100 Years of Army ROTC

        Even those with a keen interest in our nation’s past may not fully appreciate the rich history of the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program. Formally established by the National Defense Act of 1916, Army ROTC has to date produced two Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a woman astronaut, and seven Army Chiefs of Staff. Among its graduates may be found three former secretaries of state and a sitting Supreme Court justice. And with over 650,000 graduates to its credit, Army ROTC arguably can be said to have had a lasting impact on virtually all elements of American society.

     Although proud of its past, today’s Army ROTC has a decidedly modern focus. It provides college students on over 1,000 campuses around the nation the opportunity to combine world-class leadership and management training with their other academic studies. The curriculum, which consists of a series of classroom and hands-on leadership training experiences, provides students with the necessary foundation to serve successfully in positions of responsibility in either the Army or the corporate world.

Those with a strong academic background, an active mindset and the ability to rapidly assimilate information thrive in the program. These scholar-athlete-leaders note that the leadership skills developed through their participation in the program are further honed during their period of service as Army officers. After service as an Army lieutenant, many graduates elect to continue their service in uniform. Others elect to enter the corporate world where their leadership skills and experience as ROTC-trained Army officers allows them to advance rapidly,

Enrollment in the college-level Army ROTC program does not preclude students from enjoying other pursuits such as sports, clubs and fraternity/sorority activities. In point of fact, many cadets report the time management skills they learn in ROTC allow them to more wisely accomplish all their daily activities.  

In partnership with over 1500 high schools around the nation, a version of the Army ROTC program is also available to younger students. The focus of the Junior ROTC program is not on producing Army officers. Its emphasis is on character building and citizenship. And participants in Junior ROTC do not incur any sort of obligation to serve in the Armed Forces.  

Graduates of college-level Army ROTC become members of a well-respected profession and immediately are placed into leadership positions of significant responsibility. In addition to enjoying the opportunity to make a real contribution to the defense of our nation, these talented young people receive an extremely competitive salary and benefit package.

Army ROTC is the nation’s largest source of merit-based college scholarships. For thousands of students each year, it is the passport to our nation’s finest schools, top quality academic programs and superb leadership training. A college-bound young person can receive a four-year, three-year or two-year Army ROTC scholarship. These scholarships can pay up to full tuition and also include a monthly subsistence allowance and funds for textbooks, classroom supplies and equipment. In those instances where room and board costs exceed the amount of tuition, provisions exist to use the scholarship to pay the cost of room and board instead of tuition.

In addition to the financial assistance available, Army ROTC offers an important additional advantage. Those who complete the program and become Army Officers can put the training to immediate use through service in the Active Army or the Reserve Components.

The academic institutions affiliated with Army ROTC include Ivy League campuses, prestigious private colleges and top quality public universities. Many colleges and universities offering an Army ROTC program have academic programs ranked in the Top 25 nationally. Other benefits available to all Cadets include the opportunity to travel abroad while participating in cultural immersion programs. Additionally, those who study specified foreign languages may be eligible to receive incentive pay.

Today many students commence their post-secondary education at Junior Colleges – and later transfer to four-year academic institutions. In keeping with this growing trend, Army ROTC offers a summer internship program and two-year scholarships to accommodate such students.

A wide range of options exist for those who successfully complete Army ROTC and become officers. These options can include:

• Either full-time or part-time Army service upon graduation.

• Attendance at Graduate School.

• Participation in the Loan Repayment Program.

• Choice of duty assignment upon graduation.

• Ability to select from among the Army’s 23 branches and service in 123 specialties including:

-Information Technology Management

-Human Resource Management

-Finance

-Nursing

-Engineering

-Operations Research

-Foreign Area Officer (diplomatic career track)

-Infantry

-Law Enforcement

Upon earning an Officer’s commission, participants in Army ROTC enjoy many benefits often not available to their contemporaries who did not enroll in the program. Examples of those benefits include:

• A highly competitive salary and benefit package.

• Worldwide travel opportunities and interesting duty assignments.

• A supplemental income for life upon retirement from Army service.

• 100% paid medical, dental and vision insurance programs.

• A generous life insurance program.

• 30 days of annual paid vacation.

• Education benefits that also in some instances may be transferred to others.

• Transition assistance if they elect to reenter civilian life.

• World-class family services.

• Development of leadership skills that are highly coveted in the private sector.

• The respect and appreciation of the nation for their service.

There are multiple ways to obtain more information about the unique opportunities ROTC offers those who aspire to future service as Army officers. Via the internet, just log on to http://www.goarmy.com/rotc.html. This will provide you immediate access to detailed information about scholarship eligibility criteria, enrollment options and the ROTC curriculum. There are even sections that address typical questions parents and advisors may have. And by navigating within the site, it is possible to learn more about the ROTC programs on specific college campuses and get their direct contact information. An alternative method is to call 1-800-USA-ROTC.

No matter what method used, learning more about Army ROTC can be extremely beneficial. It can be the first step in an exciting and rewarding career of service to the nation.