Army ROTC
A: The Army offers a wider range of career opportunities, in more places around the world, then any other U.S. military branch. We also have more opportunities than the other branches for non STEM majors especially. STEM majors are welcome however and about 30% of our commissionees are in a STEM field. We are also the only ROTC that lets you commission directly into a Reserve component.
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.
A. No. ROTC cadets go directly to college where they earn their degree.
A. Quite simply, leadership and management skills needed to become a U.S. Army officer or have a successful civilian career.
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.
A. During the first two years, ROTC cadets have no military obligation if they do not sign a ROTC contract. All Cadets signing an Army ROTC contract will have some type of military obligation upon college graduation in the Active Army, Army National Guard or Army Reserve.
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.
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.
A. Scholarships are awarded at different monetary levels. For example, a four year scholarship at UF for an in state resident would be worth approximately $60,800. The same scholarship for an out of state student would be approximately $136,000 to compensate for the higher cost of tuition for those students.
A. ROTC scholarships are not based on financial need. Instead, they're awarded on merit. Merit is exhibited in academic achievement and extracurricular activities, such as sports, student government or part-time work.
A. No. Anyone can enroll in ROTC. And regardless of whether you're a scholarship winner or not, all ROTC books, supplies and equipment are furnished at no cost to you.
A. Four year Scholarships are awarded once a year. Students apply by 10 January their senior year of High School and selections are made continuously thru May 15. Four year Army National Guard and Army Reserve Scholarships are also available. Lastly, once cadets are on campus, additional 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5, and 2 year scholarships become available.
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. Employers place high regard on the management and leadership skills that ROTC instructors stress. Plus, ROTC looks great on a resume. When cadets complete the ROTC course, upon graduation, they become commissioned officers in the U.S. Army.
A: No. You can enroll in all ROTC classes with no service obligation. The obligation comes when you decide to contract into the ROTC program to become an Army Officer.
A: No. At least 60% of the upcoming graduating cadets will receive a reserve duty tour and pursue a civilian career. Cadets who receive Reserve Duty will serve in local Reserve or National Guard units one weekend a month, or serve in the Ready Reserves with no "drilling" requirement if a suitable unit is not available where you reside. Contracted Cadets can guarantee reserve duty in their contract but Active Duty slots are competitive and not guaranteed by the contract.
A: No. Our current cadet corps has an average cumulative GPA above the general university average. Yes, there are some time demands and some voluntary extracurricular activities in ROTC. However, ROTC cadets are more mature and better time managers than many students. Your academic and athletic success is the highest priority and we stress that. You must do well academically and athletically to succeed in ROTC. Army ROTC provides the best leader development program in the world. No corporation or leadership institute can provide the combined classroom and hands-on leadership training, education and practice as Army ROTC. During the academic year, your focus is on academics getting your degree -- with ROTC classroom instruction and labs complimenting that education. What's best about Army ROTC is that while learning to become an Army officer, you are interacting, socializing and learning with students with diverse backgrounds, experiences, political ideologies and goals. This dynamic on campus develops the team-building, negotiating and consensus-building skills that Army officers need in helping the people of the world establish democratic systems, govern & secure themselves and institutionalize freedom and human rights.
A: Short answer is to go for an Army National Guard or Army Reserve commitment in your contract. Almost any civilian career field can work with being a Reserve officer. In the Reserve components, there are also a lot of job networking and contacts, and most employees view Reservists or officers leaving active duty in very positive terms. Further, students that emphasize their ROTC enrollment are generally viewed as desirable to most employers because of their competitive leadership and managerial abilities, maturity, and time management skills.
A: Well, you have to be well-groomed; hair off your ears and not down your shoulders (crewcut not required). You will learn how to wear a uniform properly, but the uniform is only required to be worn during class times and training. Finally, harassment of any type went out years ago; it is not acceptable. We emphasize proper decorum, respect, military courtesies, ethics and standards of conduct; all of which apply equally well to non-military, professional careers.
A: If you enroll in Army ROTC, we will help you become a better person in many ways - no doubt about that. ROTC will: Give you better leadership and managerial skills applicable to any field. Provide you a lot of personal attention, encouraging you to get good grades and further mature. Class sizes are small and everyone is given personal counseling. We compel you to stay in shape and improve your physical fitness. Yes, there are some progressive physical fitness requirements and you cannot be overweight and complete the program. We give you the opportunity to learn what the military is all about these days - the role of the Army and its soldiers, (strategy, politics, technology, standards, career fields, etc.) We provide additional fun and learning activities, and opportunities for you to make more friends than virtually any other organization on campus. Cadets consistently relate that one of the best aspects of the ROTC program is the camaraderie students find among each other -that is what Esprit de Corps or belonging is all about.
A: Young adults must serve as Officers in the Army after graduation if they have received an ROTC scholarship, OR if they have enrolled in the ROTC Advanced Course. Enrolling in the ROTC Basic Course (the first two years of college) does NOT obligate someone to serve unless they have also signed an Army ROTC contract.
A: Army ROTC scholarships vary based on the length of time remaining for students to complete their degrees. There are two-, three- and four-year merit-based scholarships providing full tuition or a room and board payment. Scholarships also include annual book allowances and a monthly stipend. Army ROTC scholarships are not retroactive.
A: All commitments after graduation are for 8 years as proscribed by United States Code. Typical commitments for Cadets going onto Active duty is 4 years full time Army then 4 years Individual Ready Reserve, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard. The typical commitment for Cadets going into one of the Reserve components is a 8 year part time commitment to the Army National Guard or Army Reserve.
A: Army ROTC is one of the only college courses that teaches leadership. This training is invaluable for any career that involves leading, managing and motivating people or fostering teamwork. Young Army Officers are typically responsible for hundreds of Soldiers and millions of dollars in equipment; this kind of management experience can be very attractive for post-Army employers.
A: Visit the website GoArmy.com
A: Army ROTC Cadets are allowed to major in nearly all academic areas. 100% online degrees are prohibited from Army ROTC Consult the Recruiting Operations Officer at (352) 392-2769 for specifics.
A: Army ROTC classes normally involve one elective class and 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. These courses can help students with personal and academic decision-making while giving them the tools to exercise leadership in college life, even before graduating and becoming Officers.
A: Army ROTC Cadets have the same lifestyles and academic schedules as any other college students.
BASIC CAMP: This four-week summer course at Fort Knox, KY is ONLY for students who enroll in Army ROTC going into their junior years without having taken the first two years of military science classes.
ADVANCED CAMP:All Cadets who enter the Advanced Course must attend this four-week summer course at Fort Knox, KY between their junior and senior years.
A: It depends on the Army branch the Cadet chooses and the unit to which he/she is assigned. However, Army missions and challenges are always changing, so there's no way to know in advance which specialties and units will be needed where. All Soldiers in the Active Army, Army National Guard, or Army Reserve face the possibility of deployment at some point during their careers. But all Soldiers are fully trained and proficient in the tasks and drills of their units. Officers are specifically trained to make the right decisions so that missions can be carried out safely and successfully.
A: Yes. Cadets may choose to serve part-time in the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career.
A: Army ROTC graduates are commissioned as U.S. Army Second Lieutenants. They then receive specialized training in one of 17 different Army branches. During their Army careers, they'll receive regular professional training as they advance through the ranks, and they'll have many opportunities for advanced leadership positions and post-graduate education.
A: Visit the Benefits section of the GoArmy.com website for complete details. Specifically, the Money sub-section provides details on pay for both Officers and Enlisted Soldiers