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Rolling Thunder Battalion

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Rolling Thunder Battalion

The Official page for the Wheaton College (IL) US Army ROTC Program This is the OFFICIAL page of the Rolling Thunder Battalion.

The Rolling Thunder Battalion has been training and commissioning Army Lieutenants since 1952, and is consistently recognized in the top 10% of all Army ROTC programs. Our graduates have gone on to serve with distinction in the military, the business sector, government, and the ministry. As part of the Rolling Thunder Battalion, you'll be a vital member of our team and involved with the best leade

rship development program in the nation. You'll quickly gain the confidence and self-discipline to succeed in your classes. You'll acquire leadership skills from our people oriented organization that will serve you during college and prepare you for a lifetime of successes. You'll also earn opportunities to use your abilities and talents to serve others and your country. The Rolling Thunder Battalion will push you to be the kind of compassionate Warrior-Leader our world needs.

05/13/2026

Earlier this week, we commissioned our Wheaton Cadets into the ranks of the United States Army as Second Lieutenants. We are tremendously proud of their growth from the day they first stepped into our halls to this moment.

We were also honored to have distinguished guests join us for this milestone event, including Dr. Bryan McGraw, Dean of Social Sciences, Wheaton College, as well as ROTC and Wheaton College alumni Brigadier General Swanson and Colonel Adams. Their presence made the occasion even more meaningful for our cadets, families, and cadre.

We look forward to seeing the impact these new officers will have on their Soldiers, units, and the Army as they begin the next chapter of leadership and service.
Job well done — but the mission has just begun. Tighten up your boots and… “Let’s Roll.” 🇺🇸

04/30/2026

Rolling Thunder Battalion Dining Out at Cantigny Park — a night to celebrate a year of hard work, growth, and team cohesion.

This event brought the battalion together to build esprit de corps, honor our traditions, and bid farewell to our graduating seniors. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Dining Out without some friendly rivalry. From light-hearted banter to a few well placed jabs between our schools, the competition stayed strong—but always in the spirit of building each other up as one team.

We were honored to host distinguished guests including Dr. Philip Graham Ryken, President of Wheaton College ; Dr. Bryan McGraw, Dean of Social Sciences; Dr. David Iglesias and our guest speaker, Major General (Ret.) Dr. Jerry E. White, President Emeritus and Board Chair Emeritus of The Navigators, an international faith based organization.

Major General (Ret.) Dr. White delivered a powerful message, reminding our cadets of the responsibility they have chosen—to lead as servant leaders—and the sacrifices that come with earning a commission.

The evening also marked a key transition as we conducted a Change of Command ceremony, officially welcoming our incoming Cadet Battalion Commander, Cadet Jimenez.

We also recognized LTC Moen, our Professor of Military Science, as this Dining Out marked one of the last opportunities for the full battalion to come together under his leadership before his transition. His influence over the past four years has been instrumental in shaping the battalion we are today.

A memorable night that reflected who we are as a battalion—disciplined, united, competitive, and always ready to lead.

04/27/2026

Nothing builds resilience before finals quite like good ol’ fashioned dodgeball at Sports PT 🤾‍♂️

Duck, dive, dodge… and question your life choices when that one cadet has a cannon for an arm.

04/21/2026

Some cadets dropped into the water like confident future Rangers… others looked like they just got betrayed by gravity mid-step.

Either way, everyone hit the water, got after the CWST, and somehow turned it into a full-on splash competition. From smooth entries to “survival mode” swims, it was all part of the show.

At the end of the day, standards were met, egos were checked, and nobody stayed dry—exactly how it should be.

04/13/2026

Spring FTX complete ✔️

Cadets spent the past few days in the field sharpening tactics, building confidence, and leading from the front. From long days to even longer nights, they proved resilience, teamwork, and what it means to train like future Army officers.

Mission accomplished. Ready for what’s next.

04/08/2026

Over breakfast, Wheaton College ROTC cadets engaged with Brigadier General (Ret.) Joseph Rank, a Wheaton College ROTC alumnus (Class of 1987) and former U.S. diplomat, during a professional development event.

Through small-group discussions on leadership and post-commissioning career options, cadets learned from Mr. Rank’s experiences from ROTC to Army service. The engagement strengthened alumni ties, expanded perspectives, and reinforced ROTC’s lasting influence on leader development.

04/06/2026

Not your average ROTC training day ⚡️

The Rolling Thunder Civil War Competition brought 70+ cadets together for a fast-paced, squad-driven challenge built on leadership, teamwork, and decision-making. No set plan, no hand-holding—just a mission, a map, and three hours to figure it out.

Squads had to prioritize, task organize, and make real-time calls: hit lanes or chase land nav points for higher scores. Every decision mattered.

From PT and obstacle problem-solving to radio comms, TCCC, weapons, and even blindfolded M4 assembly—this was all about trust, communication, and performing under pressure.

Bottom line: cadets were forced to think, adapt, and lead. Exactly what we want.

04/02/2026

Not your average day at ROTC 🚁

Our cadets got an opportunity to step into the world of Army Aviation thanks to the Illinois National Guard. Aircrews flew directly into our training area and turned it into a hands-on learning experience from start to finish.

Cadets were able to get up close with the aircraft, ask questions to the pilots and crew, and learn what it really takes to operate in the aviation branch. From pre-flight procedures to mission insight, this wasn’t just a briefing — it was real exposure.

And the best part?
They took to the skies.

For many, this was their first time flying in a military aircraft — an experience few cadets get, and one they won’t forget anytime soon.

03/08/2026

Serving Our Community, Living Our Calling.

Wheaton College ROTC cadets continue their commitment to serving through volunteer efforts that support deployed service members and their families. This week, our cadets partnered with Operation Support Our Troops, working alongside local community members, youth programs, and families to assemble care packages for deployed troops.

Opportunities like this allow our cadets to give back while also connecting with the local community and sharing the mission of Wheaton College and Army ROTC.

It truly is a privilege to see how Wheaton’s emphasis on character, purpose, and calling aligns with ROTC’s commitment to duty and selfless service—two missions that build on each other to develop our students and serve the community.

12/23/2025

Today marks a powerful milestone as we officially welcome 2LT Oliva into the United States Army. What began as a commitment to serve has grown into a calling rooted in discipline, resilience, and character.

Congratulations, Lieutenant. Lead with purpose, serve with honor, and know that you carry the pride of this battalion with you wherever you go. We’ll be keeping you in our thoughts as you take on the challenge ahead. 🇺🇸⚔️

Address

Wheaton, IL

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 4pm
Tuesday	9am - 4pm
Wednesday	9am - 4pm
Thursday	9am - 10pm
Friday	9am - 4pm

Telephone

+16307525121

Website

http://www.wheaton.edu/rotc

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