Events

ROTC Events & Ceremonies

The purpose of ROTC activities and ceremonies are to build unit cohesion, sense of purpose and esprit de' corps among the members of the Colonels' Battalion. These events additionally give advance course cadets the opportunity to develop their skill in planning and resourcing events.

Colonels' Challenge:

The Colonels' Challenge is conducted the week prior to classes starting each fall semester. The purpose of this event is to recruit the best qualified individuals and develop the core of the freshman MSL class.

Cadet Stakes:

Each fall the ROTC program hosts a regional JROTC Raider Competition on campus. The competition takes a full day to complete and includes various team based events such as land navigation, physical training, one-rope bridge, a mystery event and other tasks. It also gives high schools the opportunity to visit EKU and get to know cadets and cadre.

9/11 Ceremony:

In September, the Department of Justice, Safety and Military Science Army ROTC and Office of Military and Veteran's Affairs host the 9/11 ceremony. The day begins with a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony and ends with a stair climb in Keene Hall. Participants climb the stairwell an equal number of times to represent the stairs climbed by the first responders at the World Trade Center. Cadets also provide an armed guard while a piece of the World Trade Center is out for display on campus.

Military Appreciation Activities:

In November, the battalion will support numerous Veteran's Day and Military Appreciation Weekend related events. Events include National Roll Call, Memorial Ceremony, Veteran Recognition football game, paver and chair dedications as well ceremonies held at the  Veteran's Memorial on the EKU campus.

Patching Ceremony:

Each fall new cadets will earn their unit patch by demonstrating their ability to meet the requirements of the Army ROTC Program. To be eligible to participate in the patching ceremony new cadets must be academically eligible, meet the requirements of physical training and be in good standing with the battalion.

Military Ball:

The Military Ball is the social event of the year where cadets can bring dates to a formal dinner with dancing. This event is steeped in tradition with cadets learning more about military etiquette and ceremony. The ball is mandatory for contracted cadets.

Awards Ceremony:

The battalion will host an awards ceremony at the end of the spring semester. During the ceremony, cadets will be awarded various military and fraternal awards for their dedication and accomplishments over the school year.

Commissioning Ceremony:

The battalion will host a mid-year and end-of-year Commissioning Ceremony. The graduating cadets will earn their "Gold Bars" and become a commissioned officer in the United States Army.