Iowa State University NROTC

09/13/2024

Yesterday, Navy, Army, and Air Force ROTC came together to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11 with a Memorial Stadium Stair Run at Jack Trice. We ran the stairs in remembrance of the brave souls lost and the countless heroes who stepped up that day. It was a privilege to unite as future military leaders and pay tribute through this workout.

09/11/2024

23 years ago, our nation was tested in ways we could never imagine. But in the ashes of that day, we rose stronger, fiercer, and more united than ever before. We honor the brave souls who sacrificed everything, the heroes who ran into the fire, and the resilience of a country that refuses to break. Their memory drives us forward. We will never forget... United We Stand🇺🇸

08/26/2024

Congratulations to Our New Midshipmen!

This week, our candidates officially became Midshipmen at Iowa State NROTC! After completing their swim qualification and the challenging E-Race endurance event, they demonstrated their commitment, resilience, and teamwork, which are key qualities of a future Naval and Marine Corps Officer. These experiences were more than just tests; they were powerful bonding moments that strengthened our unit.

On Friday, they took the oath in a swearing-in ceremony that marked the beginning of their journey as Midshipmen. Their new role is not just a title but a responsibility to uphold the values and traditions of the Navy and Marine Corps. After the ceremony, we celebrated with a unit cook-out, where we reflected on the significance of this milestone. The journey ahead will be demanding, but with the determination and camaraderie they've already shown, there's no doubt that they are ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Welcome aboard, Midshipmen!

08/22/2024

NSO Day 03: Aiming for Excellence!

Our midshipmen have been putting in serious work, as Day 03 was all about sharpening their marksmanship skills. We started with the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer (ISMT), where everyone got hands-on experience with precision shooting in a controlled environment. This simulation helps us perfect their aim and technique before hitting the real range.

After honing in on their skills on the ISMT, they moved to live fire training at Central Iowa Impact. Our midshipmen had the opportunity to apply what they've learned in a real-world setting!

08/21/2024

NSO Day 02: Building Leadership and Confidence

On Day 02 of NSO, our incoming midshipmen faced the challenges of the Leadership Reaction Course (LRC) and the Confidence Course. These courses are more than just physical obstacles; they're designed to sharpen decision-making skills and instill critical leadership qualities that they will use as future officers.

The LRC pushes midshipmen to lead their squads through complex scenarios, requiring quick thinking, effective communication, and strategic planning. It's about learning to make decisions under pressure while keeping the team's mission in focus. This experience will shape them into leaders who can adapt and guide their teams in any situation.

The Confidence Course is another key component, helping midshipmen build resilience and trust in their own abilities. By conquering these obstacles, they gain the confidence to take on challenges head-on and inspire their peers to do the same.

Every hurdle they overcome today is a step toward becoming the capable leaders of tomorrow!

08/21/2024

Yesterday marked the first day of New Student Orientation(NSO) for our incoming freshmen at Iowa State NROTC. These future Midshipmen are stepping into a new chapter, getting their first taste of military life. They've been issued their gear and have begun their initial training, setting the foundation for their journey as leaders in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps!

Over the next few days, they'll dive into the ins and outs of our unit, learning what it takes to be a part of this proud tradition. We are excited to watch them grow and are confident that they will rise to the challenge!

06/19/2024

06/06/2024

Summer Cruise!

Over the summer, midshipman in the NROTC units go to a training to help further their knowledge and help prepare them for the future. This also allows a way for those in the same class at different universities to connect before going to the fleet. Below are pictures of some of the midshipman currently on cruise.

Stay tuned throughout the summer to see more photos!

05/20/2024

Congratulations, 1st SGT Gonzalez!

We are proud to announce the promotion of 1st SGT Gonzalez! Over the past two years, his dedication and hard work as the Cyclone Battalion's Assistant Marine Officer Instructor (AMOI) have inspired and shaped us all. Your unwavering commitment and leadership have left an indelible mark on our Battalion. Thank you for everything you've done for us! We wish you all the best in your next chapter and we know you'll continue to excel.

05/12/2024

Spring 2024 Commissioning Ceremony: Honoring Our Future Leaders

Yesterday marked a momentous occasion as we bid farewell to four outstanding seniors who are transitioning from students to leaders as they embark on a new chapter of their service as officers of the United States Navy/Marine Corps. Their unwavering commitment and contributions have shaped our unit over the past four years, leaving an indelible mark on our collective journey. After years of dedication and camaraderie, we gather to honor their achievements and bid them farewell as they step into their roles as commissioned officers.

05/06/2024

Senior Sunday!

Samantha Abquina Neri from San Diego, California
Commissioning May 11th, 2024
Degree: Computer Engineering

Samantha will be commissioning as an Ensign in the Navy in this May before continuing her training as a Surface Warfare Nuclear officer in San Diego.

Samantha is a prior enlisted sailor, serving from 2018-2021 as a Nuclear Electrician’s Mate before coming to the Cyclone Battalion to become a Naval Officer. Outside of the unit, she enjoys spending her free time watching movies/shows, playing games with her husband, and taking naps with her cat, Chaplin. After her time in the Navy, she wants to focus on raising her family while working a civilian job in the computer engineering field.

Her notable friends and family include her parents: Laurence and Vilma, older brother: Trevor, younger sister: Rachael, and her husband: Shamar. “My family is my inspiration because I want to make them proud… I would like to thank my husband, Shamar, for always supporting me, and my family for inspiring me”

Her reason for serving:
“I want to serve so I can contribute to protecting my country, to travel around the world, and to provide for my family”

Congrats to all the seniors commissioning this May. Tune in to the Facebook Live or see the commissioning ceremony in person at 1800 on Saturday, May 11th.

05/04/2024

Congrats to MIDN Hellgeth and MIDN Brown on their achievements!

05/03/2024

Spring 2024 Awards Ceremony!

On April 30th we celebrated the outstanding achievements of our dedicated midshipmen. It's a moment to honor their hard work, commitment, and dedication throughout the semester. We also commemorate Commander Canfield as he moves forward to new adventures! Your dedication and leadership have been invaluable to us all. Thank you for your service and guidance. Fair winds and following seas!

04/29/2024

Midshipman Monday!

This weeks midshipman is MIDN 4/C Keegan Thomas. Thomas is a Navy option, looking into the Special Warfare community. He is an Aerospace engineering major from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Outside of unit activities, he enjoys spending his time playing sports, drinking chocolate milk, and exploring.

His favorite part of ROTC are the people that he meets and help hold him accountable.

His role models:
"My parents, they always support my decisions and push me to do my best."

"I am choosing to serve because I want to make the country better for future generations"

Check back next week to meet another midshipman from the Cyclone Battalion!

04/28/2024

Senior Sunday!

David Giba from Temecula, California
Commissioning May 11th, 2024
Degree: Industrial Technology
Minor: Military Studies

David will be commissioning as an Ensign in the Navy in this May before continuing his education (Masters) in California while waiting to go to flight school in Pensacola, Florida.

This past fall, David was selected for a pilot contract in the Navy. Outside of the unit, David enjoys hiking, outdoor activities, traveling, and shooting. After serving his 8-10 years, he hopes to go into Search and Rescue.

His notable friends and family include his parents: Stanly and Ursula Giba, siblings: Patryk and Alixe Giba and his first salute : Stephen Chase, USAF.

“I’d like to thank my brother for always supporting me and being a beacon of light in my darkest moments. Without him I would not have tried to reach this opportunity and have the honor and serving the U.S Navy.”

His reason for serving:
“I want to serve because of my desire to perform search and rescue for both the military and civilian side. With the mindset of saving lives, I also genuinely want to help people, and I would like for that to include the men and women I serve with in the Navy. Though there’s no denying, I also just love to travel and want to explore the world in all its glory."

Thank you and check back next week for our last Senior Sunday before graduation and commissioning!

04/24/2024

FEX

Over this past weekend, the Cyclone Battalion hosted the Spring 2024 FEX. This was a field training exercise conducted at Camp Dodge that was ran by the ISU team, but had participants from 7 different schools!

There were over 100 people in attendance from MOIs and AMOIs to MECEPs and midshipman.

Events ranged from SULEs (small unit leader evaluations), hikes, fieldcraft, land navigation, OCS prep, to the Confidence Course, an Endurance race, and basics in self defense. The weekend was designed to train for students going to OCS, TBS, and SOAS.

Thank you to everyone who joined and helped support this training!

Semper Fi

04/22/2024

Midshipman Monday!

This weeks midshipman is MIDN 3/C Hannah Upton. Upton came into the unit last year as a Navy option but picked up a Marine Option scholarship last semester! An Aerospace engineering major from St. Louis, MO, she wants to be a pilot in the Marine Corps. Outside of unit activities, she participates in the Silver Wings club, serving as the Outreach Officer. She enjoys walking around campus, petting the various dogs on campus, volunteering, and lifting.

Her favorite part of ROTC involves meeting new people with similar interests and 'meeting everyone's dogs.'

Her role model:
"My retired E-7 father, he embodies the values I want to have and instill in others."

"I am choosing to serve to hold the responsibility of developing future Marines mentally, morally, and physically."

Check back next week to meet another midshipman from the Cyclone Battalion!

04/22/2024

Senior Sunday!

MIDN 1/C Alyssa Brown
Hometown: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Commissioning May 11th, 2024
Degrees: Industrial Technology and Agriculture Systems Technology
Minor: Military Studies and Leadership Studies

Alyssa will be commissioning as a 2nd LT in the Marine Corps in May before going to The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico, VA in August. Just like Austin, until going to TBS she will be working at the Officer Selection Office through Iowa City, IA.

During TBS, officers get their MOS and Alyssa is hoping for Infantry/ a combat arms MOS. After the Marine Corps, she is looking at going back to school for her masters and working in some sort of engineering job. Outside of the unit, Alyssa spends her time with friends, traveling, playing intramural sports, working out, and reading.

Her notable friends and family include her Mom (Kelly), Dad (Marty), Step Mom (Paulette), siblings (Tyler, Collin, Kennedy), and the rest of her family- Grandparents, cousins, so forth. She always included her friends Alina, Adan, and Nikki: “They’ve been with me since day one at ISU and college would have been very different without them. I owe them basically everything.”

Her role models:
“I have a lot of role models I’ve looked up to throughout the years. 2nd LT Adan Maher has been one of the most prominent. She’s one year ahead of me in the Marine Corps and pushed me every step of the way to be better. She’s taught me so much and it’s been different here without her. She’s been someone I’ve grow very close to over the years and even though we don’t go to school together anymore, we still get the chance to talk almost every week. Some of my other role models include: Capt. Macki, Capt. Van Der Werff, LT Wiseman, 1stSgt Bowen, GySgt Gonzalez, SSgt Twigg, all the MECEPs (SSgt Amaya, SSgt Bargren, SSgt Yao), 2nd LT Szewc, Alina Pagan, and many more. They've all taught me so many things and guided me to who I am today."

Her reason for serving:
“I want to lead Marines. I want to develop myself to be the best I can be, to serve them and be the leader they deserve.”

Two more Senior Sundays until commissioning!
Happy Sunday and Semper Fi

04/15/2024

Midshipman Monday!

This week, meet MIDN 4/C Joshua Quackenbush. MIDN Quackenbush is a mechanical engineering major from Georgetown, Kentucky, looking into the aviation community in the Navy. Outside the unit, he enjoys playing any sports, being outdoors, and working out. Fun fact- He was ranked ninth in the country for goals scored in a single game while playing lacrosse.

His favorite part of the Cyclone Battlion is "the camaraderie between everyone and the unique experiences offered to me that most college students don't get to do."

His biggest role model is his dad. "If I ever need advice or just someone to be with he's always there for me. The impact he's had on my life is one thing i'll never be more grateful for."

"I'm choosing to serve because of the skills and experiences the armed forces provides and the honor in which it brings to an individual."

Check back next week to meet more midshipman in the Cyclone Battalion!

04/14/2024

Senior Sunday!!

Every Sunday leading up to commissioning, one of the graduating seniors will be posted to highlight them and their future in the Navy/Marine Corps.

The first senior is MIDN 1/C Austin Cross.
Hometown: Cedar Falls, Iowa
Commissioning May 11th, 2024
Degrees: Industrial Technology and Agriculture Systems Technology
Minor: Military Studies

Austin will be commissioning as a 2nd LT in the Marine Corps in May before going to The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico, VA in September. Until September, he will be working at the Officer Selection Office through Iowa City, IA. Austin is hoping for an Infantry MOS (which is determined at TBS) and is looking at staying in the Marine Corps for 8-10 years. After the Marine Corps, he wants to go into research and development in the Precision Agriculture field. Outside of the unit, Austin spends his time with family and friends, hunting, fishing, hiking, at his cabin, or just being outdoors.

His notable friends and family include: His Mom (Kim), Dad (Kevin), three brothers (Shane, Taylor, and Carson)(two of them are Marines and Carson is currently stationed in Okinawa Japan.) And his lovely girlfriend Alex. He would like to say thank you all his family, friends, and mentors. “This journey is not possible without the help of others and without them, I would not be in the place I am today. I would like to wish the Men of the Pier the best of luck. Keep the show running.”

His role models:
“I have a few role models. One being my older brother Taylor who has been not only a role model but a great friend, brother, hunting partner, mentor, and many more titles. Through the adversity of raising a family at a young age while doing a combat deployment to Afghanistan and another deployment to Iraq, and then coming back home and becoming the local police chief, while remaining to uphold all the titles previously mentioned, he has shown me what a model individual and a good human looks like in this organization. Other role models to me have been the MOI, AMOI, and MECEP staff that I have had the privilege of working with here at Iowa State, Capt Van Der Werff, Capt Macki, 1stSgt Bowen, GySgt Gonzalez, 2nd Lt Bleske, SSgt Bargen, SSgt Amaya, and SSgt Yao.”

“I want to serve because I want to lead Marines. There is a great amount of responsibility and trust that comes with one of the world's finest privileges of leading Marines if you are afforded the opportunity.”-Austin

Happy Sunday and Semper Fi

04/10/2024

Looking to join the Cyclone Battalion or know anyone interested? Applications are now open!!!

By joining as a college programmer, you will have the opportunity to earn scholarships and gain experience as a leader in the Navy or Marine Corps.

Go to the Iowa State University Naval ROTCs website to apply or click the link below!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out and email LT Fuller at [email protected]

APPLICATIONS FOR NAVY COLLEGE PROGRAM STUDENTS FOR THE FALL TERM ARE DUE NO LATER THAN JULY 1. Each year students who were not awarded a National NROTC Scholarship are provided the opportunity to apply for the NROTC College Program. A College Program Midshipman does not receive scholarship benefi....

04/08/2024

Ship Handling, Shooting team, and Knowledge team!!

The ship handling team, which consisted of MIDN Reiswig, Wallin, and Steinkuehler, placed seventh in the event. This event was ran on a simulator and involved situations such as pulling in/out of port, using radar, etc.

Shooting team, which placed fourth overall, consisted of both rifle and pistol. This was the last event of the day and the score helped ISU receive second place in the meet! Photos will be posted later on when received from OSU.

Knowledge team, made up by MIDN Mooney, Wright, and Harris, placed first in the event. This event consisted of a paper exam, the points totaled from the three individuals on the team added to make the overall score. Unfortunately, we do not have any photos of this event but we did bring home a trophy!

Ohio State University's NROTCU will be sending photos within the next few weeks so more may be posted later on.

04/08/2024

The Cyclone Battalions Tug of War team, made up of SSgt Bargren, SSgt Amaya, SSgt Yao, and MIDN Bouska, placed fifth in the Tug of War competition. Although not a conventional event, this was definitely a more entertaining one to watch.

04/08/2024

Midshipman Monday!!

This weeks midshipman is MIDN 3/C Ben Mooney. Mooney is a sophomore in Aerospace Engineering in the Aviation Community. Currently, Mooney serves as the Color Guard Commander and the Tri Service Liaison. He was also part of the knowledge team to win first at the Ohio State Drill meet. He enjoys participating in intramural sports, lifting, and using the flight simulator in his free time. MIDN Mooney is from Riverside, Illinois and came to Iowa State for the engineering program and the Naval ROTC Unit. His favorite part of the unit is the camaraderie within the unit.

His role models include ENS Persons (graduated spring 2023) and ENS Phares (graduated fall 2024), both were MIDN Mooneys mentors within the unit and helped guide him to where he is today.

"I chose to serve to be part of something bigger than myself"

Check back next week to learn more about the Cyclone Battalions midshipmen!

04/07/2024

Alexa, play Firework by Katy Perry!

The powerlifting team, which consisted of SSgt Bargren, SSgt Yao, and MIDN Jacobs, placed first in powerlifting. This event consisted of a one rep max bench, squat, and deadlift. Together, they lifted over 3,000 pounds.

The pull up competition, led by MIDN Rottinghaus, did a combined total of 147 pull ups between five members of the unit (four male, one female), placing second in the event.

The endurance race, a 14 mile race with a 45 pound pack that consisted of over 2 miles of a buddy carry, many burpees, push ups, squats, a knowledge test, low crawls, and various other exercises, placed second overall. The team consisted of MIDN Hellgeth, Cross, McConnell, and Brown.

Congrats to all the teams in these events!! Work hard play hard!

04/07/2024

Platoon drill, color guard, and squad drill!!

Our platoon drill, led by MIDN Beaudet, placed fourth overall with MIDN Beaudet placing third for Drill Unit Leader. For the past few months, the midshipmen have drilled at least once a week, usually multiple times, to prepare for this meet.

Color guard, led by MIDN Mooney, placed seventh in the meet and learned a few new moves for this meet. The team, made up of mainly freshman, dedicated a lot of time after hours to learn the new movements and prepare.

Squad drill, led by MIDN Upton, placed fourth in the meet. All of the other Universities squad drill teams were good and the points were very close. This team put in the time and preformed very well!

Congrats to everyone who participated in these events!

04/06/2024

This weekend the Cyclone Battalion participated in the Ohio State University Drill Meet! Overall, ISU placed second. Knowledge team and powerlifting team both placed first and pull ups and the endurance team placed second. The midshipman put in hours of work into their events during PT, lab, and time outside unit hours to make sure they were ready. Congratulations to all the teams and good job Cyclone Battalion!

More photos will be posted throughout the next few days, stay tuned for more.

04/04/2024

04/01/2024

March Recap!

March 28th - LRC 3. This Leadership Reaction Course was designed to be physically stressful and mentally difficult for the squad leaders and the squad. It involved running with main packs, assault packs, and ammo cans, as well as situations the squad leader had to defuse quickly. It helped midshipman develop their skills of endurance, decisiveness, and confidence.

March 7th - Bunny Bash and Midshipman of the Month. This lab was a morale event that involved football, food, and video games. It helped ease the minds of some of the midshipman after a difficult exam week. It was also when the midshipman battalion staff awarded the Midshipman of the Month for February. This award goes to the midshipman that the staff believes embodies the core values of Honor, Courage, and Committment. This midshipman goes above his/her roles and is a positive role model for everyone in the unit. February's Midshipman of the Month was MIDN Mayer. MIDN Mayer went above and beyond leading his squad in multiple squad events and is an excellent example of a hardworking individual. Keep up the great work!

The Cyclone Battalion did not have a lot of unit events this March but held many drill practices to get ready for the Ohio State Drill meet thats happening later this week. The battalion also held multiple community times and had a week off for spring break. On the physical side of things- the battalion ran an inventory PFT/PRT to see the improvements on their scores from the beginning of the semester, which everyone excelled at.

April is very busy for the Cyclone Battalion as their hard work throughout the semester is tested with the Drill meet, FEX, Wargame, and final PFT/PRT, on top of school work. Keep up the good work!
Semper fi

04/01/2024

You don’t look a day over 130! Happy birthday to the backbone of the U.S. Navy! ⚓

On April 1, 1893, the rank of Chief Petty Officer as we know it today was officially established. CPOs hold significant importance as they are responsible for leadership, mentorship, and technical expertise within their specific field, and bridge the gap between junior enlisted Sailors and commissioned officers, providing crucial experience and guidance. Thank you CPOs for being a foundational member of our Navy family! You are indispensable assets in all our naval operations! 🎉

Chiefs! 🗣️ SOUND OFF in the comments 👇