Army ROTC

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. By enrolling in ROTC am I joining the Army?
2. Is ROTC like "Boot Camp"?
3. How much time does ROTC take up weekly?
4. What can students expect to learn by taking ROTC?
5. What makes ROTC different from regular college management courses?
6. Is there a military obligation during college?
7. What is the ROTC course comprised of?
8. Does Army ROTC offer scholarships?
9. How much money does ROTC usually award and what does the money go towards?
10. On what basis are scholarship winners chosen?
11. Can only scholarship winners enroll in ROTC?
12. How often are Army ROTC scholarships awarded?
13. How do students benefit from Army ROTC?

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. At the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs and CSU-Pueblo, we offer a Military Science Minor that you may earn in addition to your Baccalaureate degree. 

No. ROTC cadets go directly to college where they earn their degree.

ROTC cadets spend their time like typical college students. All that is required is a few hours a week.

Quite simply, leadership and management skills needed to become a U.S. Army officer or have a successful civilian career.

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, or down a river in a raft or up a mountain wall. 

During the first two years, ROTC cadets have no military obligation (or the first year in the case of scholarship winners).

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 an military instruction, as well as advanced techniques of management, leadership and command. 

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.

Scholarships are awarded at different monetary levels. At some schools an ROTC scholarship is worth up to $90,000, which goes towards tuition and educational fees. Also, scholarship winners receive an allowance of up to $4,000 a year.

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.

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.

Four-year scholarships are awarded twice a year. Students who apply by July 15 before their senior year will be notified in November. Those who apply by November 15 should hear by March. Four-year scholarship applications must be requested between March 1 and November 1. Also, once cadets are on campus, two-year and three-year scholarships become available.

In college and after graduation, cadets find that the training and experience they receive 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 course, upon graduation, they become commissioned officers in the U.S. Army.