ROTC FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
By enrolling in ROTC, are you joining the Army?
A. 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.
Is ROTC like “boot camp”?
A. No. ROTC cadets go directly to college where they earn their degree.
What can students expect to learn by taking ROTC?
A. Quite simply, leadership and management skills needed to become a U.S. Army officer
or have a successful civilian career.
What makes ROTC different from regular college management courses?
A. Students in ROTC learn through a unique program that involves both classroom and
“live” situations. For instance, an ROTC cadet might be found leading classmates through
adventure training, down a river in a raft, or up a mountain wall.
Is there a military obligation during college?
A. During the first two years, ROTC cadets have no military obligation (or the first
year in the case of scholarship winners).
What is the ROTC course comprised of?
A. 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.
Does Army ROTC offer scholarships?
A. Yes. Each year hundreds of students attending colleges nationwide receive ROTC
scholarships. ROTC awards them to students studying science, engineering, nursing,
business, as well as a variety of other majors.
How much money does ROTC usually award and what does the money go towards?
A. Scholarships are awarded at different monetary levels. At some schools an ROTC
scholarship is worth up to $80,000, which goes towards tuition and educational fees.
Also, scholarship winners receive an allowance of up to $1,500 a year.
On what basis are scholarship winners chosen?
A. 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.
Can only scholarship winners enroll in ROTC?
A. 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.
How often are Army ROTC scholarships awarded?
A. Scholarships are awarded once a year. Students apply by November 15 and selections
are made continuously through May 15. Four-year scholarship applications must be requested
between March 1 and November 1. Also, once cadets are on campus, two-year and three-year
scholarships become available.
How do students benefit from Army ROTC?
A. 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.
Military Science