GWU Color Guard carrying American Flag

ROTC

Ignite Your Passion for Faith, Flag, and Family

The Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) at Gardner-Webb University can enhance your education through unique leadership training and management experience. Develop the qualities necessary in either a military or civilian career. Build your future today by earning your college degree and an Army Officer’s commission at the same time. 

The powerful training, tools, and experiences you gain in ROTC will prepare you for any competitive environment. And, Army ROTC can pay your college tuition, too. 

As an elective curriculum, Army ROTC operates alongside your required collegiate coursework. You will still have a normal college student experience like everyone else on campus, but when you graduate you will be an Army Officer. Graduates commission as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army and embark in specialized branch training in either Active Duty, the Army Reserves, or the Army National Guard.

Cadet Life

An Army ROTC Cadet is a student first. Your highest priority will always be to excel in classes and complete your degree. As you progress through the ROTC program, your responsibilities will continue to increase as well. Seniors who have completed advanced courses may be tasked with giving military briefings to the other cadets. 

ROTC coursework consists of both classroom and lab. In class, cadets learn leadership and military skills from Active Duty members of the U.S. Army. During lab, cadets wear the camouflage uniform provided by ROTC and practice their leadership and military skills. 

One particular advantage ROTC cadets enjoy over their military academy colleagues is they receive  a traditional college experience. Cadets’ lives aren’t that dissimilar from other college students. You can work at local businesses, join clubs and organizations, and even perform community service. 

As an ROTC cadet, you will learn discipline through managing your daily life, not through strict institutionalization. Enrich your academic experience and enhance your future career with Army ROTC!

History of the 49th Battalion

Rooted in Carolina Foothills’ Culture. Built for 21st Century Cadets. 

Although the Army ROTC at Gardner Webb University today is a result of a 2004 agreement between UNC Charlotte, Gardner-Webb, and the U.S. Army, the program’s presence at our school reaches back nearly 30 years to a relationship with Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. And, as part of the 49er Battalion, we can trace our history back to 1917 at Davidson College. 

Helpful Links for ROTC Students

Contact Us

  • Richard Taylor

    Gardner-Webb ROTC; Senior Military Science Instructor

    (704) 406-2022

  • Ian Marecic

    Gardner-Webb ROTC Military Science Instructor

    (704) 406-2022