FAQs

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, During the first two years, ROTC cadets have no military obligation (or the first year in the case of scholarship winners. Enrolling in the ROTC Basic Course (the first two years of college) does NOT obligate you to serve unless you have received a scholarship. You can do the first 2 years of the program as a participant with NO contractual commitment.

No, Cadets do not attend basic training and ROTC is not like boot camp. Although, Cadets must attend a 4 week summer training the summer before their senior year at Fort Knox, KY. 

Students can not be deployed while they are Cadets.

Army ROTC Cadets have the same lifestyles and academic schedules as any other college students. They are students first and many are involved in other activities (campus clubs, fraternities/sororities, athletic teams, work part-time, etc.).

Army ROTC graduates are commissioned as U.S. Army Second Lieutenants. They then receive specialized training in one of 17 different Army branches. During their Army careers, they'll receive regular professional training as they advance through the ranks, and they'll have many opportunities for advanced leadership positions and post-graduate education.

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

Quite simply, leadership and management skills needed to become a U.S. Army officer or have a successful civilian career.

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 a tactical exercise. 

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.

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.

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.

Yes. Cadets may choose to serve part-time in the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career.