What is the Normandy Staff Ride?
The Normandy Staff Ride is the capstone experience for University of Michigan Cadets.
Imagine walking the grounds of Normandy, France, the site of pivotal World War II battles you’ve spent months studying. Through our unique and fully-funded Spring break trip, senior Cadets have the extraordinary opportunity to immerse themselves in history, bringing their classroom learning to life. This powerful experience allows future leaders to explore iconic landing beaches, reflect at American cemeteries, and gain an unparalleled understanding of the leadership and strategic decisions that shaped our world. This is just one example of the exceptional experiential learning opportunities that set our ROTC program apart, preparing you for success as a leader in the military and beyond.
In their senior year, our Cadets undertake an in-depth study of the D-Day landings, focusing on the crucial role of a specific unit. This capstone experience provides unparalleled access to primary source materials, offering unique insights into this pivotal moment in history. By immersing themselves in the details of their assigned regiment’s composition, objectives, and operational plans, Cadets develop a profound understanding of the complexities of wartime strategy and execution. This culminates in a briefing on the actual battlefield in France, where they detail the unit’s mission, challenges, and actions during the invasion. This demanding exercise not only solidifies their historical knowledge but also sharpens essential communication, presentation, and leadership abilities, preparing them for future success.
No other ROTC program in the country has an opportunity as impactful as this.
