Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Army ROTC includes classroom instruction on military science, leadership labs, physical fitness training, and field training exercises. The curriculum focuses on leadership, teamwork, ethics, and military tactics.

No, not immediately. Students can participate in the first two years (Basic Course) without any military obligation. However, once students sign a contract, typically in their junior year (Advanced Course), they are committing to serve in the Army upon graduation.

Students who complete ROTC and commission as an Army Officer will have an 8-year service commitment. The service commitment can be served as follows:

• Active Duty - 4 years full-time as an Army Officer, where you can then decide to continue serving or spend 4 years in the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR). While in the IRR you can return to civilian life but need to be ready to help in a national emergency.
• National Guard or Army Reserve – 8 years part-time in the Reserve Component, with no IRR time. For Cadets who were not on an ROTC scholarship the service requirement is 6 years part-time in the Reserve Component and 2 years in the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR). While in the IRR you can return to civilian life but need to be ready to help in a national emergency.

Yes! Scholarships are awarded based on merit and grades. The process is different depending on where you are at in your education:

• Current high school students - once you complete your junior year of high school, you can get a head start on your future by applying for the ROTC National Scholarship (a four-year scholarship) at a participating school. Applications open at the start of each summer. To see all important application dates and learn more, visit ROTC Scholarships on the U.S. Army site. To get started on your scholarship application right away, create an account.
• After high school graduation - contact the Army ROTC program at the college/university you plan to attend to compete for a 2, 3, or 4-year scholarship.
• Graduate students - contact the Army ROTC program at the college/university you plan to attend to compete for a 2 year scholarship. Basic course qualification is required - prior active duty service, service in the Reserve Component, or Basic Camp attendance.

Army ROTC Cadets request specific branches (career fields). Branch placement is based on their preferences, academic performance, leadership performance, fitness, and interviews conducted with their branches of interest. Career fields fall into the following categories – Operations Basic Branches, Force Sustainment, Operations Support and Health Services. Find more information on the 19 career fields that the Army offers at this interactive website.

There are no minimum physical requirements to begin participating in ROTC. In order to contract as a Cadet and start receiving education benefits, a Cadet must pass the Army Combat Fitness Test and meet body composition standards (height and weight.) Physical training (PT) in ROTC includes running activities (distance and speed), strength training and muscular endurance to meet the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness System.

Yes, students already enrolled in college can join Army ROTC and may be eligible for 2- or 3-year scholarships or non-scholarship options. Depending on graduation timeline, students may be required to attend Basic Camp.

Yes. Contracted cadets receive education benefits covering up to the full cost of tuition based on merit and grades, plus $420 per month for personal expenses and $1,200 per year for books.

During the semester, Cadets typically participate in a few hours of ROTC training per week, which includes physical fitness training, classroom instruction, and leadership lab. The schedule breakdown varies from school to school, so check with your schools of interest for specific information. Additionally, there is a one-weekend field training exercise each semester. Winter and summer breaks are off, with the exception of the summer that Cadets attend Advanced Camp. There are other optional summer opportunities including military schools and specialized internships that Cadets can apply and/or volunteer for.