Chicago Army ROTC

09/02/2026

CDT Willard’s Experience

This summer, CDT Willard completed Cadet Troop Leader Training (CTLT) with the 1-229th Aviation Regiment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). During his internship, he shadowed officers and NCOs across six operational branches, giving him a firsthand look at Army leadership and day-to-day operations.

Throughout the experience, CDT Willard was exposed to aviation flight operations, intelligence, signal and cyber systems, space operations with a Multi-Domain Task Force, and live-fire range safety. Some of his favorite experiences included flying over the Pacific Northwest in a UH-60 Black Hawk with an Australian exchange pilot, conducting research on SIPRNet to prepare a briefing for the Battalion Commander, and participating in a gr***de range with a Special Forces unit.

Outside of training, CDT Willard also had the opportunity to explore the Pacific Northwest, including Mount Rainier, Crystal Mountain, Olympic National Park, and Seattle.

Overall, CTLT gave CDT Willard valuable experience, new connections, and a firsthand look at the responsibilities and opportunities that come with being a future Army officer.

08/31/2026

🔥 CST Complete! 🔥

Congratulations to all of our hardworking cadets who recently graduated from Cadet Summer Training (CST) at Fort Knox!

After weeks of training, challenges, and leadership development, they are back and ready to use what they learned to help lead Fire Battalion forward.

Two more semesters to go until they commission as Army officers. The finish line is getting closer. 🇺🇸

Welcome back, and congratulations to all of our CST graduates!

08/23/2026

This summer, CDT Shepherd participated in a summer program through the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) in partnership with Hanyang International Summer School (HISS), where she lived and studied in South Korea.

Throughout the program, CDT Shepherd learned about Korean culture, history, and everyday life through classroom instruction and hands-on experiences. She visited several historical and cultural sites, including Jangnimsaji Temple in Buyeo, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Gangneung.

The experience gave CDT Shepherd the opportunity to learn outside the classroom, explore a new country, and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Korean culture, history, and society.

08/22/2026

This summer, CDT S***a traveled to Fort Knox, Kentucky, from July 9 to August 6, 2026, to serve as part of the OPFOR team during Cadet Summer Training (CST).

As OPFOR, CDT S***a and other cadets served as the opposing force during the Wolverine phase of Advanced Camp and also supported Basic Camp, helping create a more realistic training environment for cadets.

While at Fort Knox, CDT S***a also had the chance to train and learn from experienced cadre. He practiced assembling and disassembling the M4, rappelled from the tower with and without the wall, completed the obstacle course, rucked Agony and Misery, and trained on CBRN and medical Warrior Skills lanes. He also attended several classes that helped build his knowledge of Army skills and leadership.

One of the biggest benefits of OPFOR was getting an early look at how CST operates before returning next summer for Advanced Camp. CDT S***a says his favorite part of the experience was the people he met, the connections he built, and everything he learned from the cadre and other cadets.

Overall, OPFOR gave him an experience and lessons that he can bring back and share with Fire Battalion.

If you’re a contracted MS1 or MS2, we highly recommend taking the opportunity to attend OPFOR at CST.

08/21/2026

🔥 Basic Camp Complete! 🔥

Congratulations to CDT Lozep and CDT Park on completing 2nd Regiment Basic Camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky! Both cadets joined Fire Battalion as MS2s and attended Basic Camp to make up the ROTC training they missed during their MS1 year. After weeks of training, challenges, and learning the fundamentals of Army leadership, they’re coming back ready to continue their ROTC journey. Their story is also a reminder: it’s not always too late to join Army ROTC. If you’re a sophomore, junior, transfer student, or simply missed an earlier MS level, there may still be a path for you to catch up and continue toward becoming an Army officer. Congratulations, CDT Lozep and CDT Park! Welcome back to Fire Battalion! 🔥🇺🇸

08/19/2026

🪽 Air Assault Complete! 🪽

Congratulations to CDT William Grewal on successfully completing Air Assault School and earning his Air Assault wings!
After taking on the physical and mental challenges of the course, CDT Grewal walked away with another major accomplishment in his ROTC journey.
Fire Battalion is proud of you, CDT Grewal. Congratulations on earning those wings! 🪽🇺🇸

08/18/2026

07/19/2026

Serve and Learn 2 Lead, all while going to College Debt-Free.

If you're a HS Senior, what's your plan for the future? It can Start Here with an Army National Scholarship and the ROTC Program.

Scan the QC Code for more information or send an IM or email at [email protected]

LeadershipExcellence

06/20/2026

Fire Battalion proudly congratulates 2LT Sophie Zhang on her commissioning as an Adjutant General Officer in the United States Army Reserve.

Pinning her gold bars were her parents, Deacon Zhang and Vivien Yin. Following the ceremony, 2LT Zhang received her first salute from MSG Lamegos, marking an important milestone in her Army journey.

We are proud to celebrate this achievement and wish her continued success as she begins her career as an Army officer. Congratulations, 2LT Zhang!

06/19/2026

Fire Battalion proudly congratulates 2LT Grant Wincup on his commissioning as an Active Duty Infantry Officer in the United States Army.

Pinning his gold bars was his grandfather, Captain (Ret.) Gary Kim Wincup, making this milestone a special family moment. Following the ceremony, 2LT Wincup received his first salute from MSG Lamegos.

We are proud to celebrate this achievement and wish him continued success as he begins his career leading Soldiers and serving our nation. Congratulations, 2LT Wincup!