Training

Training Opportunities in the Nittany Lion Battalion

There is more than meets the eye in the Nittany Lion Battalion…Here’s a list of some of the opportunities you can be a part of!

Physical Readiness Training (PRT)
Military Science (MS) Class
Leadership Lab
Field Training Exercise (FTX)
Military balls, known as the Dining In and Dining Out
Cadet Summer Training (CST)
Clubs and Organizations

Physical Readiness Training (PRT)

PRT is from 0550-0700 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. You will work out with your Platoon (about 40 people) or Company (about 80 people), and will have the opportunity to plan, lead, and execute your unit’s work out plans.

Military Science (MS) Class

Class is on Tuesdays and Thursdays; there are different sections offered so you can find one that fits your schedule. Classes are taught by your instructors, or Cadre, who are Officers and Non Commissioned Officers (NCO) that have years of experience in the Army. You will learn the basics of the Army, leadership, and military skills, which you will apply in Thursday’s Leadership Lab.

Leadership Lab

Lab is every Thursday from 1530-1730 (3:30 PM – 5:30 PM) at one of our multiple training areas on and off campus. This is your time to apply the concepts you are learning in class, such as land navigation, first aid, and leading your unit through squad and platoon level missions.

Field Training Exercises (FTX)

Our Field Training Exercises (FTX) are one weekend per semester. FTX builds on everything you’ve learned so far in the semester, and you will further your leadership and tactical skills, as well as train with other ROTC programs in new training areas.

Military Balls

We have our Dining In during the fall semester and Dining Out in the spring. Dining In is semi-formal event and Dining Out is formal; both are fun occasions that strengthen unit cohesion and boost morale. You will enjoy good food, military traditions, and lots of laughs with your peers!

Summer Training

All Cadets will attend Cadet Summer Training (CST) at Fort Knox, Kentucky, after your junior year (in most cases). CST is about one month long, and you will be evaluated on your leadership abilities.

Additionally, you can compete for other summer training opportunities. Some training our Cadets do includes, but is not limited to: Airborne School, Air Assault School, Jungle Warfare School, Mountain Warfare School, Cadet Troop Leader Training, Project GO, and military and civilian internships in the United States and around the world!

What else does the Nittany Lion Battalion do?

We offer 6 different clubs within our Battalion. To learn about each club, go to the Home page, click on “NLB Information,” then “Clubs.” These clubs are run by Cadets, which allows you to gain more leadership experience while pursuing your interests, connecting with your peers, and having fun!

You can also be involved in the hundreds of student organizations and clubs at Penn State. We also have Cadets who are in Greek Life, Division 1 and Club athletics, volunteer organizations, Residence Life, and more!

Being involved will make your Penn State experience much more meaningful. YOU can write your own story!