ROTC Frequently Asked Questions
- By enrolling in ROTC, are you joining the Army?
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No. Students who enroll in ROTC are not “in the Army”. ROTC classes are considered college electives, and the ROTC classes are a part of the Military Science and Leadership minor. Students in ROTC have the option to contract with the Army, but it is not required to enroll in ROTC courses.
- Is ROTC like "boot camp"?
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No. ROTC cadets receive their training while taking their courses on campus.
- What can students expect to learn by taking ROTC?
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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.
- What makes ROTC different from regular college management courses?
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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.
- Is there a military obligation during college?
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Cadets enrolled in the ROTC program as “minor only” students do not have any military obligation during college.
If they meet the requirements, Cadets have the option to contract as early as the first semester of their sophomore year. This contract binds a student to military obligation upon graduation and commissioning.
ROTC National Scholarship recipients do have a military obligation to contract with the Army in order to receive their scholarship benefits.
- What is the ROTC course composed of?
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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?
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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.
- How much money does ROTC usually award and what does the money go towards?
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Scholarships are awarded by Cadet Command for a varying number of years, and they cover either full tuition and fees OR $6,000 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 $1200 a year for books and $420 a month for their living stipend.
- On what basis are scholarship winners chosen?
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The ROTC National Scholarship are merit based and focuses on “athlete, leader, scholar”. The scholarship board evaluates students’ academic achievements and extracurricular activities, such as sports, student government, or part-time work.
- Can only scholarship winners enroll in ROTC?
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No. Anyone can enroll in ROTC, regardless of whether you're a scholarship winner. All ROTC books, supplies and equipment are provided while Cadets are actively participating in ROTC courses.
- How often are Army ROTC scholarships awarded?
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The ROTC National Scholarship opens in June for high school seniors to begin applying. There are 3 board review dates typically in October, January, and March. Scholarship recipients will be notified of their award status at the conclusion of each board. Once Cadets are on campus, two-year and three-year scholarships may become available.
- How do students benefit from Army ROTC?
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The Army ROTC program helps train Cadets to pursue a career in the Army or civilian sector. Employers place high regard on the management and leadership skills that our instructors stress.