ROTC 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, and can even be taken as a minor here at UTC.

No. ROTC cadets receive their training while taking their courses on campus.

Quite simply, leadership and management skills needed to become a U.S. Army officer or have a successful civilian career. Additionally, cadets also focus on their physical fitness during PT three mornings a week.

Our cadets learn through a unique program that involves both classroom and "live" situations. In the past, we have conducted training at the local armory, gone rappelling, and even practiced tactics at a paintball course.

During the first two years, ROTC cadets have no military obligation (or the first year in the case of scholarship winners).

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. Each year Cadet Command awards scholarships both to rising freshmen and students already in college. They are awarded to students displaying the qualities sought after in a future Army Officer, regardless of major.

Scholarships are awarded by Cadet Command for a varying number of years, and they cover either full tuition and fees OR $5,000 a semester for room and board for the duration of the scholarship. Most of our in state students use the Hope Scholarship and institutional scholarships to cover the majority of their tuition, so they generally take the room and board direct deposit. Additionally, contracted cadets on scholarship receive $600 a semester for books and $420 a month for their living stipend. A student that gets a four year scholarship in high school to join our program and takes the room and board option will receive over $60,000 during their four years in Chattanooga from Cadet Command.

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 no cost to you.

National scholarships for high school students are awarded once a year. Students apply by November 15 and selections are made continuously thru 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.

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 our 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.