Frequently Asked Questions
No. Students who enroll in ROTC don't join the Army. They take an ROTC class for which they receive credit. It's considered a college elective.
No. ROTC is open to any student who wants to take the course as an elective, or participate in leadership training while attending college.
No. ROTC cadets go directly to college where they earn their degree.
Leadership and management skills needed to become a U.S. Army officer or to have a successful civilian career.
Students in ROTC learn through a unique program that involves both classroom and hands-on experiences. Their greatest leadership/management experience comes from mentoring younger peers through Army ROTC events and activities.
The only cadets incurring a military obligation during college are those who joined the National Guard or Army Reserve. Scholarship recipients incur a military obligation after receiving a B.A. or B.S. in their respective field of study.
The ROTC program is divided into phases: The Basic Course studies Army history, organization and structure. The techniques and principles of leadership and management are stressed throughout. The Advanced Course concentrates on tactical operations and military instruction, as well as advanced techniques of management, leadership, and command.
Yes. Army ROTC offers merit-based scholarships to thousands of students attending colleges and universities nationwide. An applicant’s ability to qualify for these scholarships depends upon when they seek the opportunity to apply.
ROTC scholarships pay full tuition (in-state, out-state, or private – for those offering Army ROTC) and the Army pays the school direct. A scholarship also pays $600 per semester for books & incidentals (to the student) and a tax-free stipend of $420 per month (also to the student).
ROTC scholarships are not based on financial need. Instead, they're awarded on merit. Merit is exhibited in academic achievement and extracurricular activities, such as sports, student government or part-time work.
No. Anyone can enroll in ROTC. And regardless of whether you're a scholarship winner or not, all ROTC books, supplies and equipment are furnished at not cost to you.
Army ROTC awards scholarships to high school seniors in October, January, and March of their senior year. Army ROTC awards campus-based scholarships (students on campus and in Army ROTC) to students throughout the academic year. The specific timeframe of awarding the scholarships depends on where a student chooses to attend college.
In college and after graduation, cadets find that the training and experience that they have received are assets - whether pursuing an Army or civilian career. Employers place high regard on the management and leadership skills that ROTC instructors stress. Plus, ROTC looks great on a resume. When cadets complete the ROTC course, upon graduation, they become commissioned officers in the U.S. Army.
No. You can enroll in all ROTC classes with no service obligation. The obligation comes when you decide to contract into the ROTC program to become an Army Officer.
No. At least two-thirds of the upcoming graduating cadets will receive an active duty tour. Cadets who receive Reserve Duty will serve in local National Guard or Army Reserve unit.
There are time demands and voluntary extracurricular activities in ROTC. ROTC cadets are more mature and better time managers than many students. Your academic and athletic success is the highest priority to succeed in ROTC. Army ROTC provides the best leader development program in the world. No corporation or leadership institute can provide the combined classroom and hands-on leadership training, education and practice as Army ROTC. During the academic year, your focus is on academics getting your degree -- with ROTC classroom instruction and labs complimenting that education.
Army regulations dictate proper wear of the Army uniform and grooming requirements for our cadets. Most events and activities require proper wear of the uniform. Army ROTC strictly prohibits harassment or hazing of any kind.
If you enroll in Army ROTC, we will help you become a better person in manifold ways - no doubt about that. ROTC will: Give you better leadership and managerial skills applicable to any field. Provide you a lot of personal attention, encouraging you to get good grades and further mature. Class sizes are small and everyone is given personal counseling. We compel you to stay in shape and improve your physical fitness. Yes, there are some progressive physical fitness requirements and you cannot be overweight and complete the program. We give you the opportunity to learn what the military is all about these days - the role of the Army and its soldiers, (strategy, politics, technology, standards, career fields, etc.) We provide additional fun and learning activities, and opportunities for you to make more friends than virtually any other organization on campus. Cadets consistently relate that one of the best aspects of the ROTC program is the camaraderie students find among each other -that is what Esprit de Corps or belonging is all about.
Young adults must serve as Officers in the Army after graduation if they have received an ROTC scholarship, OR if they have enrolled in the ROTC Advanced Course. Enrolling in the ROTC Basic Course (the first two years of college) does NOT obligate someone to serve unless they have also received a scholarship.
Army ROTC scholarships vary based on the length of time remaining for students to complete their degrees. There are two-, three- and four-year merit-based scholarships providing full tuition. Scholarships also include annual book allowances and a monthly stipend. Army ROTC scholarships are not retroactive.
All commissioned officers incur a military obligation of eight years. Scholarship cadets have a commitment of four years in the active component or eights years reserve service. Non-scholarship cadets have a commitment of three years in the active component or six years reserve service.
Army ROTC is one of the only college courses that teaches leadership. This training is invaluable for any career that involves leading, managing and motivating people or fostering teamwork. Young Army Officers are typically responsible for hundreds of Soldiers and millions of dollars in equipment; this kind of management experience can be very attractive for post-Army employers.
The Army offers a wider range of career opportunities, in more places around the world, then any other U.S. military branch.
Visit the website GoArmy.com
Army ROTC Cadets are allowed to major in nearly all academic areas.
Army ROTC classes normally involve one elective class or lab per semester. Although the classes involve hands-on fieldwork as well as classroom work, they are standard college classes that fit into a normal academic schedule. These courses can help students with personal and academic decision-making while giving them the tools to exercise leadership in college life, even before graduating and becoming Officers.
Army ROTC Cadets enhance their college experience through participation in Army ROTC activities. These activities improve their leadership, management, and people skills in ways other classes cannot. Army ROTC Cadets have the same lifestyle and academic schedules as any other college student.
It depends on the Army branch the Cadet chooses and the unit to which he/she is assigned. However, Army missions and challenges are always changing, so there's no way to know in advance which specialties and units will be needed where. All Soldiers in the Army or Army Reserve face the possibility of deployment at some point during their careers. But all Soldiers are fully trained and proficient in the tasks and drills of their units. And Officers are specifically trained to make the right decisions so that missions can be carried out safely and successfully.
Yes. Selected Cadets may choose to serve part-time in the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career.
Army ROTC graduates are commissioned as U.S. Army Second Lieutenants. They receive specialized training in one of 18 different Army branches. During their Army careers, they'll receive regular professional training as they advance through the ranks, and they'll have opportunities for advanced leadership positions and post-graduate education.
Visit the Benefits section of the GoArmy.com website for complete details. Specifically, the Money sub-section provides details on pay for both Officers and Enlisted Soldiers.