FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
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. It’s considered a college elective.
Q. Is ROTC like “boot camp”?
A. No. ROTC cadets go directly to college where they earn their degree.
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 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 adventure training, down a river in a raft, or up
a mountain wall.
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).
Q. What is the ROTC course comprised of?
A. 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.
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 are awarded at different monetary levels. At some schools an
ROTC scholarship is worth up to $180,000, which goes towards tuition and
educational fees.
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. Enrolling in ROTC does not guarantee a scholarship. National Scholarships awarded to High School students are awarded by Cadet Command and not the host ROTC Battalion.
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 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.
