About NROTC
The University of Idaho/Washington State University Navy and Marine Corps ROTC program is composed of Navy and Marine option midshipmen, Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP) Marines, and Seaman-to-Admiral (STA-21) Officer Candidates. The diverse backgrounds of our Battalion members create an extremely well-rounded and efficient team. Many of our members are enrolled in technical and engineering majors and perform exceptionally well in their classes. The Unit has maintained a combined GPA of over 3.30 due in large part to the number of available study aids. The NROTC’s math and physics tutors come directly to the Unit to help with any level of courses in the math and physics areas. The Battalion study programs provide plenty of opportunity to seek help from others within the unit, as well as from other university-sponsored study aids.
The University of Idaho has set aside an area in the Gooding Wing of the Wallace Residence Hall Complex as a voluntary housing area for participants in all the ROTC programs. One major advantage of choosing this area is the knowledge that your roommates will have compatible schedules (no one will object to you getting up at 5:30 AM for PT) and interests in the Armed Forces. In addition, one characteristic of the ROTC program is the camaraderie. Choosing this residence hall area likely will put you in with people you do not know yet, but who are destined to become close friends and colleagues throughout college and beyond. Contact U of I Housing for more information.
There are also many Battalion sports teams that compete locally in U of I/WSU intramural leagues. The teams also compete at the annual Northwest Navy tournament between U of I/WSU, the University of Washington, Oregon State University, and the University of Utah. The sports include flag football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, swimming, academics competition, and the physical skills team.
Outside of the unit itself, Battalion members regularly take part in community volunteer events and make a very positive impact on both towns. In addition to all of the exciting activities the unit participates in, there are also special events like the Fall and Spring Balls, Senior Mess Night, and the Spring Awards Ceremony to celebrate Unit achievements and build esprit de corps.
About the Universities
Founded in 1889, University of Idaho is the state's land-grant institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. University researchers attract nearly $100 million in research grants and contracts each year.
The student population of 12,000 includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars, who select from more than 130 degree options in the colleges of Agricultural and Life Sciences; Art and Architecture; Business and Economics; Education; Engineering; Law; Letters, Arts and Social Sciences; Natural Resources; and Science.
The university also is charged with the statewide mission for medical education through the WWAMI program. The university combines the strength of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities and focuses on helping students succeed and become leaders.
In 1984, Washington State University (WSU) joined U of I's NROTC program under a cross-town agreement for Naval Officer education. This relationship includes WSU granting full academic credit to include “grade points” as part of the cumulative “grade point average” for Naval Science courses offered at U of I campus.
Credits for Naval Science courses taken at U of I are added to the WSU transcript. As a standard, all Naval Science courses (24 units Navy option) (21 units Marine Corps option) must still be completed in order to earn a commission in the Navy or Marine Corps through the NROTC program.
WSU students enrolled in the NROTC program earn Naval Science grade credit toward their transcript GPA and are eligible for inclusion in the Minor in Naval Science degree option. Prospective students should carefully consider these factors when choosing their academic institution.
For specific questions, please call the Washington State University Registrar’s Office at 509-335-2522.