Military Science

Olivet’s Roaring Tigers Battalion is one of top ROTC programs in the nation. It offers students, in any academic major, the opportunity to learn lifetime leadership and management skills —even if the military is not part of their post-collegiate plans.

As an Army ROTC cadets, students learn and practice principles and skills of military leadership, management, Christian values and selfless service to others. While the cadet is building expertise and confidence for the future, he/she is inspiring strength in others. This is an equal experience for men and women, with the exception of different physical fitness standards.

Areas of Study

Students who want to pursue a cause that’s bigger than themselves and are physically fit and are well-organized often find the military to be a good fit for them. Olivet prepares students academically and spiritually. Students who complete the entire upper-division course of study receive a commission as second lieutenants in the United States Army and are also awarded a minor in military science by the University. ROTC prepares them physically, mentally and emotionally.

All About Leadership

Strong leadership skills launch students into their future careers — in the military and beyond. Cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army upon graduation from Olivet. They may serve with the U.S. Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard, or enter law enforcement as police officers or special agents with the FBI or CIA.

Possible Careers in Military Science

Police officer
U.S. Army National Guard officer
U.S. Army officer
U.S. Army Reserve officer
Pastor
Nurse
Computer engineer
Engineer

Career and Leadership Preparation

Olivet's four-year military science/Army ROTC program is an additional component to the requirements for earning a bachelor's degree from Olivet. Cadets choose to pursue a variety of degree programs: criminal justice, nursing, engineering and others. Upon graduation, cadets are commissioned as officers in the U.S. Army, and receive a bachelor's degree in his/her major area of study.

The program starts with the Basic Course for all students. Then, they have up to two years - with no obligation for future Army service - to decide if this is how God is calling them to serve. When students continue with the Advanced Course, they agree to serve their country for a total of eight years after graduation. This service may be as an officer on full-time duty or part-time in the Army National Guard or Army Reserve while they pursue a civilian career.

ROTC at Olivet allows students to:

Learn leadership skills from a Christian perspective for success in the military and in life

Develop gifts and talents in a structured setting

Be mentored by another cadet during first three years in the program

Plan and lead a battalion exercise from start to finish for the Roaring Tiger Battalion

Learn basic soldier skills; Apply learning in carrying out a field training exercise

Combine classroom time with hands-on experience in leadership development, adventure training and military skills

Receive grants to cover room and board expenses

Compete against cadets from other northern Illinois ROTC programs in Ranger Challenge Competition

Be part of a paid four-week leader evaluation camp during the summer after junior year

Meet the Faculty

Major Artis-Farmer joined the Army Reserve in 1990. Following graduation, she headed for Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training. She served in the United States Army Reserve to Staff Sergeant, then crossed into the officer world by Direct Commission in 2003 training for the Chemical Corp. She transitioned from the Reserve to Active Guard Reserve in 2007. MAJ Artis-Farmer has served her country for more than 30 years.