Student Experiences

While academics are our top objective, it is recognized that extracurricular activity contributes to a well-rounded individual, and therefore Midshipmen are encouraged to be involved in campus activities and even various unit activities which might include Color Guard, Drill Team, and community service.

Through midshipmen run clubs such as John Paul Jones Society, Semper Fi Society, and The Glorious Order of the Sextant, the battalion gets an additional source of income that helps support the unit’s extracurricular activities. It also provides funds to offset the cost of the Navy and Marine Corps Birthday Ball, Senior’s Dinner, Dining Out, gifts from the battalion, and picnics or pizza parties the battalion may host.

Events

Navy and Marine Corps Birthday Ball

The Navy and Marine Corps Birthday Ball is a very special time of year for the Cyclone Battalion. The battalion dresses up for this formal event to celebrate the Navy and Marine Corps Birthdays. The ball consists of a social hour, followed by a speech from a guest of honor, then an excellent dinner and the traditional cake cutting ceremony. The rest of the night consists of dancing and celebrating the birth of these two great services.

Sports

The Cyclone Battalion usually fields various intramural teams that compete in various Iowa State University Intramural leagues. All members of the unit have a great time competing in athletic events. In particular, the football team competes against the Army and Air Force ROTC teams and plans to keep up this coveted tradition for years to come.

Spring Awards Ceremony and Dining In

To honor and recognize the achievements of midshipmen, Officer Candidates, and Marines, the Naval ROTC battalion holds an award ceremony during the spring semester. Many awards are presented by veterans and other distinguished individuals from the community. The night after the awards ceremony the Unit Staff along with the Juniors and Seniors participate in the Dining In event.

Drill Competition

Each semester, the platoons that make up the ISU Cyclone Battalion compete in a close order drill competition against one another. They are graded by the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor and selected graders. Each platoon and the Platoon Commander are graded according to their precision, accuracy, and coordination.

Community Service

The Cyclone Battalion participates in a wide variety of community service events, such as regular highway clean up, meals for Haiti, hurricane Katrina relief projects, Habitat for Humanity, American Cancer Society Relay for Life runs, and many others.

Organizations

Color Guard

The Color Guard performs many services for both Iowa State University and the surrounding community. The color guard is provided for many NROTC events, local and University parades, and home football/basketball games. The color guard is made up of a select group of Midshipmen who have demonstrated a high aptitude for drill.

John Paul Jones Society

The John Paul Jones Society is an organization that helps students learn about the Navy and Marine Corps culture as well as providing opportunities for learning and exercising leadership, management, and organizational skills. The society provides a fraternal organization for students to plan and participate in social functions and community service events.

Semper Fidelis Society

The Semper Fidelis Society is a national association of Marines and Marine Option Midshipmen who are seeking a commission in the United States Marine Corps. The purpose of the Semper Fidelis Society is to help prepare future Marine Corps officers. In addition, the Semper Fidelis Society encourages camaraderie and develops a sense of belonging and core values through participation in various social events and campus activities throughout the school year.

Shooting Team

The Shooting team participates along with the drill team at drill meets around the country. They compete in both .22 long rifle and .22 pistol marksmanship competitions. Additionally, the shooting team does in house 3-gun competitions. They meet regularly and hold tryouts each semester.

The Glorious Order of the Sextant (Sextant Society)

The Glorious Order of the Sextant is for Navy option midshipmen and officer candidates who are seeking a commission in the United States Navy. The purpose of the Sextant Society is to encourage camaraderie and promote the prestige of US Navy history and customs. The Glorious Order of the Sextant participates in various social events and campus activities throughout the school year. Members are responsible for designing and building the unit float when needed for a parade.

Drill Team

The Drill Team is made up of both Marine and Navy option midshipmen who want to further their education and training in the area of close order drill. The team is open to midshipmen of all classes and skill levels. The team focuses on the areas of platoon drill, squad drill, color guard, and exhibition drill. The team is lead by the Drill Team Commander under the instruction of the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor. The team competes in various national competitions throughout the year.