About SFA ROTC

Cadet Life

Army ROTC teaches you to lead

Army ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) is one of the best leadership courses in the country and is part of your college curriculum. During classes and field training, you will learn first-hand what it takes to lead others, motivate groups and how to conduct missions as an Officer in the Army. Upon graduation from Army ROTC, you will earn the bar of a Second Lieutenant and become a leader for life.

Take a look at some cadet profiles and see how they had enhanced their college life through becoming an Army ROTC cadet: Cadet Profiles

Becoming an Officer

There are several paths you can take

Army ROTC prepares college students to succeed in any competitive environment. The leadership training and experiences that students have in the Army ROTC will provide them with a foundation to become commissioned Army Officers upon graduation.

Upon completion of the Army ROTC program, graduates will be commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army and will embark on specialized training in their first Army branch.

Army ROTC also provides a gateway to nursing students to pursue a career in the Army Nurse Corps.

Upon completion of Officer branch training and a first assignment, Army Officers may pursue additional specialized training and post-graduate education opportunities. They will be assigned to advanced leadership positions and to staff positions in upper management. Also, they may develop doctrine, teach military tactics or serve as advisors.

Nursing Program

Army ROTC nurse cadets may qualify for scholarships and other additional benefits to help start gaining the valuable career and leadership skills of an officer in the Army Nurse Corps.

History

The Stephen F. Austin State University Department of Military Science, known as the Lumberjack Battalion, was established on 20 November 1968.

The battalion has provided college-trained officers for the United States Army, the United States Army Reserve and the Army National Guard since its existence.

The battalion was first commanded by Lieutenant Colonel James E. Calahan. Lieutenant Colonel Calahan served as commander from 1968 to 1971. Other professors of Military Science include:

Lieutenant Colonel William J. LeClair from 1971-74;
Lieutenant Colonel Talton E. Pace from 1974 to 1979;
COL Terry M. Carlton from 1979 to 1982;
Lieutenant Colonel Paul W. Kellerhals from 1982 to 1987;
Lieutenant Colonel Fredrick Stepaniak from 1987 to 1988;
Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth C. Meredith from 1988 to 1990;
Lieutenant Colonel Van S. Ellis from 1990 to 1992;
Major Patrick M. Parker from 1992 to 1994;
Lieutenant Colonel Steven E. Clay from 1994 to 1997;
Lieutenant Colonel Armor D. Brown from 1997 to 2000;
Lieutenant Colonel Michel J. W. Jimerson from 2000 to 2003;
Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey A. Pike from 2003 to 2007.

The current Professor of Military Science is LTC Todd M. Reichert. The Department of Military Science at Stephen F. Austin State University has commissioned almost 500 officers since its organization. Since its activation, the Department of Military Science has grown to be a vital and accepted part of the Stephen F. Austin State University campus.

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