Illinois State University Army ROTC

The Redbird Battalion celebrated an important milestone as our first group of Cadets contracted for the school year. Eight Cadets raised their right hand and took the oath, committing themselves to completing the ROTC program and earning their commission as Second Lieutenants in the United States Army.

Congratulations to our newly contracted Cadets:
🎖️ CDT Hoyos�🎖️ CDT Gonzalez�🎖️ CDT Womble�🎖️ CDT Ballard�🎖️ CDT Heinle�🎖️ CDT Turner�🎖️ CDT De Lara
🎖️ CDT Mohammed�
Contracting marks more than just another step in ROTC, it represents a commitment to serve, lead, and continue the journey toward becoming an Army Officer.

Congratulations, Cadets! The journey continues. 🫡

HOVEY’S OWN‼️

Week 5 Recap 🧭🌲

This week looked a little different for our MS3s! They took land navigation out of the classroom and into the field; putting the skills they’ve learned in class and lab to the test. Navigating through hills, heavy vegetation, creeks, and challenging terrain, cadets worked to locate their points and build confidence in their abilities.

Each iteration is another step toward preparing our MS3s for Advanced Camp this summer. One point at a time! 🥾🗺️

HOVEY’S OWN‼️

The Army skills are starting to roll in! 🧭🎒

Week 3 introduced cadets to the fundamentals of land navigation, including identifying terrain features, plotting points, using a compass and protractor, and shooting azimuths. 🗺️

For Week 4, our MS3s and Ranger Challenge competitors shifted gears for a gear draw, getting the equipment they’ll need as training continues to pick up.

The basics are building, the gear is out, and there’s plenty more to come! 💪

Week 2, Redbird Battalion beat the heat with a team-building lab! Cadets worked alongside their new squads through a series of water-based challenges designed to test communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. With limited materials and a few rules standing in the way, squads had to work together and adapt to come out on top.
A little competition, a lot of water, and higher morale moving forward. 💪🦅

HOVEY'S OWN❗❗

Today, we remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the first responders, service members, and everyday Americans who answered in the face of tragedy.

Twenty-five years later, we continue to remember the courage, sacrifice, and unity shown that day and in the years that followed.

The Redbird Battalion honors all those who lost their lives, those who served, and the families forever impacted.

We will never forget.

From civilians to Cadets, the journey starts here.💪

For our newest Redbirds, the first lab of the semester marked their first steps into the Army ROTC world. Cadets learned the fundamentals of Drill and Ceremony, from forming up and marching to military customs and courtesies.🫡

It may be one of their first formations, but it’s one of many steps toward becoming an Army officer.🪖

Hovey’s Own‼️

Summer 2026

The Summer of 2026 is one for the books‼️‼️

Our MS3s took on Cadet Summer Training, a 31-day course designed to put their leadership skills to the test through intense physical training, troop leading procedures, and a final 12-mile ruck to the finish line.

In addition, select Cadets took on Air Assault School, where they put their quick thinking, teamwork, and physical endurance to the test under pressure. After 10 days of intense training, these Redbirds earned their wings!

And finally, our Cadets went international! Select Cadets had the opportunity to participate in a 3–4 week Cadet Troop Leading Training (CTLT) program, stepping into the shoes of real 2nd Lieutenants and gaining hands-on experience alongside operational units.

From the field to the classroom to across the globe, our Redbirds made this summer one to remember.

What a way to kick off the school year!

Welcome back, Redbirds‼️‼️

Hovey’s Own

We say goodbye today to a few of our Redbirds.

While no longer CDTs, each of these individuals have had such an impact on Illinois State University’s ROTC program. Now we happily applaud each one as they cross the stage into the next level of their respective careers as 2nd LT’s in the United States Army National Guard.

Congratulations LT’s and good luck!

Lily Ryan - Public Affairs
Sheldon Riedel - Signal Corps
Steven Hubbard - Signal Corps

Hovey’s Own‼️‼️

🦅Air Assault!🦅

Please join us in congratulating CDT Urban on completing Army Air Assault School and earning the Air Assault Badge. This accomplishment reflects hard work, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.

Congratulations, Cadet!💪

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