Gateway Battalion Army ROTC

Introducing the Army Gateway Battalion Spring 2026 Commissioning Class!
We are proud to celebrate the newest group of leaders from the Gateway Battalion Army ROTC — representing the St. Louis area universities — as they earn their commissions as Second Lieutenants in the United States Army.
These cadets have completed rigorous training, demonstrated excellence in leadership, academics, and character, and are now ready to serve our nation with honor and distinction.
Go out and lead with integrity.
Go out and inspire your soldiers.
Go out and uphold the Army values — Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.
Go out and make a difference wherever you are called to serve, whether Active Duty, National Guard, or Army Reserve.
Congratulations to the Spring 2026 Gateway Battalion Commissioning Class!
You are commissioned. You are ready. The Army — and the nation — needs you.

Quick Summary of the Program
• Target audience: Army 68C (Practical Nursing Specialist / “68 Charlie”) who have completed AIT. Your Joint Service Transcript (JST) from 68C training grants significant credit, allowing you to enter as a junior and complete the BSN in four semesters (two years). 
• Format: In-person classes and clinicals in the St. Louis area (not online).
• Approval: Missouri State Board of Nursing approved.
• ROTC component: Four-semester track with options for commissioning. Supports Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) for Reserve/Guard.
• Financial benefits (for qualifying participants):
• In-state tuition & fees.
• Federal Tuition Assistance (TA).
• FAFSA aid.
• SMP: E-5/SGT drill pay.
• ROTC stipend: ~$420/month.
• UMSL textbook grant: $1,200/year.
• On-campus housing grant: $6,000/year (if living on campus).
Cohorts:
• Initial cohort: Fall 2026.
• Active duty 68Cs: Apply via Green-to-Gold Active Duty Option (ADO). Application window opens 4 July 2026. Selected candidates attend in-person starting Fall 2027. 
This program is a partnership between UMSL College of Nursing and St. Louis Army ROTC (Gateway Battalion). It’s designed to produce quality RNs with leadership potential for both military and civilian careers. 
Advice for Interested 68Cs
1. Verify your credits — Get your official JST evaluated early.
2. Licensure — You’ll need an unencumbered LPN license.
3. Active Duty — Pursue Green-to-Gold ADO for the best path while staying on active duty initially.
4. Contact points:
• UMSL College of Nursing (check umsl.edu for the dedicated 68C page).
• St. Louis Army ROTC / Gateway Battalion. 580-583-7724

Getting close to commissioning. As you go your separate ways, remember to keep in touch with each other. To the West!

Wrapping up the spring semester before everyone goes in different directions for the summer. Advanced Camp, Basic Camp, Airborne and Air Assault plus internships will keep everyone busy. Stay safe Gateway!

Cadet Sherman is all smiles as she contracts with Army ROTC! She’s currently a nursing student at Saint Louis University. By contacting, her Army ROTC Nurse Scholarship covers full tuition and fees, provides a monthly stipends, NCLEX study materials, two NCLEX exams, a one time payment of $925 for nursing equipment and comfortable shoes while Saint Louis University will include room and board. Congratulations!🎉

2LT Wortendyke living the dream as the Army’s Newest Chemical Officer. Always great to see fellow Gateway Officers showing up and showing support. The U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Officer (MOS 74A) manages defense against WMD threats, leading reconnaissance, decontamination, and smoke operations.

Gateway MS 3s preparing for Cadet Summer Training (Advanced Camp) with some additional marksmanship training. To the West!

How do our cadets look on the M4 rifle range?

Gateway! Finance Officer Basic Course complete. Soldier: “My pay is wrong again.”
Finance Officer: “Looks like the system had an error that caused an overpayment… We’ll need that back. With interest.” To the West!

Gateway ROTC cadets and cadre had the opportunity to welcome home military veterans through the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight. This local nonprofit honors military veterans by flying them to Washington, D.C. for a special, all-expenses-paid day visiting the memorials built in their honor. Cadets marched accompanied by the St. Louis County Police band with bag pipes and drums.