Army ROTC provides college-trained officers for both the Active Component (U.S. Army) and the Reserve Components (U.S. Army Reserve and the National Guard). As the largest single source of Army officers, ROTC fulfills a vital role in providing mature young men and women for leadership and management positions in an increasingly technical Army. As the Army grows to meet the challenges of our Nation's war on terror, we need thousands of new competent, confident and agile officers each year who will lead our Soldiers.
There are three basic ways to participate in Army ROTC:
The first is to be a participating student. These students register for the Military Science class only (101 through 202). Since they are not enrolled as cadets they are not covered for any liability beyond that of the university and therefore DO NOT conduct activities outside the classroom (physical training, leadership labs or field training).
The second and most common way is to be an enrolled cadet. These students fully participate in ROTC by taking the Military Science classes, physical fitness, leadership labs and field training. Enrolled cadets are covered by the government for any injuries occurring during ROTC sanctioned training. They wear the Army uniform to all ROTC functions and must adhere to military customs and standards. Unless under contract, enrolled cadets are NOT obligated to future military service.
The third category is to be a contracted cadet. Contracted cadets fully participate like other enrolled cadets, but they are also under obligation to future military service. Scholarship winners must contract to receive benefits. Non-scholarship cadets must also contract by the MS III/junior year in order to continue in the program.
Leadership
Army ROTC is called "the smartest college course you can take" because it teaches skills you'll need in order to do well in college and beyond. You'll learn how to lead and work with others, write and speak effectively, manage your time and become a more disciplined student. It enhances your education by providing both training and experience in leadership and management. It develops self-discipline, responsibility, and confidence—qualities basic to success in the Army or in a civilian career.
Great Americans such as former Secretary of State General Colin Powell are ROTC graduates. It is a challenging program which can lead to a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army. But whether you try ROTC for all four years or for only a single semester, the leadership and management skills developed will remain for a lifetime. Bottom line...if you think you are a leader, Army ROTC will make you better!
Experience
Following graduation, most Cadets who are commissioned will serve on active duty for a minimum of four years with a salary and benefits ranging between $47,000 and $78,000 per year. Those leaving the service after their obligation is fulfilled might be heavily recruited for their management experience by leading companies in industry. Employers know that Army ROTC teaches the leadership and management skills they're looking for in the people they hire and promote. In today's highly competitive job market, ROTC training can provide a critical edge over your contemporaries.
Adventure Training
ROTC Cadets receive hands-on training in rappelling, outdoor survival, first aid, land navigation (map reading), marksmanship, tactics, and other basic military skills. Cadets can volunteer for Army training in parachuting, helicopter assault, mountain climbing, and arctic survival.
Scholarship Opportunities
ROTC offers scholarships worth up to 100 percent of the cost of tuition and general fees per year. These are competitively awarded to the most deserving scholars/athletes/leaders and may be available at any point along the college path. Scholarship Cadets receive a monthly stipend between $300 and $500 while actively participating in the ROTC program. Additionally, they receive $1,200 for books per academic year.
Other benefits Cadets receive:
- A free comprehensive physical examination.
- Free travel, room, and food for all authorized ROTC training.
- Free air travel on Air Mobility Command (AMC) flights on a space available basis (for contracted Cadets)
- Opportunity to attend military schools (Airborne, Air Assault, etc.)
- DASE co-op program for high tech majors
- Academic credit for MS courses
- Social organizations (Ranger Challenge, Battery Robinett, Running Club, FLANC)