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Indiana University’s Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program is distinguished not only by its rigorous training but also by its unique access to a team of sports medicine professionals, including a clinical Athletic Trainer, Chris Thompson.
These specialized resources play a vital role in ensuring cadets meet the physical and mental demands of their training while minimizing injury risk.
Thompson, who collaborates with the program’s military science strength and conditioning coach Braden Singleton, provides critical care to cadets like Louis Knable, a junior pre-med student and member of IU’s Ranger Challenge team.
This varsity-level Army ROTC competition tests participants' physical and mental resilience through extra hours of intense training.
“Our program is definitely the only one that has an athletic trainer and a strength and conditioning coach in our brigade, but as far as we know, we think we’re the only ones in the country,” said Singleton.
Thompson focuses on both injury treatment and prevention, taking a proactive approach to cadet wellness.
“My goal is to not only treat injuries but also to try to determine what risk is present for injuries, and to try to stay ahead of the curve, identify them, and mitigate or prevent the risk of injury as much as possible."
Knable credits the sports medicine team's role for his success and their overall progress.
“There have been times while I'm here that I was in our (Athletic) Trainer’s office three days a week doing treatment,” Knable shared. “(That resource) is something that is unique to IU and directly related to our success.”
Thompson’s efforts align with a broader shift in military training to embrace modern sports science, emphasizing long-term progress and holistic fitness. This unique focus, combined with Thompson’s hands-on care, ensures cadets remain physically prepared and resilient.
For cadets like Knable and his Ranger Challenge teammates, the guidance of Thompson proves invaluable.
“It’s challenging, but seeing the benefits and growth makes it all worth it,” Knable said.
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