North Central College ROTC

In May 2026, two Army ROTC cadets, Anthony Cole and Bailey Miller, will graduate from North Central and commission as second lieutenants in the United States Army.   Miller has been selected to serve in Military Intelligence, and Cole in the Engineer Corps - both highly selective assignments.

Below, each cadet shares a reflection on their experience as a ROTC cadet at North Central.

As I prepare to graduate, I can see how my time as a cadet at North Central has shaped me for what comes next. This experience taught me how to build connections, ask for support, and use the resources around me to solve problems. These skills became essential as I tried to balance early morning training with the demanding workload of engineering. The routine often felt overwhelming, and there were moments when I felt myself falling behind. I remember long nights in the lab followed by early mornings when I questioned whether I could keep up. 

But each challenge pushed me to grow. Faculty and staff guided me through setbacks and helped me reach levels I didn’t think I could. I’ve gained not only technical knowledge, but leadership skills and the ability to support others the way others supported me. North Central’s small, but close‑knit community made that possible. Professors are present and invested in every student's success. I would recommend North Central to anyone looking for a place where they can be challenged and truly supported.

    Tony Cole '26 | Major: Electrical Engineering

I chose to be an Army ROTC cadet at North Central because it offered the opportunity to pursue leadership development, challenge me, pay for my education, and allowed me to also continue playing softball. North Central’s smaller campus allowed me to build strong relationships with cadre and fellow cadets while still being challenged to grow as a future officer and person.  Being a cadet at North Central has shaped my college experience by giving me structure, purpose, and a community that pushed me both in and out of the classroom. Through Army ROTC at NC, I’ve developed discipline, confidence, and the ability to lead under pressure, which has also helped me become a better athlete. As I prepare to graduate, my experience as a cadet has prepared me to adapt, lead, and serve with integrity in whatever comes next.

    Bailey Miller '26 | Major: Sociology    Minor: Chinese

North Central College is affiliated with the Army ROTC Rolling Thunder Battalion and Air Force ROTC Detachment 195. We currently have 10 ROTC cadets enrolled at NC, all of whom will commission as military officers upon graduation.

North Central is committed to supporting ROTC cadets through individualized mentoring and strong partnerships with our ROTC programs, ensuring students are well supported from enrollment through commissioning.

Current NC students interested in Army or Air Force ROTC must have at least three years remaining until graduation. Students who are interested should contact the ROTC program of interest to learn more about eligibility, scholarship opportunities, and service commitments.  

Learn more: Visit www.noctrl.edu/ROTC.
Questions? Contact Julie Carballo, Assistant Dean of Students for First-Generation & Military-Affiliated Student Initiatives, at jmcarballo@noctrl.edu.