Are all college majors compatible with Army ROTC?

Army ROTC Cadets are allowed to major in all academic areas.

By participating in Army ROTC, are you joining the Army?

No. Students who participate in Army ROTC are not obligated during their first two years to join the Army. They can take a ROTC class for which they receive credit.

Can I commission through Army ROTC if I have a dual-citizenship or if I am a non-U.S. citizen?

Those who are dual-citizens must renounce their non-U.S. citizenship. Non-US citizens must become U.S. citizens to contract and commission. All are still able to participate until their Junior year when they must contract.

Can only scholarship winners enroll in ROTC?

Anyone may enroll in ROTC. Even if you are not a scholarship winner, all supplies and equipment are furnished at no cost to you. 

Do cadets ever get hands on weapons training?

Yes. Cadets will have the opportunity to familiarize with the M4A1/M16A2 rifle by firing, breakdown, cleaning and performing function checks. Also, during the AROTC Field Training Exercises, cadets deploy to the field with M4A1/M16A2 rifles and fire blank rounds for training purposes.

Do I have to do Junior ROTC to be in Army ROTC?

Absolutely not! No experience is required prior to joining Army ROTC in college. The curriculum is designed to be a four year sequential leader development experience that transforms a college student into an Army officer.

Explain ROTC social life.

The ROTC program provides cadets with the opportunity to interact with cadets from different schools. More importantly, cadets will have plenty of time to enjoy a 'normal' social life at their own school. 


I see ROTC as a potential interference to my career field. How is ROTC able to help?

While there are possibly some career tracks where ROTC may not help you, the exceptional record of graduating Cadets getting good jobs in their field is well above average. In the Reserves and National Guard, there are also a lot of job networking and contacts, and most new employees view those with military experience (Reserves, National Guard, active duty) in very positive terms. Further, students that emphasize their ROTC enrollment are generally viewed as desirable to most employers because of their competitive spirit, leadership and managerial abilities, maturity and time management skills.

I'm not a freshman - am I too late to start the Army ROTC program?

It is possible to start the program at any time.  We can help you plan out what classes you need to take, what additional training you might need to do to catch up with your peers and get all of your required paperwork in order.

Is the training at ROTC like being in Basic Training?

Absolutely not. At ROTC you are an Army cadet. The ROTC program and the very name itself, Reserve Officer's Training Corps, train motivated, academically and physically qualified college students into becoming Army officers. The training methodology is entirely different then traditional Basic Training. 

Is there a lot of responsibility in ROTC?

Yes, all cadets must learn to deal with military and personal responsibility if they're going to be successful in school or in the ROTC program. Time management skills, and task prioritization are essential elements of the ROTC curriculum. Cadets will also be responsible for leading groups of younger cadets and keeping them informed about ROTC events. The most emphasized aspect of ROTC training is leadership. The backbone of the armed forces is strong leadership at all levels, and therefore leadership training is essential within the program. Because of the leadership skills inherent in military training, many soldiers find it easy to find jobs after they've completed their military obligation. 


What about haircuts, wearing uniforms and harassment?

You must maintain the Army grooming standards for both male and female; hair off your ears (male) and not down your shoulders (female) while in uniform. A crew cut is not required. You will learn how to wear a uniform properly, but the uniform is only worn during class times and training. Finally, harassment of any type went out years ago; it is not acceptable. We emphasize proper decorum, respect, military customs and courtesies, ethics and standards of conduct; all of which apply equally well to non-military, professional careers.

What if I want to become a doctor, vet, lawyer, physical therapist, etc.?

The Army may grant you an educational delay to earn a Master's or Doctoral Degree. This allows you to delay your service until you complete your higher degree. After completing the degree, you will be required to fulfill your military obligation.

What is PT like?

PT should be rigorous, but developmental. Instructors understand that all cadets are always at different levels of physical fitness. As one progresses through the ROTC program, he/she will be expected to play a more important role in leading PT and developing PT plans. The Army evaluates physical fitness on one's ability to perform push-ups, sit-ups and a two-mile run. Most training is consequently dedicated to improving those areas. 

What is SMP?

The Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) allows you to attend Army ROTC and serve in the US Army Reserve or Army National Guard at the same time. It gives you an opportunity for additional training and experience.  Cadets serve as officer "interns" in the Reserve or National Guard while completing college. You can earn Reserve/Guard pay and benefits in additions to your Army ROTC allowances.  Also, since you are an actively drilling Soldier, you have access to government money to pay for school, such as the GI Bill® or the Guaranteed Reserves Forces Duty (GRFD) Scholarship.

What is the military obligation following college graduation?

Scholarship winners must serve for four years; non-scholarship Cadets must serve for three years.  All those who graduate and complete ROTC training are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army.


What is the ROTC training schedule like?

The standard ROTC training schedule consists of three weekly PT sessions, one weekly lab held after class, a Field Training Exercise (FTX) each semester, and two social functions. At the labs, cadets will learn and practice skills ranging from basic drill and ceremony to light infantry tactics. All of these skills play an important role at the semester's FTX. Finally, the social functions are a fun time to bond with peers and instructors in a formal, but relaxed, environment.

What kinds of scholarships are available in Army ROTC?

Army ROTC scholarships vary based on length of time remaining for students to complete their degrees. There are 2, 3 and 4 year merit-based scholarships providing full tuition. Scholarships also include annual book allowances and a monthly stipend.

Will Army ROTC interfere with my academic or athletic pursuits?

No. Your academic and athletic success is the highest priority and we stress that. You must do well academically and athletically to succeed in ROTC. While there are some mandatory events (such as two Field Training Exercises), we can help work with your teachers to ensure you are able to complete any tests or academic obligations. There are also voluntary extracurricular activities throughout the year. ROTC Cadets are typically more mature and better time managers than many students and are able to balance all obligations.

Will I have to deploy while in ROTC?

As a contracted Cadet with our program, you will not be asked to deploy in support of operations overseas. Our focus is to ensure that you graduate from college with a four year degree and are well trained and prepared for your future as an Army Officer. This is also true for our National Guard and Reserve Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) Cadets.