You may have heard of ROTC before, but you may not know what it is. ROTC stands for the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, and it’s a military program for college students. Students who choose to participate in ROTC can earn course credit toward their degree by gaining military training. In exchange, students have military obligations upon graduation and some training requirements during the summer.
Students can become involved in ROTC at different points in their college career. Graduating high school seniors can apply for four-year scholarships, and some applicants can receive up to four years of paid tuition. Students can also enter ROTC in their later years in college, and they can apply for scholarships for the last two years of their training.
The curriculum for ROTC goes alongside normal college academic requirements. Students typically take one elective course and one lab each semester that goes toward their ROTC training. In addition, students have required physical training through ROTC and some summer requirements. ROTC curricula differ based on the military branch.
The military has ROTC programs for three branches of the military: the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Neither the Marine Corps nor Coast Guard have ROTC programs, but some ROTC graduates can make transfers. There is also direct commission available for ROTC students at some colleges and universities.
The Army ROTC is the largest branch of the ROTC, and most of the Corps comes from these programs. The Army’s curriculum is based on two years of basic training, followed by two years of advanced training. Upon graduation, cadets are obligated to complete an eight-year period of service, with 3-4 years of active duty. Scholarship recipients’ obligations are more stringent.
The Navy ROTC allows participants to choose between Navy, Marine, or nursing tracks, and are required to complete upper-level math and science courses as a part of their program. Each summer, NROTC participants complete 4-6 weeks of field training. Like Army ROTC, graduates must complete eight years of service, four of which must be active.
The Air Force ROTC curriculum is similar to that of the Army ROTC programs, but cadets passing into advanced programs must complete entrance exams and summer field course assignments. They must then complete a leadership course and intensive upper-level courses. Upon graduation, those that go on to be pilots have a 10-year duty obligation, and Air Battle Management or Navigation cadets have six years.
ROTC is a great program that provides leadership training and real world experience. It also means that graduates are guaranteed a job upon graduation, a luxury many college students would love. Consider your career options and your college goals before choosing which program is right for you.
