New Brunswick Campus to add Naval ROTC to Army and Air Force units
The program, expected to begin in fall 2012, is one of the provisions set forth by the Secretary of the Navy for approval of Rutgers’ application to bring a Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) unit to the New Brunswick Campus. Rutgers has long hosted Army and Air Force ROTC programs. The NROTC program would be the only one offered in New Jersey.
The New Brunswick Faculty Council passed a resolution supporting the NROTC program in February 2010 that has been endorsed by Interim Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Richard Edwards and President Richard L. McCormick, who both support creation of the new academic department. The Committee on Academic and Student Affairs recommended establishing the Department of Naval Science to the Board of Governors.
“Rutgers is delighted to bring the Naval Science program to our campus,” said McCormick, “and honored to provide a Navy ROTC experience for New Jersey students. The program will offer outstanding scholarship and career opportunities and will prepare selected men and women for commissioned service in the United States Navy or Marine Corps."
"I am pleased that NROTC is coming to Rutgers University," said Navy Secretary Ray Mabus. "Our future Navy and Marine Corps will certainly benefit from the outstanding education the Midshipmen will receive at Rutgers, and the campus community will benefit from the contributions of these exceptional student leaders."
NROTC programs educate and train young men and women for leadership in the increasingly technical Navy and Marine Corps. The programs run concurrently with students’ regular educational course of study leading to their bachelor’s degree. Besides their general education and major coursework, NROTC students attend courses in Naval Science, participate in unit drills and physical training and engage in other activities, including leadership training associated with service as a military officer.
There are currently 60 NROTC programs available to students at more than 150 U.S. colleges and universities.
Media Contact: Steve Manas
732-932-7084, ext. 612
E-mail: smanas@ur.rutgers.edu