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Black Bear Battalion · Black Bear
Black Bear Battalion runs Army ROTC at University of Maine for cadets across Maine.
About this program
Operating out of University of Maine, Black Bear Battalion commissions cadets into the U.S. Army under U.S. Army Cadet Command. Cadre and cadets commonly identify by the unit's nickname — the Black Bear.
Cadets from Husson University, Thomas College, and Maine Maritime Academy cross-enroll into Black Bear Battalion on a typical once-per-week schedule, with leadership labs, PT, and Military Science classes held on the University of Maine campus.
Funding paths into this battalion include AROTC 4-Year National and AROTC 3-Year Advanced, with Minuteman (Reserve/Guard) also available. University of Maine's academic strengths in nursing and health professions and history and the humanities give contracted cadets flexible major options on either side of the technical/non-technical line.
Scholarships available here
Scholarship route obligating service in the Army Reserve or National Guard rather than active duty.
Service obligation: 8 years
Active-duty enlisted soldiers transition to officer via ROTC with several scholarship options (2-year, 3-year, 4-year).
Service obligation: 8 years
On-campus scholarship awarded to enrolled cadets at the start of their MS-II year.
Service obligation: 6 years
Covers full tuition and fees OR room and board (your choice), plus a $420/month stipend (10 months/yr) and $1,200/yr book allowance. Merit-based board score with PT assessment and SAT/ACT. Application opened June 14, 2026; final deadline to start an application is March 4, 2027. Three selection boards (Oct, Jan, Mar). 8-year total service obligation; you can exit after freshman year with no obligation.
Service obligation: 8 years
Cross-town & partner schools served
Students at these schools can commission through Black Bear Battalion by commuting to University of Maine.
Cross-enroll students take Military Science courses at University of Maine.
Cross-enroll students take Military Science courses at University of Maine.
Cross-enroll students take Military Science courses at University of Maine.
Contact & location
Located at: University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469
Army ROTC FAQ
Where is Black Bear Battalion located?
Black Bear Battalion is hosted at University of Maine in Orono, Maine. The battalion's training events, classes, and PT all run on the University of Maine campus.
Which colleges and universities can attend Black Bear Battalion?
In addition to University of Maine, students enrolled at Husson University, Thomas College, and Maine Maritime Academy can contract through Black Bear Battalion via cross-town agreements. Cross-town cadets keep their primary academics at the partner school and travel to the host for ROTC-side coursework.
What scholarships are available through Black Bear Battalion?
Army ROTC cadets at this battalion compete for AROTC 4-Year National, AROTC 3-Year Advanced, Minuteman (Reserve/Guard), Green-to-Gold (prior-enlisted). National awards apply out of high school; on-campus side-loads kick in once a cadet is enrolled and contracted.
What's the Army ROTC summer training for cadets at Black Bear Battalion?
After the MS-III year, cadets ship to Cadet Summer Training (Advanced Camp) at Fort Knox for the 31-day capstone evaluation that drives branching and order-of-merit standing.
Can students at other schools join Black Bear Battalion?
Yes — Black Bear Battalion accepts cross-town and partner students from 3 other institutions, including Husson University, Maine Maritime Academy, Thomas College. See the cross-town options for distance and enrollment paths.
Can I commission through Black Bear Battalion as any major?
Army programs accept students from most academic majors at University of Maine. Some scholarships and commissioning options (e.g., nursing, engineering, foreign-language) carry major requirements — confirm with the unit before declaring.
How do I contact Black Bear Battalion?
See the contact section for current cadre information.
Interested in Black Bear Battalion?
Send your details and the cadre can reach out about visits, scholarships, and next steps.
Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or any branch of the U.S. military.