U.S. Army launches nation’s first Enlisted Training Corps Demonstration Program at Ivy Tech

U.S. Army Recruiting Command, in partnership with the Indiana Army National Guard and Ivy Tech Community College, established the nation’s first Enlisted Training Corps demonstration program this week during a signing ceremony held at Ivy Tech’s Sellersburg campus.

This initiative aims to introduce community college students to meaningful career opportunities in military and public service. In accordance with Section 548 of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, the Army will pilot the ETC program on Ivy Tech’s Sellersburg and Columbus campuses beginning in fall 2025.

Ivy Tech – Indiana’s largest postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly-accredited statewide community college system, is the first community college to offer the program. The ETC Program will be offered at no cost to Ivy Tech students enrolled at the Sellersburg and Columbus campuses.

Program participants will complete a three credit-hour course taught by Army instructors titled “Foundations of Military and Public Service.” The students will learn about the benefits of military and public service, military history, military customs and courtesies, physical fitness requirements and ethical behavior and decision-making. Those who complete the program and earn an associate degree with Ivy Tech will have the opportunity to enlist in the Army at the E-4 pay grade – the highest rank available for junior enlisted recruits and a 30% pay increase over the standard entry level.  

“The Enlisted Training Corps at Ivy Tech Community College is a vital investment in the future of the Army National Guard. It will equip our enlisted soldiers with the skills, discipline, and leadership needed to be successful, both in and out of uniform. The opportunity to earn accelerated promotion to E4 offers participants a strong incentive to take part in this pilot program. I’m excited to partner with Ivy Tech as they take the lead on such an important endeavor for Indiana,” said Brigadier General Larry Muennich, Indiana’s Adjutant General.

“Today is a monumental day as we launch the Army Enlisted Training Corps Pilot Program at Ivy Tech Community College,” Lt. Gen. Johnny Davis, USAREC Commanding General, said. “This first of its kind course will introduce new generations to the military and provide students with a unique opportunity to learn more about service to our nation, while earning credit toward their degrees.”

“By embedding military and public service pathways directly into the community college experience, we’re helping strengthen the nation’s defense, support our military partners, and build a workforce that is ready to serve – in uniform and in communities throughout Indiana.”

According to the Department of Defense, about half of young Americans admit they know little to nothing about military service. This low awareness, coupled with declining eligibility and increased competition from the civilian workforce, places all military branches in a war for talent to find qualified, motivated individuals to join the Armed Forces. The ETC demonstration program aims to reverse these trends by embedding military preparation within educational institutions – offering a more accessible, career-aligned entry point into service.

This fall, Ivy Tech will also pilot an Introduction to Public Service course, a one-credit, one-week intensive offered at six campuses throughout Indiana (Bloomington, Columbus, Indianapolis, Lawrenceburg, Marion and Sellersburg). The course will engage high school and undergraduate students in hands-on public service-learning experiences using Indiana National Guard facilities and expertise. High school students who complete the course through Ivy Tech’s dual credit or dual enrollment programs will have the opportunity to earn the enlistment and service readiness seal as part of the new Indiana high school diploma requirements.