“Not Camouflaging Anything”: The Influence of ROTC Affiliation on Campus Climate and Sense of Belonging

This qualitative study explores campus climate and sense of belonging among 20 U.S. Army Reserve Officers’ TrainingCorp (ROTC) cadets in one battalion. Findings reveal that while cadets report an overall positive climate, theirROTCaffiliation can influence their perceptions of climate and mediate their sense of belonging. Cadets may also experience tension in being ascribed (both positively and negatively) a military identity while not fully feeling affiliated with the military. Findings enhance current conceptualizations of military student experiences given cadets have needs and challenges that differ from service members and veterans. Implications for campus practice, continued research, and methodological considerations for scholarship concerning cadets are discussed.