Events and Activities
ROTC Offers Many Opportunities to Excel
In Army ROTC, it’s not all classroom and field training. There are many opportunities for you to get to know your fellow cadets better and increase your skills in a variety of areas. Learn more about these events and activities below.
LTC Nicholas E. Kalitka
LTC Nick Kalitka was born and raised in Dracut, Massachusetts. He graduated from the United States Military Academy (USMA) in May 2008 and commissioned into the US Army as an Aviation Officer.
His military education includes the Aviation Officer Basic Course, Initial Entry Rotary Wing Course, UH-60 A/L/M Qualification Courses, the Survival-Evasion-Resistance-Escape (SERE) Course, Maneuver Captain’s Career Course, and Command and General Staff College.
LTC Kalitka holds a B.S. in Management from USMA, as well as a M.A. in Organizational Psychology from Teacher’s College at Columbia University.
He currently serves as the Professor of Military Science at the University of Mississippi. His previous assignments include Brigade Executive Officer for the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division [Hunter Army Airfield, GA]; Executive Officer and Operations Officer 4-3 Assault Helicopter Battalion (AHB) [Hunter Army Airfield, GA]; Special Assistant to the Commandant for Honor and MX400 Instructor [West Point, NY]; Company Commander A/3-10 General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB), Company Commander HHC/3-10 GSAB, Battalion Logistics Officer HHC/3-10 GSAB, and Platoon Leader D/3-10 GSAB [Fort Drum, NY].
He deployed twice to Afghanistan with the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF X-XI, XIII), accumulating over 750 combat flight hours. He also deployed to Poland in 2023 with the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade in support of Atlantic Resolve.
His military awards and decorations include: the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2OLC), Air Medal (3), Army Commendation Medal (1OLC), Army Achievement Medal, Senior Army Aviator Badge, Air Force Basic Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Ranger Tab.
LTC Kalitka is married to the former Lisa Skala, a physical therapist, and has three children—Ryken, Blakely, and Waiks.
Ranger Challenge
The Ranger Challenge is an opportunity for schools to “compete” with each other completing military tasks. In addition to a written examination where Cadets test their Army knowledge, there are physical fitness drills and field exercises. Battalions leave a Ranger Challenge with stronger bonds and sharper skills.
The Annual Spring Golf Scramble
The Magnolia Battalion hosted its Annual Golf Scramble event at Ole Miss Golf Course, during the Spring semester. Tournament Format: 3-Person Team, 8:00 a.am. Shotgun Scramble. All the proceeds from this event will benefit the student cadets of the University of Mississippi’s Army ROTC and will go directly to support Cadet functions, events and programs.
The Dining Out
Each spring cadets attend a formal dinner function. The Dining Out embodies many traditions of the service, including the punch bowl ceremony, good-natured skits, and honoring the fallen. Cadets and their dates alike leave the dining out looking forward to the next time.
Field Training Exercises
Once each semester, cadets gather one weekend to train on patrolling techniques, navigation, and maneuvering a squad. These exercises are a bonding experience and create lasting memories for the cadets.
Color Guard
Each year CDTs can participate in the color guard team. The Army ROTC color guard has the honor of presenting the colors at multiple military or military affiliated events. The color guard team also joins with other ROTC branches act as the color guard at home football games and other athletic events.
Military Appreciation Game
Each Fall the University dedicates a game day to honor the armed services. Contracted Cadets have the opportunity to march on the field at halftime and be recognized with the other branches of service as well as our student veterans.
9/11 Run
Each 9/11 the Rebel Battalion along with counterpart services run in honor of the many first responders and citizens that lost their lives on that fateful day. Each year the cadets place 3000 flags in the circle to represent the 3000 lives lost on 9/11.
Egg Bowl Run
Each fall prior to the football game vs Mississippi State cadets run 41 miles from Oxford to Calhoun City to meet MSU Army ROTC at the halfway point pass off the game ball. Teams of cadets take turns running with the game day ball during the 41 mile stretch. Spectators and supporters cheer along the route and in Calhoun City, UM and MSU have a ceremony in the Calhoun City Square.
The Chancellor’s Review
The Chancellor’s Review is a yearly tradition in which all of the ROTC programs conduct a pass and review in front of the University staff and alumni. The Chancellor is a part of the open rank inspection. This is followed by the march and salute of units as they pass their cadre.
The Commissioning Ceremony
At each commencement several cadets are commissioned as lieutenants in the United States Army. Families, friends, university officials and other distinguished guests take part in the commissioning and in the celebration afterward.
