Army ROTC, College of Arts and Science

The Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (Army ROTC) program at Miami University is part of the College of Arts and Science and is based in Boyd Hall. As a member of the Cincinnati Battalion, Miami’s RedHawk Cadets and Cadre take pride in a close-knit, family-focused culture and world-class training opportunities. Senior Cadets lead the battalion, developed through the Cadre’s Train-the-Trainer program. The program is rigorous and built around developing every Cadet as a scholar, athlete, and leader, with the goal of commissioning capable, confident Second Lieutenants for service in the Active Army, Army National Guard, or Army Reserve. Cadets take part in field training exercises, physical fitness, and leadership development alongside their academic coursework, with training responsibility and intensity increasing as they progress through their university studies.

Mission and Vision

U.S. Army Cadet Command Mission

The U.S. Army Cadet Command partners with universities to recruit, educate, develop, and inspire Senior ROTC Cadets to commission officers of character for the Total Army; and partners with high schools to conduct JROTC to develop citizens of character for a lifetime of commitment and service to the nation.

Cincinnati Battalion Mission

The Cincinnati Battalion develops, mentors, and commissions Cadets from four universities into physically fit, academically prepared, and values-based officers ready to lead Soldiers in an increasingly complex operational environment.

Cincinnati Battalion Vision

Through the combined strengths of the University of Cincinnati, Xavier University, Miami University, and Northern Kentucky University, the Cincinnati Battalion develops and commissions leaders of character prepared to lead Soldiers and serve the Nation.

The Cincinnati Battalion (June 2026)

The Cincinnati Battalion (June 2026) In June 2026, as part of a Cadet Command-wide restructuring and reorganization, Miami joined the University of Cincinnati, Xavier University, and Northern Kentucky University to form the Cincinnati Battalion. Combining the strengths of four universities created a premier Army ROTC program for all of southwest Ohio.

A Growing Legacy (2018–2026)

Since becoming an extension unit, Miami has commissioned 77 officers in nine years, nearly double the number from the previous two decades. Graduates have entered 20 branches, including Infantry, Military Intelligence, Engineers, Field Artillery, Armor, Aviation, Cyber, Logistics, the Army Nurse Corps, the Medical Service Corps, and the Judge Advocate General’s Corps.

Extension Unit (2017)

At the start of the 2017–2018 school year, Miami became an extension unit of Xavier University’s All for One Battalion. Nearly all classes, labs, and field training moved to Oxford, giving Miami Cadets a full ROTC experience without leaving campus.

The Early Years (1998–2017)

Before the extension, Miami students cross-enrolled in Xavier University’s Army ROTC program and drove to Xavier for classes and training. Between 1998 and 2017, 41 Miami students commissioned through that partnership into the Active Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve.

By the Numbers

Miami University Army ROTC has pursued excellence as a proud member of the All For One Battalion. Over nine years, that pursuit has become a tradition. The numbers speak for themselves — officers of character, trained to the highest standards, adaptable in the face of challenge, and driven by a passion for service to this nation.

Infographic highlighting ROTC program achievements: top 11% nationally (ranked 27th of 238), 95% component of choice, #1 Nurse Corps graduate in 2026, 32% distinguished military graduate rate, and 9 years of consecutive mission success.

Below are common questions we receive and their answers. Information pertaining to each can be found in the various sections of the Miami Army ROTC website.

How will my time in ROTC and a career in the U.S. Army benefit my post military career in the civilian work world?

ROTC gives you advanced leadership training through hands-on experience that can not be matched by other University programs. In addition, once an officer in the U.S. Army, the additional training and opportunities while acting as an officer will give you life time experience and the ability to build your resume, make valuable connections with veterans and members of the military and qualify for benefits that can be carried over into civilian lives.

Is ROTC just for active duty officers or can I go Reserve or National Guard?

Upon graduation, you have the option to choose between Active Duty, U.S. Army Reserve, or National Guard.

Does joining ROTC mean I am joining the US Army?

Enrolling in Army ROTC courses (MSC) is not necessarily joining the Army. Cadets are not required to attend basic training (unless a cadet is doing Simultaneous Membership Program), and you will not be deployed as a cadet. However, you are participating and training in one of the U.S. military's commissioning paths to become a U.S. Army Officer upon graduation and eventually expected to serve a certain amount of years as an officer.

Do I have to wear the uniform every day?

As a cadet attending Miami University you will only be required to wear the uniform (Operational Camouflage Pattern) on Thursdays. The rest of the days and your other university classes you can wear your normal civilian clothes.

What does the daily life of a cadet at a public institution look like?

Your daily schedule would be very similar to that of a normal college student with the addition of 2-3 mandatory weekly classes, one of which being a lab, one weekend of field training per semester, and three days of morning physical training (PT) workouts per week. As a cadet you will be able to participate in university extracurricular activities, varsity athletics, study abroad, and much more.

Do I have to travel to Xavier University for classes and training?

As an extension unit, all classes and labs will be attended at Miami University in Oxford. Cadets will not be required to attend class or lab at the host school (Xavier University). If we do have an event at the host school transportation by the program upperclassmen will be provided.