Syracuse Sun

Earning a commission in the U.S. Army involves several challenges, with physical fitness being a critical component for candidates aspiring to become commissioned officers. In 2019, the U.S. Army introduced the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), a more demanding evaluation of a soldier's physical performance potential in combat situations. This test requires specific equipment and training space, which many ROTC detachments across the country lack.

Syracuse University addressed this challenge by developing a plan to provide their future soldiers with necessary resources. "Physical fitness is critical for our soldiers to meet the demands of their profession in the most challenging of situations and, ultimately, to accomplish our mission," stated U.S. Army Lt.Col. Matthew Coyne, professor of military science at Syracuse University and detachment commander for the Stalwart Battalion.

The university converted a warehouse near Jamesville Avenue into the Stalwart Tactical Athlete Center (STAC) to ensure cadets could prepare effectively for their military careers. This initiative has proven successful, as evidenced by Syracuse University's ROTC cadets achieving high scores on the ACFT compared to other programs regionally and nationally.

"Our cadets have achieved the highest Army combat fitness test average of all programs in the northeast," Coyne noted. Cadet Byron Levi '25 from Syracuse University achieved the highest individual score during summer training, attributing his success to the university's support: "The STAC has been monumental in physical and tactical preparation leading up to CST."

Syracuse University's commitment to supporting veterans and military-connected students has led to increased interest among prospective U.S. Army officers. The Stalwart Battalion's enrollment reached its highest since 2020, preparing 124 cadets for service after graduation.

"Syracuse University has a historical commitment to supporting veterans in higher education," said retired U.S. Army Colonel Ron Novack, executive director of Syracuse University's Office of Veteran and Military Affairs.

Since its opening, STAC has served multiple purposes beyond fitness training; it provides storage space for military equipment and offers classroom facilities where cadets can plan exercises and rehearse tactics.

For more information about Syracuse University's Army ROTC program or how you can support their initiatives, contact Eric Schaertl at eshaert@syr.edu or 315-443-2462.