Information for Rooks Only
Norwich University Corps of Cadets (NUCC)
The purpose of the Corps of Cadets is to develop leaders of exemplary character dedicated to knowledge, mutual respect, creativity, and service. The Corps is organized as a regiment consisting of a Regimental Headquarters, three to four line battalions, and a ceremonial battalion. Each line battalion consists of three to five companies with two platoons in each company. The line companies are lettered A through M. The Provisional Battalion (our ceremonial unit) consists of a Cavalry Troop, Regimental Band, Drill Team, Color Guard, and Artillery Battery. Interested recruits should call the Commandant’s Office for assignment to a specific ceremonial unit. Previous experience is desired but not a requirement.
Physical Fitness and Medical Standards
The physical fitness program is modeled after the United States Army fitness program. The training includes: calisthenics, rock climbing, rappelling, obstacles course, forced marches, survival swimming, and basic military tactics. These tasks place a premium on upper body strength, agility, and cardiovascular endurance. Our training days are long and hard. A typical day starts at 0530 hours and ends at 2300 hours. Vermont summers are warm and humid. Acclimate your body by hydrating before, during, and after exercise. Consult a physician prior to starting a rigorous conditioning program and consider deferring enrollment in the corps should you suffer from any medical condition that might limit your participation in training.
Minimum fitness standards required or expected upon arrival:
Males: 30 pushups, 45 situps, two-mile run (17:00)
Females: 10 pushups, 45 situps, two-mile run (19:45)
Leave and Pass Policy
Prior to the completion of Rook Basic Training, rooks train six days every week and are not eligible for overnight passes or ordinary leaves. Only the Deputy Commandant may approve emergency leaves. Please honor our training program and avoid scheduling visits prior to the completion of basic training. You are encouraged to observe parades, training, athletics, and extracurricular activities. We ask that you not interfere with our cadet leaders and refrain from communicating with your cadets during this critical training period.
Rook Orientation, Rook Basic Training and Leadership Development
We call our new recruits Rooks. All Rooks report one week prior to the start of classes to participate in rook orientation followed by a 12-week basic training program aimed at teaching drill and ceremonies, customs and courtesies, proper wear of military uniform, honor training (character development), and other essential tasks so that our new recruits may be fully integrated into the Corps of Cadets. It is imperative that new recruits report in excellent physical condition and are medically cleared to participate in rigorous training. New recruits and their families must prepare themselves mentally as well as physically. There will be limited external communications during these first 12 weeks. The Corps will host the annual Regimental Ball, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009 to celebrate the occasion and honor the senior class. New cadet training continues entering a new phase focused on advanced individual training and basic leadership development. Cadets will be awarded a First Year Training Ribbon for successful completion of all training requirements.
Parents’ (Family) Weekend
Parents’ Weekend is scheduled for Sep. 25–27, 2009. The Regimental Commander will allow rooks overnight pass Friday, Sep. 25 commencing 1600 hours and returning no later than Saturday 0900 hours. All rooks must participate in scheduled activities and may depart with parent or guardian immediately following the football game, returning Sunday, Sep. 27 no later than 1600 hours. Rooks may only depart campus in the company of a parent or legal guardian. We require new recruits to wear their uniform with pride departing and returning to our campus. Parents’ Weekend coincides with peak tourist season, we recommend confirming hotel reservations at your earliest convenience.
Fall Semester Break
Rooks are authorized leave during the Fall Semester Break commencing 1600 hours Thursday, Oct. 30, 2009 and returning no later than 1600 hours Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009.
Barracks Assignments
The housing office assigns new recruits to their respective company and barracks room. New recruits may indicate their preference for assignment to one of the ceremonial units (e.g., band, drill team, cavalry, etc) but ultimately will be assigned by the housing office. Housing is at a premium. It is imperative that Norwich students carefully consider their lifestyle choice and be prepared to live by this initial selection.
ROTC Affiliation
All Cadets must enroll in the Army, Air Force, USMC or Naval ROTC Program. We encourage new recruits to indicate their initial preference. Students may change ROTC affiliation during academic registration. ROTC participation does not necessarily lead to a service commitment or commission as an officer. Successful completion is required to receive a Corps diploma and graduate in military uniform as a member of the Corps of Cadets.
