The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is a college elective that develops Leadership Skills in our students as they prepare for military service. Army ROTC offers a commission as a Second Lieutenant in either the active Army or Reserve Forces in a variety of career fields, including Combat Arms (Aviation, Armor, Artillery, Infantry, or Engineers), Combat Support, and Combat Service Support branches. There are two-, three-, and four-year scholarship programs available. Some cadets choose to join the National Guard or the Army Reserve while in Army ROTC, thus qualifying them for the Montgomery GI Bill benefits, in-state tuition, and other exciting benefits.
What life in ROTC looks like:
Training with Army ROTC is a new experience every week. Training covers a wide range of skills that are needed to be an Officer in the Army. Below is a list outlining the various exercises we work on throughout our training.
- Situational Training Exercises – These exercises allow Cadets to learn and practice the different types of offensive operations and tactics used on the battlefield
- Land Navigation – During land navigation exercises, Cadets learn the ins and outs of map reading, as well as how to navigate across the land with just a map and compass
- Combat Water Survival Test – This exercise is done to test abilities in the water during stressful situations
- Physical Fitness – Physical fitness (PT) is done three days a week to ensure overall readiness and to stay in top shape to pass the Army Fitness Test
- Military Ball – Brings everyone in the battalion together to have fun and bond outside of training
- Cadet Battalion Team Building – Once a year we organize a battalion event to build cohesion among cadets
Service Obligation
Initially, when Cadets enter the program there is no contractual obligation to serve in the Army (unless an Army scholarship is received)! When non-scholarship Cadets are in their junior year they have to decide if the Army is something they want to pursue after college. At that point, Cadets will contract with ROTC, which obligates them to a length of service outlined below.
Timeline
The normal four-year path for a Cadet in our program can be seen below. Our program can be completed in as little as three years but Cadets would have to attend an extra training event called Basic Camp to catch up on the time and training they missed. Cadets who are on a normal four-year track will complete Advanced Camp during the summer between their junior and senior years. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this timeline do not hesitate to contact us.
