Evaluating Self-Reported Dietary Habits and Barriers Among ROTC Cadets Across Training Type and Frequency

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets are emerging tactical athletes balancing academics and physical training. While physical readiness is emphasized, little is known about how cadets’ food-choice values and dietary habits vary across training modes and frequency. Understanding these patterns is vital, as diet influences body composition, performance, recovery, and long-term health in early military career development. PURPOSE: To investigate the dietary habits and food-choice values of ROTC cadets based on their weekly resistance, aerobic, and concurrent training frequency. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 184 ROTC and Corps of Cadets regarding the following validated questionnaires: Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ) and Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants-Short Version (REAPS). The cadets were stratified by the number of weekly training sessions completed in resistance training (RT), aerobic training (AT), and concurrent training (CT). The data were analyzed using Chi-square tests (p < 0.05) to compare BMI groups. Categorical data were reported as frequencies and percentages. Cramer’s V assessed association strength, interpreted as negligible (