The purpose of the Army Reserve Officer's Training Corps is to enable college students to pursue a course of study which will qualify them, upon graduation, for appointment as officers in the United States Army, Army Reserve or National Guard.

The Rolling Thunder Battalion is made up of Wheaton College, Lewis University, Benedictine University, University of St. Francis, Aurora University, Judson University, North Central College,Trinity International University, and Elmhurst College. These schools cooperate with the Army to commission competent, confident, and caring junior leaders for the United States Army. It is committed to providing our nation with leaders who take seriously their responsibilities to serve their country and their God honorably.