Frequently Asked Questions

If I enroll in Army ROTC, what is my future service obligation?

Enrolling in the ROTC Basic Course (the first two years of college) does not obligate you to serve unless you receive a scholarship. If you received a four-year ROTC scholarship, you must agree to serve four years full-time as an Army Officer after you graduate and then either extend your contract for four more years or serve four more years with the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) where you’ll return to civilian life but need to be ready to help in a national emergency. If you received ROTC scholarships, you will potentially have a four-year full-time or eight-year part-time employment contract.

What makes Army ROTC different?

The Army has a wide range of careers in more places around the world than any other U.S. military branch. Army ROTC offers mentorship, shadowing opportunities, and real-world leadership training while still having the full college experience.

Army Officer salaries are generally comparable with mid- to senior-level corporate executives. However, when you consider additional benefits like free health care for full-time Soldiers, as well as allowances for housing and food, opportunities to get an advanced degree without incurring debt, 30 days paid leave every year, and more financial benefits, the Army is more competitive than similar civilian careers. Take a look at these pay tables to see current salaries.

Can I still choose my college major?

Yes, you can choose any college major you wish and still commission as an Officer through ROTC when you graduate.

What are Army ROTC courses like?

In college, Army ROTC classes normally involve one elective class and one lab per semester. Although the classes involve hands-on fieldwork as well as classroom work, they are standard college classes that fit into a normal academic schedule.

If I’m in Army ROTC, do I still have to attend Basic Combat Training?

No, you’ll receive this training as part of your ROTC coursework, so you do not have to attend Basic Combat Training as well. After graduation, you will attend Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC), which will prepare you for your career as an Army Officer through classroom and field training.

How can I apply for an Army ROTC scholarship?

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 Army ROTC Scholarships. To get started on your scholarship application right away, create an account on My GoArmy as the first step.

Cadet Schedule

Cadets are allowed to pursue a Bachelor degree plan of their choice.  They are required to attend all courses relevant to their degree plan as well as mandatory Army ROTC courses.  These courses are described below:

  • Basic Course
    • Freshman or Sophomores
    • You’ll learn basic Army skills and what it takes to become a leader. The Basic Course normally involves one elective class and lab each semester, along with the required physical training and field training exercises.
  • Basic Camp
    • Sophomore or Transfer
    • You’ll practice becoming a leader in a team setting while getting helpful feedback to grow. Basic Camp is a 32-day intensive training event and accelerated alternative to the Basic Course that qualifies you for enrollment in the Advanced Course.
  • Advanced Course
    • Junior or Senior
    • You’ll learn advanced military strategies in a classroom setting and practice teamwork in preparation for Advanced Camp. Advanced Course requires completion of the Basic Course or Basic Camp and establishes your commitment to serve as an Army Officer after graduation.
  • Advanced Camp
    • Junior or Senior
    • You’ll be trained and tested through leadership development exercises in real-world scenarios. Advanced Camp is a 35-day rigorous field training event during the summer—and the most significant in your ROTC journey—which you must pass to qualify as an Army Officer.
  • Enlisted to Officer program
    • If you’re an enlisted Soldier in the Army with education and leadership goals, you can become a commissioned Officer through the Green to Gold program. Attend a college offering an ROTC program and even get a scholarship for your degree.
    • Learn More Here