Military schools and colleges have a long and proud tradition in American history and were not designed solely for students planning military careers. Norwich University was the first military college established in America and in 1819, began educating leaders for both the military and civilian communities. Norwich's founder understood that a structured military lifestyle combined with civilian academics would not only benefit those interested in acquiring skills valued in both military and civilian leaders…but also benefit a nation in its infancy. His vision resulted in the establishment of the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and the citizen-soldier concept.

Captain Alden Partridge, was a graduate and former Superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Located in West Point, New York and established in 1802, the United States Military Academy trains officers for the Army and was the first of the five Federal Academies to be established by Congress. In 1845 the United States Naval Academy was established in Annapolis, Maryland where today officers for both the Navy and Marine Corps are trained. The United States Coast Guard Academy was established in 1876 at New London, Connecticut to protect our nation's waterways and shore lines. Next, the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York was established in 1953, as shipping became a major form of transportation of goods and supplies around the world. Finally, in 1954 The United States Air Force Academy was established in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The Federal Academies are charged with producing career professional military officers for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines and are considered top-notch academic institutions.

The expectation 200 years ago was that those who graduated from the Federal Academies would make a career of the military. Captain Partridge realized that not all officers remained in the service and while these individuals had an extensive education in military science and leadership, they really had no formal academic education in subjects that would benefit the nation's communities. So, in 1819, Captain Partridge opened the first of the nation's Senior Military Colleges, whose mission is to educate its members in an academic discipline, military science and leadership. Many Norwich graduates, then and now, go on to serve in the military. Many others, however, use their degrees and extensive background in leadership to pursue and contribute to the nation's communities, industry and government.

As the United States military expanded in the 1800's our nation realized that the Federal Academies could not supply all the officers needed to serve. With the establishment of Norwich, other Senior Military Colleges were founded and today there are six recognized by Congress. They include Virginia Military Institute (1839), The Citadel (1842), Virginia Tech (1872), North Georgia College (1873), and Texas A&M (1876). Today all of these fine military colleges produce some of our nation's finest military officers and citizens.

With the growth of the Federal Academies and Senior Military Colleges, Congress passed the National Defense Act in 1916, which authorized and established the creation of the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). World conflict and a growing need for military officers, and the recognition that having trained military personnel in reserve (who could be called upon in case of a national emergency) were some of the major reasons behind this move. The concept of combining military and civilian academics and ROTC is known as the "Citizen-Soldier" concept and it is Captain Alden Partridge, who is credited with being the "Father of ROTC."

Today, military schools, colleges and academies like Norwich University prepare students to become extraordinarily competent and responsible citizens. Military training, although important, is not the sole objective at Norwich. The University strives to provide an environment of growth within which students learn how to become stronger and more determined leaders. Those who rise to the mental and physical challenges of life at a military college as a Cadet are rewarded with useful life skills, self-confidence and self-discipline.

Theory can take a student only so far; some lessons require real life experience. The demands of life at military schools, colleges and academies similar to Norwich University force Cadets to confront daily issues, which both challenge and define their characters as future leaders. The lifestyle of a Cadet leaves no room for apathy. Cadets learn to take responsibility for their actions, to support comrades in pursuit of a common goal, to step up, take charge and lead from the front.

Graduates of Norwich University and other military schools, colleges and academies make a difference in the world as leaders of our communities, businesses, government and military. They understand the values of initiative, integrity, honor and loyalty. They understand that a job well done is its own reward. Why? Because, as Cadets they gained the practical experience, knowledge and strength of character to try; no matter what obstacles they face in life.

So the question is…are you ready? If so, make sure you research the many opportunities offered at the Federal Academies and Senior Military Colleges. If you plan on applying to a Federal Academy do not forget to apply for an ROTC Scholarship as only 10 percent of those who apply to an academy are accepted…it is very competitive! And when you apply for an ROTC Scholarship we hope you will take a closer look at Norwich University where you can "Expect Challenge and Achieve Distinction" at America's First Senior Military College.