Norwich has named US Marine Colonel Robert C Kuckuk as dean of the College of National Services, which oversees Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs at Norwich through the departments of Army Military Science, Aerospace Studies and Naval Science. Kuckuk, who was assigned as commanding officer of Norwich’s NROTC detachment in 2014, graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a BS in Industrial Education in 1986. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1987 and designated a Naval Aviator in 1990. In 2006, he attended the Naval War College, graduating with distinction while earning a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.
Kuckuk’s career has included multiple tours in Japan, two deployments to the western Pacific and once to Iraq in 2005. He commanded Marine Corps Air Station Yuma from May 2011 until June 2014. His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with 2 gold stars, Air Medal with numeral 3, Defense Commendation Medal, Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 1 gold star. He is married to the former Jennifer Fischer of Madison, WI. They have three children, Emily, Betsy and Sam.
ROTC at Norwich
Norwich University is the birthplace of ROTC. In April 206, Norwich University celebrated 100 years of ROTC with a symposium, which included 12 generals and admirals, 40 classroom presentations, two keynote lectures and a moderated panel to discuss the future of the leader development program.
Participation in ROTC, including military labs and physical training, is an integral part of the Corps of Cadets leadership experience at Norwich. Cadets must enroll in Army, Air Force, Navy or Marine Corps ROTC to maintain membership in the Corps of Cadets. Depending upon the military branch and career interests, participation may include physical training, field training and practical military instruction (including Mountain and Cold Weather Company, Ranger Company, and Artillery Battery).
The ROTC programs exist to commission well-educated officers into the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps in sufficient numbers to meet the requirements of these services. The general objectives of the programs are to provide understanding of the principles of military, aerospace and naval science; to develop comprehension of associated professional knowledge; to build attitudes of integrity, honor, and individual responsibility; and to encourage appreciation of national security requirements. These objectives support the mission of Norwich University and the Corps of Cadets and augment the training plan necessary to prepare cadets for service to the nations as soldiers and citizens.
The ROTC requirement is both an obligation and an extraordinary opportunity. Cadets will study leadership, ethics, troop-leading skills and a broad array of military service-related courses.