The ROTC Staff Ride program offers an immersive learning experience in which ROTC cadets engage with the concepts of leadership and military operations by analyzing decision-making during battle and the universal study of war fighting as part of the battlefield staff ride commissioning requirement for all ROTC cadets. Participants will understand how human beings act in times of crises and why adaptation to changing conditions is essential. They will also engage with leadership styles and the challenges all military leaders face.
Our program was designed exclusively by acclaimed Civil War historian Dr. Carol Reardon, George Winfree Professor emerita of American History at Penn State University and a member of the Gettysburg Foundation Board of Directors. Our curriculum asks cadets to apply the lessons of Gettysburg and Antietam to situations they will face as future Army officers. This tour has been carefully curated to best highlight the valuable lessons learned from the men who fought the battle.
For more information about this program, contact info@armyheritage.org
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Year in Review Academic Year 2025-2026
This report reflects a year of growth, deepening partnerships, and expanding reach — all made possible by the generosity of those who share our conviction that what we pass forward matters.
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Looking Ahead 2026-2027
Our senior cadet staff ride experience guides cadets in understanding how human beings act in times of crisis, adaptation to changing conditions is essential, leadership styles, and the challenges all military leaders face.
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The Esper Award for Cadet Leadership
The Esper Award for Cadet Leadership is a new award that is available to ROTC Juniors or Seniors who have been on an AHCF Staff Ride during the current academic year.
