 The
Leading Edge |
| Background Information
ROTC programs were designed to augment the service academies in producing
leaders and managers for the armed forces. Each branch of the service
has a specific set of courses and training that officers must complete
prior to joining. ROTC programs allow students to do this while completing
their college education. Upon graduation members are commissioned
(certified) by the President of the United States to serve as a leader
in active, reserve or guard components of each branch.
Financial Benefits
Each branch of the
service offers ROTC scholarships to eligible students. Eligibility criteria is
listed by branch below. The table below lists the the different scholarship levels.
Note: ROTC Scholarships DO NOT pay for your
room and board. Check with the campus you want to attend to see if the campus
will pay for room and board. Some do.
| Scholarship
Type | Pays | Stipend | When
Do I Apply | | 4 Year National | Full
Tuition Books, Fees | $200 | Junior/Senior
year of High School | | 2 or 3 Year
Scholarships | Full Tuition Books, Fees | $200 | Freshman/Sophmore
year of College | | College Program | N/A | $200 | Freshman/Sophmore
year of College | | Unit Scholarships* | Full
Tuition Books, Fees | $200 | Freshman/Sophmore
year of College | *Each commanding officer of an ROTC can
select one student a year for a merit scholarship. You normally have to spend
at least one semester on campus.
 Top
four frequently asked questions about ROTC
1) Am I obligated to
the service if I join ROTC without a scholarship?
No.
2)
Am I obligated to the service if I receive an ROTC scholarship?
Yes
and No. The NO part: You are not obligated until the first
semester of your sophomore year if you have a 4 year scholarship. This is commonly
referred to as the freshman trial period.
For two and three year scholarship
winners, your obligation will occur upon completion of your services respective
summer training.
College Program students have an obligation that normally
begins after their junior year.
3) Can ROTC students be called to war
while in college?
Are you kidding? No. A bunch of untrained
college kids in charge of a unit is not the goal of the Armed Forces. Only trained
personnel are sent to combat. You can think of ROTC and your college education
as a prolonged training period.
4) What happens if I flunk out?
Depending upon when you flunk out and your branch will determine your obligation
to the government. If you flunk out before your freshman trial period, then you
owe the government nothing. If you flunk out after your obligation period, then
it is up to your branch to decide your fate. There are only three outcomes: *
You enlist in the service
* You pay back the money
* You get a second chance
Learn more about specific ROTC programs:
Army
ROTC Programs
Navy
& Marine Corps ROTC Programs Air
Force ROTC Programs
Note: The Coast Guard does not have any ROTC
programs |
