For Liberty University students interested in military service, three Reserve Officers’ Training Corps programs, commonly called ROTC, offer pathways to military leadership for the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines.
Through academic coursework, leadership development and military training, the programs allow students to pursue commissions as officers in their respective branches while completing their college degrees.
“The model we primarily use is scholar, athlete, leader,” Army Lt. Col. Kaleb Blankenship said. “So, Liberty plays a big part in the scholarship piece, of course. We require commissioned officers to have bachelor’s degrees … We also have an academic part of our curriculum through military science courses.”
Liberty’s Army ROTC program, known as the Eagle Battalion, trains cadets through military science, physical training and leadership exercises. Eligible students may also receive scholarships to help cover their college expenses. Army ROTC prepares students for commissioning as officers in the U.S. Army while they complete academic degrees.
Air Force ROTC provides another pathway for students interested in military service. Through Detachment 890, also known as Day Wing, students prepare for future service as officers in the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. The program combines leadership training with physical training, emphasizing professional development alongside their coursework.
“We need the leaders that have this training, this character development to continue to run our country in the military,” Air Force Lt. Col. Jeremiah Gilmore said.
Liberty recently expanded its military training, establishing a Naval ROTC program through a partnership with the University of Virginia. This program is yet another pathway for students to be commissioned as officers into the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps while they complete their degree.
“The addition of NROTC is an exciting and significant opportunity for Liberty students who feel called to serve our nation as Navy or Marine Corps officers,” Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Samuel Smith said. “In partnership with UVA, we can now offer these students a pathway that brings together military leadership development and Liberty’s longstanding emphasis on Christian character, service and responsibility.”
Although each of these branches has a different mission, all three emphasize teamwork, discipline, leadership and service. Cadets and midshipmen from the select branches must learn to balance their military responsibilities and physical fitness with their academic coursework.
ROTC students learn how to accept responsibility, communicate intentionally, work as part of a team and prioritize the needs of others. For students pursuing military careers, ROTC prepares them for the responsibilities of commissioned officers.
“It’s like having a second degree,” Sgt. Danny Martinez said. “It’s a lot of work; your phone rings all the time. The challenging part is the commitment.”
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently named Liberty a Distinguished Military College, making it one of five universities selected for the new Corps of Cadets initiative. The recognition could provide additional opportunities for growth within Liberty’s military programs and strengthen the university’s commitment to preparing future military leaders.
Sizemore is the POV editor for The Liberty Champion