured in the local media for its presence at such events. All cadets are encouraged to participate and build their skills in Drill and Ceremony as well as continue the great tradition of honoring our nation’s colors.

GERMAN ARMED FORCES PROFICIENCY BADGE

The German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge test is a multi-vent competition held annually at the University of Indiana.German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge Cadets compete in events that include pistol shooting, a ruck march, 3K run, high jump, shot put, a 400M swim and a written 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. The competition is open to all cadets in all academic years although there is limited travel space.

NORWEGIAN FOOTMARCH

NFM1

The Norwegian Foot March is an 18.6 mile foot march while carrying a 25 pound ruck sack. Participants have no more than 4.5 hours to finish.  This event is rigorous and test competitors both mentally and physically. Those who complete the event to standard will earn the Norwegian Foot March pin authorized for wear on U.S. Military Uniforms.

Cold Weather Operations Course (CWOC)

CWOC students are trained on a variety of cold-weather subjects, Man Climbing out of frozen lakeincluding snowshoe training and skiing as well as how to use ahkio sleds and other gear. Training also focuses on terrain and weather analysis, risk management, cold-weather clothing, developing winter fighting positions in the field, camouflage and concealment, and numerous other areas that are important to know in order to survive and operate in a cold-weather environment.

2023-2024 Military Friendly Badge