University of Hawaii at Manoa Army ROTC

Along with their regular academic schoolwork and classes, Army ROTC cadets also train in the art and science of leadership and soldiering. Their training involves conducting physical training (PT) sessions three times a week that pushes their physical limits to the maximum. This all culminates towards a monthly Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) in which every cadet must pass with a minimum 60 percent or better in all three categories: Push-Ups, Sit-Ups and timed two-mile run. Cadets also execute a number of other physical fitness activities such as ruck marches that can vary between 5 to 7 miles in length while wearing full combat gear. Beach PT is also a regular regiment of the battalion conducted in the heart of Waikiki. Cadets are able to glimpse the early morning sunrise along the shores of Ala Moana Beach Park while conducting Boat PT on the battalion’s small fleet of Zodiac boats.

With beach PT, cadets also conduct Combat Water Survival Training, CWST, in order to gain confidence while within bodies of water and to maintain swim proficiency. CWST consists of five minutes of treading water, ten minutes of freestyle swimming, equipment ditch, 25m high dive while blind folded with dummy M16 rifle and equipment swim with dummy M16 rifle.

“I am an expert and I am a professional.”

Being physically fit is just one aspect of becoming an Army officer. Cadets must learn the skills vital in leading soldiers in combat. Basic Infantry tactics are taught to cadets as part of their Military Science and Leadership curriculum. Cadets are expected to gain a basic understanding of these concepts and execute them while being placed in various leadership positions during Situational Training Exercise lanes, or STX lanes. STX lanes are just one of the number of methods used to evaluate a cadet’s leadership abilities using a series of seventeen benchmarks called leadership dimensions.

“I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.”

While cadets are evaluated on their leadership abilities during Situational Training Exercise lanes, STX lanes, cadets must also be proficient at reading and plotting land navigation points on a military map in which they must physically navigate a course and locate their respective land navigation points. In an era where GPS satellites and trackers are a dime a dozen, all soon-to-be Second Lieutenants are expected to learn the old school way of navigating from Point A to Point B as a contingency in case of technology’s unexpected surprises.

“I am an American Soldier.”

Cadets train mentally as well as physically to prepare themselves in leading their fellow soldiers into battle. Both in and outside of the classroom, cadets are expected to be a scholar and a solider.

“I am an Army Cadet. Soon I will take an oath and become an Army Officer committed to defending the values, which make this nation great. Honor is my touchstone. I understand mission first and people always.




I will do my duty.”