Incoming Cadet
Welcome Week
Two days of orientation, training, and community-building designed to prepare you for life as a Fighting Illini Cadet. Here’s everything you need to know before you arrive.
Your First Step as a Fighting Illini Cadet
ICW2 — Incoming Cadet Welcome Week — is your official introduction to the Fighting Illini Battalion. Over two days you’ll meet your cadre, complete your check-in and paperwork, participate in the Army Fitness Test (AFT) or Cadet Command Fitness Assessment (CCFA), as assigned, build foundational cadet skills, and get connected with your incoming class.
Families and guests may attend Day 1. A dedicated parent program runs alongside the afternoon cadet events, and everyone comes together for the Welcome Cookout at the end of the day.
At a Glance
August 19–20, 2026
505 E Armory Ave, Champaign
Parking Lot E-5
Parent & Guest Program
Register for ICW2 Now
Check-In & Move-In Support
Arrive between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM at Armory Parking Lot E-5 for check-in, enrollment paperwork, and move-in support from current cadets. Wear modest civilian clothes.
Cadre Meet & Greet
Meet your cadre in the Auditorium at 1:00 PM, receive the ISTW briefing, and get oriented to battalion life before your first formation at the flagpole.
Parent Program
A dedicated Day 1 afternoon program for families: Scholarship & Accessions Brief, ILARNG/USAR Brief, and a guided Armory Tour — all before the cookout.
Welcome Cookout
Day 1 closes with the Welcome Cookout at the Armory Flagpole. Cadets and guests come together at the Armory Flagpole for the Welcome Cookout.
Army Fitness Test & CCFA
Day 2 opens at 6:00 AM with the Army Fitness Test (AFT) at the Turf Fields and the Cadet Command Fitness Assessment (CCFA) at the Armory Flagpole. Report in the Army Physical Fitness Uniform (APFU). After testing, cadets are released for breakfast, hygiene, and changing before the 9:30 AM formation.
Training Activities
Both days include hands-on training. Day 1 features AFT preparation, equipment issue, administrative processing, cadet portraits, and basic drill and ceremony. Day 2 includes weapons familiarization, the smokeless range, and squad sports PT.
ICW2 Event Schedule
AFT Preparation
Practice AFT events and minimum-score expectations so cadets understand each exercise before the following morning’s test.
Administrative Paperwork & Cadet Portraits
Complete any remaining required paperwork while members of the squad rotate through official cadet portraits.
Equipment & Boot Draw / Equipment Overview
Sign for issued equipment, verify all items, conduct a gear layout, and hear current-cadet perspectives on what they wish they had known.
Cadet Handbook / Basic Drill & Ceremony
Review appearance standards, chain-of-command expectations, customs and courtesies, and foundational drill and ceremony.
Station 1: WPN Petting Zoo
Cadets are introduced to Army Values and 21st-century competencies through a supervised weapons-familiarization activity.
Station 2: Smokeless Range
Each squad completes a supervised smokeless-range rotation.
Station 3: Sports PT
Squads participate in approximately 50 minutes of team competition using soccer balls, frisbees, and footballs, with travel time built into the rotation.
Uniform Requirements
Attire changes depending on event — plan accordingly
- Modest civilian clothes
- ROTC Black T-Shirt
- Appropriate civilian athletic attire
- Athletic footwear
- Army Physical Fitness Uniform (APFU)
- ROTC Black T-Shirt
- Appropriate civilian athletic attire
- Athletic footwear
- Civilian clothes — comfortable and casual is fine
What to Bring
Come prepared — especially for Day 2
- Required enrollment paperwork and documents
- ROTC Black T-Shirt for afternoon events
- Water source (filled water bottle or hydration pack)
- Notebook
- Pen
- MRE lunch is provided
- Extra water will be available