Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL
Q. How do I join ROTC?
A. Incoming freshmen sign up for ARMY 101. Other students should contact the ROTC office for guidance. Before arriving on campus, have your physician complete the Medical Fitness Statement (DA Form 3425-R)
Q. 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. At least six credits can be applied toward graduation, some majors allow more ROTC credits to count for degree completion.
Q. Is ROTC like "boot camp"?
A. No. ROTC courses have a format similar to other courses on campus where students attend classroom lecture, labs, plus physical training.
Q. 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).
COURSE WORK
Q. 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.
Q. What kind of skills can I learn in ROTC that would help me be successful in any career?
A. ROTC students learn highly desired, transferable skills like goal setting, effective communication and time management. Plus students learn to stay motivated despite difficult circumstances as well as working cooperatively with others.
Q. 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 a situational reaction course, on a simuatled 'tactical' mission using paintball equipment, or a physical fitness session.
Q. What is the ROTC course format for the freshman year?
A. A freshman taking Army ROTC will attend one fifty minute class, one two-hour lab and three one hour physical training seesions every week.
Q. What is the ROTC program comprised of?
A. The ROTC program is divided into phases: The Basic Course (years one and two) studies Army history, organization and structure. The techniques and principles of leadership and management are stressed throughout. The Advanced Course (years three and four) concentrates on tactical operations and military instruction, as well as advanced techniques of management, leadership, and command.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Q. 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.
Q. How much money does ROTC usually award and what does the money go towards?
A. Scholarships pay FULL tuition and educational fees, $1200 a year for books and a tax free stipend of $300 to $500 a month depending on academic level during Fall and Spring semesters.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. How often are Army ROTC scholarships awarded?
A. High School based scholarships 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. Once students begin college, campus based scholarships, ranging from two-years up to three and a half-years, become available.
BENEIFTS
Q. What does an ROTC scholarship cover?
A. Scholarships pay either FULL tuition and educational fees or room and board (awardees choose which option), plus $900 a year for books and a tax free stipend of $300 to $500 a month for up to 10 months a year.
Q. If I continue into the Advanced Course without a scholarship, am I entitled to any benefits?
A. Juniors and Seniors, whether or not they are on scholarship receive the tax free stipend of $450 or $500 a month (respectively).
Q. 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, U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard.
PATHS THROUGH ROTC
Q. So the only options a student has is to take ROTC as a scholarship or non-scholarship student, correct?
A. No, a student can pursue one of several options in Army ROTC. Taking an ROTC class each semester is common to every option. A student may:
- Take from one to four semesters of Army ROTC with no obligation to serve in the military.
- Take Army ROTC for eight semesters (take both the Basic and Advanced Courses) which incurs an obligation.
- Be selected for a 2, 2-1/2, 3, 3-1/2, or 4 year Active Duty scholarship.
- Be selected for a 2 Army Reserve scholarship.
- Be selected for a 2 or 2-1/2 year Army National Guard scholarship.
- Enlist in the Army National Guard or Army Reserve and enter into the Simultaneous Membership program (SMP).
A. No, that is just one option with its own set of benefits.
Q. OK, what are the benefits of enlisting?
A. Members of the National Guard or Army Reserve can apply for a Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) scholarship or a Dedicated Guard scholarship. A GRFD or a Dedicated Guard scholarship entitles awardees to all the ROTC scholarship benefits plus the benefits of being a Simultaneous Military Program (SMP) cadet.
SMP cadets, scholarship and non-scholarship, receive:
- Experience working with an officer during drill, learning the job of an officer.
- Drill pay as an Sergeant (E-5): $241.88/mo
- Federal Tuition Assistance: $250 per credit (for 12 – 18 credits; up to $4500 per year)
- Reserve GI Bill: $288/mo (must have completed Basic and AIT)
- Reserve GI Bill Kicker: $350/mo (select specialities, Pennsylvania Army National Guard only)
- Educational Assistance Program: $481/mo (Pennsylvania Army National Guard only)
- ROTC stipend of $350 to $500 per month while in school
