USC Army ROTC

🇺🇸 CADET OF THE MONTH: CDT Bin! 🇺🇸

CDT Bin is a Junior from San Diego, CA, majoring in Business Administration. He is currently an MS3 and will serve as the Assistant S3 next year.

“I joined Army ROTC to better myself and push myself in college. Being around cadets with similar passions and values has made me into a person who always tries my best and goes above and beyond. The Trojan Battalion has offered me numerous opportunities in both the civilian and military sides, and I’m excited to attend my internship at Robinhood this summer and also do CST this summer while representing USC.”

Outside of ROTC, Luke Bin enjoys the gym, hiking, and traveling. Wish him luck as he heads to Fort Knox, KY this summer for CST!

     

The Trojan Battalion hosted a “Bring-a-friend to PT” day where many of our Cadets showed their friends what they go through on early mornings! Starting the day off early with a 0545 formation, our friends were ready. They went through a series of training exercises from the sprint drag carry to a distance run with a plate! We ended the workout with a fun game of tug of war between friends and cadets.

Thank you friends for supporting your cadets and we hope you had fun!

As we reach the midpoint of our semester, we would like to congratulate our outstanding Cadets for their hard work thus far. Acknowledging our battalions best builds comradely and inspires everyone to strive for excellence.

Congratulations Trojan Battalion Cadets!✌️

USC Army ROTC competed in the 8th Brigade Ranger Challenge, competing against other ROTC programs from the West Coast.

Ranger Challenge tests physical endurance, mental toughness, and tactical skill through events that test physical fitness, individual soldiering skills, and teamwork, ending with a ruck march as a team.

🇺🇸 CADET OF THE MONTH: CDT Ko! 🇺🇸

CDT Ko is a Sophomore from Rochester, MI, majoring in Business Administration. She serves in S5 and supports the battalion through Soldiers of Troy.

“I joined ROTC to push myself mentally and physically and explore the many Army career paths. The Trojan Battalion community has been one of the most rewarding parts of college, and I’m excited to keep growing as an MS2 while supporting the program through Soldiers of Troy.”

Outside of ROTC, she’s VP of Professional Development for Ascend USC, has interned internationally, and enjoys the gym, running, hiking, and traveling.

Our very own Trojan Battalion Cadets just completed the Norwegian Foot March. CDTs Cal Sandino, Hannah Nelson, Ryan Delosreyes, Bella Mariott, Stephen Hong, Bryson Ngo, Quinlan Tran, and Luke Bin qualified to receive the NFM badge for finishing on time.

CDTs Stephen Hong and Quinlan Tran came in first and second place out of more than 200 participants, pacing under 10 minutes/mile for 18.6 miles with a 25lb ruck.

🇺🇸 CADET OF THE MONTH: Stephen Hong! 🇺🇸

CDT Hong is a Sophomore majoring in Industrial and Systems Engineering in the Viterbi School of Engineering. ⚙️📋 Stephen is a dedicated member of our Color Guard and thrives in the high-energy, disciplined environment of the program.

He says, “I joined Army ROTC at USC because of the numerous opportunities to explore other interests around talented students while physically and mentally improving myself to become a well-rounded leader. The fun, gritty training process so far has exceeded my expectations, and being surrounded by disciplined fellow cadets and experienced cadre has put me on the path to doing better beyond PT and class.”

Originally from Boston, MA, Stephen’s discipline extends well beyond the classroom. Whether he is staying active with GreekIV, running, hiking, or hitting the rugby pitch, he consistently embodies the scholar-athlete ideal. We are proud to see him constantly rising to a higher standard every day!



| |

From commissioning in May 2024 to leading a Sapper Platoon today, the first 18 months of active duty have been an amazing experience for our alumni, 1LT Alli Parra.

Reflecting on an incredible journey through the 25th Infantry Division and the 65th DEB, 1LT Parra has learned a lot. From the “gritty” days of Jungle School to the intense physical and mental demands of Sapper School she continues “being a sponge” and soaking up every lesson.

Some of 1LT Parra’s Key Takeaways:
    •    Be a Sponge: At EBOLC, absorb everything. You’ll need those notes when you’re on the ground at your first unit. 📝
    •    Find Your Mentors: Look to your XO and senior leaders. Building relationships early on staff helps you understand expectations before you take the guidon.
    •    Advocate for Yourself: Use staff time to attend schools. Don’t be afraid to focus on career progression, there is always someone to cover down if you speak up.
    •    One Meal at a Time: When things get tough (like Sapper School tough), focus on small goals. One day, or even one meal, at a time.

Now serving as a Sapper Platoon Leader (1st PLT, 77th CEC-I), the mission is just beginning. Her biggest piece of advice? “Don’t suffer in silence—ask questions. That’s how you learn.”

Fight on! ✌️
| |

🇺🇸CADET OF THE MONTH ANNABELLE GREEN!🇺🇸CDT Green is a Freshman majoring in Biomedical Engineering in the Viterbi School of Engineering. 🧬⚙️ Annabelle is a dedicated member of our Ranger Challenge team and loves the drive and commitment of her fellow Cadets.
She says, ‘I love ROTC because it gives me a sense of purpose, challenge, and belonging that I haven’t found anywhere else. Every day pushes me physically, mentally, and as a leader, and surrounds me with people who share the same commitment to bettering themselves.’
Annabelle’s discipline is evident through her grit during Saturday RC workouts and her focus during early-morning PT. She genuinely enjoys the structure and teamwork of the program, and we are proud to see her constantly rising to a higher standard every day.



| |

(1/2) A huge congratulations to the Trojans Battalion’s MS4s as they were notified of their branch last night.

Branch Night is a monumental moment for our seniors as they take another big step towards becoming leaders of the future.✌️



| |