Are you in school just to get a degree?  Or are you looking for a challenge; an opportunity to set yourself apart and realize your full potential?  Are you a natural leader? The Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is one of the most challenging, rewarding courses you will ever take.  Army ROTC is an elective course that requires a small investment of time, will not interfere with required college curriculum, athletics, or social life, while simultaneously offering huge personal and professional benefits.

Since 1916, Army ROTC has produced more than 500,000 lieutenants for America's Army.  As an Army officer, you'll be part of this tradition- you'll also be a respected leader in one of the most prestigious institutions in America.  Many prominent Americans got their start in Army ROTC, and later went on to distinguish themselves in virtually every field and profession.  What do Colin Powell, Lou Holtz, James Earl Jones, Lenny Wilkins, and Sam Walton all have in common?  They are all graduates of Army ROTC!

(Left- Newberry Indians senior and ROTC Cadet Charlton Grant. Right- ROTC Grad General Colin L. Powell)

Army ROTC is all about leadership.  Personal growth, practical experience, real-world management training and responsibility are important attributes you will gain from the ROTC Program.

Army ROTC cadets develop traits vital for success in any walk of life such as confidence, self-esteem, motivation, and the ability to lead others and make decisions.  As an ROTC cadet you will become part of a team.  You will acquire new friendships that will last a lifetime, as well as meet physical and mental challenges you may not have thought possible.  The discipline, teamwork, and leadership you experience in Army ROTC will equip you to succeed anywhere, in whatever pursuit you choose.  Upon graduation, you will have a challenging, meaningful full- or part-time job with excellent salary and benefits and you will be entrusted with responsibilities far beyond most of your civilian peers.

Army ROTC Frequently Asked Questions

Q. By enrolling in Army 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.  There is no initial service obligation whatsoever.

Q. Is Army 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 Army 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 Army 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 Army 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 Army ROTC usually award and how is it disbursed?

A. Scholarships are awarded at different monetary levels. At some schools an ROTC scholarship is worth up to $80,000, which goes towards tuition and educational fees. Also, scholarship winners receive an allowance of up to $1,500 a year.

Q. On what basis are Army ROTC scholarship winners chosen?

A. ROTC scholarships are awarded based on merit, not financial need.  Merit is exhibited in academic achievement and extracurricular activities such as sports, student government or community service.

Q. Is Army ROTC only open to scholarship recipients?

A. No.  Anyone can enroll in ROTC provided they meet eligibility requirements.  And regardless of whether you're a scholarship winner or not, all ROTC books, uniforms and equipment are furnished at no cost to you.

Q. How often are Army ROTC scholarships awarded?

A. 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.  Also, once cadets are on campus, two- and three-year scholarships become available.

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. ROTC is a great thing to have on your resume.  Employers place tremendous value on the management and leadership skills that Army ROTC teaches.  They know an ROTC graduate is someone they can count on to take charge and get the job done.  You will find Army ROTC graduates as key leaders and decision makers at every level of municipal, state, and federal government, law enforcement, civic organizations and Fortune 500 companies throughout America.   ROTC graduates can also look forward to rewarding careers in the U.S. Army, the Army National Guard, or the Army Reserve.  Many ROTC alumni have gone on to become general officers serving at the highest levels, such as General of the Army George C. Marshall (Chief of Staff of the Army, 1939-1945) and General Colin L. Powell (Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, 1989-1993).

ARMY ROTC- It's All About LEADERSHIP