Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is a program of leadership and military skills training. It prepares St. 
Bonaventure University students for officer responsibilities in the active Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard following graduation or after deferment to attend advanced civilian schooling.
Students do not have to contract with ROTC, however, to take part in this organization. The classes are electives you can try out for up to two years with no obligation. Unlike traditional college programs, we give you a wide range of experiences while you work toward your degree. You'll combine classroom time with hands-on experience, learning skills and acquiring leadership traits that are sure to give you an edge over your peers when it comes time to look for a job.
A variety of clubs and organizations exist as a part of ROTC. If a student takes ROTC courses, and becomes an active member, they are able to participate in each one of these groups:
ROTC Color Guard
St. Bonaventure ROTC Color Guard is an organization filled with military tradition. The color guard presents both the schools colors and the American flag at St. Bonaventure and local sporting events. The Color Guard also participates in local ceremonies including the 9/11 and Veterans Day ceremonies.
For each event, five Color Guard members participate. There is a color sergeant, armed with a saber, who calls the commands; a flag bearer holding the school colors; a flag bearer holding the American flag; and two riflemen posted at each side of the flags.
Though only five members appear at each event, there are many members of St. Bonaventure ROTC Color Guard, consisting of both contracted ROTC cadets and cadets who have become active members and are taking the class for fun.
Ranger Challenge
St. Bonaventure Ranger Challenge is the varsity sport of ROTC. It is an intense club that takes weeks of training in preparation for competition at designated military bases.
Ranger Challenge is a group of elite ROTC cadets. The team practices and competes in a number of events against other teams from the region. These events include a physical training test, creating and crossing a rope bridge, a ruck march with more than 40 pounds of equipment and much more.
Cadets and ROTC members try out for this organization, but only a few are accepted to go on to additional training and compete.
Gold Bar Club
The Gold Bar Club is the organization within the ROTC unit at St. Bonaventure that raises funds for ROTC activities not involving training.
The Gold Bar Club is also heavily involved in community service such as sponsoring Little League games and work with The Warming House. The club's fundraising is responsible for the annual military ball, which is attended by more 375 people including St. Bonaventure and local officials, as well as others from the campus and community.
The Gold Bar membership includes all ROTC cadets at St. Bonaventure, as well as those students who are taking ROTC courses and wish to participate. Although this club consists mainly of ROTC students, all students are welcome to join.
Learn more about ROTC here.
Request more information here.