Cadet Life
Cadets at Ferris State come from different backgrounds and have diverse sets of majors and minors. However, they all share the same goal of graduating and becoming commissioned officers in the US Army. All contracted cadets are required to complete advanced camp at Cadet Summer Training and to meet all of the ROTC class requirements outlined below.
Cadets are expected to fulfill their obligations, but they are also encouraged to participate in a number of ROTC clubs and intramural sports. We offer various ways to allow cadets to participate in events on campus, explore new opportunities, and even travel to new places.
Weekly Schedule for Ferris Cadets
Physical Training
Physical training is an integral part of ROTC as Cadets are expected to be scholars and athletes. Contracted Cadets have to attend all three sessions.
Time
0615 - 0730, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Location
The primary location is the Ferris State Student Recreation Center.
Military Science Class
Students learn tactics and practice leadership in a college classroom environment. Cadets attend one classroom section per week.
Courses
- MS100 (Freshmen): Tue, 1500 - 1600 and Wed, 1100 - 1200
- MS200 (Sophomores): Mon and Wed, 0900 - 1030
- MS300 (Juniors): Wed, 1300 - 1530
- MS400 (Seniors): Wed, 0900 - 1100
Location
ROTC classroom inside the Ferris State Interdisciplinary Resource Center.
Military Science Lab
Lab is where our Cadets apply what they learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios. Labs are generally run by our Junior Cadets with support from an advisor who is a Senior Cadet. They occur every week on Thursdays.
Time
Every Thursday from 1500 - 1700
Location
The primary location is Rogers Heights.
Field Training Exercises
Once a semester, cadets participate in a two-day field training exercise (FTX). The Fall FTX includes a day at CMU and a day at Ferris' Rogers Heights. Spring FTX is at Fort Custer in Augusta Michigan. One-day Culminating Training Events (CTE) occur once a semester and are held at Rogers Heights.
FTXs and the CTEs allows the chance for Cadets to continue to develop their leadership and tactical prowess.
Ask a Cadet
Looking for a first-hand perspective of being an ROTC cadet at Ferris State? Fill our our Ask a Cadet form and we'll connect you directly with a current cadet who can answer your questions.
Ask A Cadet FormROTC Clubs
Ferris ROTC hosts a number of clubs that allow our students to get involved around campus and to participate in events around the state and even the United States.
Ranger Challenge is a competition held at Fort Knox each year. Our team is comprised of cadets from the Chippewa Battalion. These schools are Central Michigan, Ferris State, Northwood University, and Alma College. Cadets complete a series of events and challenges that test their mental and physical toughness. Some of these events include road marches, land navigation, one-rope bridges, marksmanship, and many others. There are up to 38 schools from 7th Brigade that compete, and the top two move on to the more advanced competition at West Point. Cadets are selected to compete by the team captains.
Ranger Challenge Common Attributes:
- Physical and mental toughness
- Tactical proficiency
- Land navigation skill
- First aid knowledge
- Marksmanship ability
The Army 10-Miler is an event held annually in Washington D.C. This team is comprised of cadets from the Chippewa Battalion. These schools include Central Michigan, Ferris State, Northwood University, and Alma College. Military personnel, veterans, and civilians worldwide travel to compete. Each year, cadets from the Chippewa Battalion are selected to represent the school. The course typically passes through iconic landmarks like the Pentagon and National Mall.
10-Miler Common Attributes:
- Cross country/track background
- Distance running ability
- Sub 1 hour 30 minute 10-mile run capabily
The Cannon Club is a group of volunteer cadets who fire the cannon at Ferris football games. They typically fire after the national anthem, after the team runs out, after every Bulldog touchdown, and at the end of the game. Cadets will also be available to answer questions about the cannon and to demonstrate how it works.
The Queen's Court at Ferris State raises the US flag during the national anthem at football games. The cadets practice the ceremony prior to football games and throughout the season. The purpose of this club is to uphold traditions, respect, and patriotism. This club is volunteer based.
At hockey and basketball games, the Color Guard carries the national flag, state flag, Army flag, and rifles. Cadets render the proper respects during the playing of the national anthem and then execute a formal exit. This club is volunteer based.
Tactics club offers cadets the opportunity to refine their tactical proficiency outside of normal class hours. The class is designed for our students to obtain a deeper understanding of their tasks and missions as leaders. All academic levels are encouraged to attend.
Before the annual Central Michigan vs. Western Michigan football game, the game ball is transported by running it between Mount Pleasant and Kalamazoo. Ferris cadets participate by running one of the legs of the route. Cadets typically run between two and three miles per person. Central Michigan is the host school of Ferris State. Our schools colaborate a number of times throughout the year.
Cadets at Ferris State participate in a number of volunteer and fundraising events throughout the Big Rapids area. Events that we participate in annually include the Reed City marching band glow show and the Big Rapids Veterans' Day Parade. Cadets also organize fundraisers to help fund cadet activities and our staff rides.
Cadet summer training