About

The Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is one the best leadership courses in the country, and can be a part of your college curriculum. The program trains college students to become officers in the United States Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard.

Through military science classes, leadership labs, physical training sessions, and field training exercises our Cadets take part in hands-on leadership training that will equip them to become effective leaders in the Army as well as in civilian careers.

Our Mission

Norfolk State University Army ROTC trains and develops college students to become officers in the United States Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard.

History

The History of the NSU Spartan Battalion
The Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) began with the signing of the National Defense Act of 1916 on June 3rd by President Woodrow Wilson. Military Training had been taking place at civilian colleges and universities as early as 1819. The signing of the National Defense Act brought this training under a single, federally controlled for the first time.

The Senior Division Army ROTC at Norfolk State University was established on July 1st 1948, as the Norfolk Division of Virginia State College in Petersburg, Virginia. At that time, it was offered only as a basic two year program. Beginning in the School year of 1964-1965, the full four year program was offered at Norfolk State University. Army ROTC at Norfolk State officially separated from Virginia State College on July 1st, 1969 and now operates as a host university for Army ROTC. It is one of the largest and most competitive non-military programs in Virginia.

Since its early beginnings, the Army ROTC program at Norfolk State has commissioned over 800 officers for the active Army, Army Reserve, and National Guard. The senior most ranking alumnus is Lieutenant General (Retired) Michael D. Rochelle, former Army G1.