ROTC Programs

What are ROTC programs?

Founded in 1916, ROTC stands for Reserve Officer Training Corps. It’s a college program offered at more than 1,000 colleges and universities across the United States that prepares young adults to become officers in the U.S. Military. In exchange for a paid college education and a guaranteed post-college career, cadets commit to serve in the Military after graduation. 

Why join ROTC in college?

There are many reasons to explore JROTC and ROTC programs. Some students join to fulfill the personal goal of following in the footsteps of a family member. Some join for the professional opportunities they have upon graduation. Others are drawn to the ROTC programs out of a sense of patriotism and a desire to serve their country.

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Those interested in joining a branch of the ROTC should be:

Dedicated to the program and their country

Driven to succeed no matter what obstacles they face

Disciplined enough to reach their goals

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ROTC programs offer prospective and current college students a number of benefits, including:

An opportunity to develop technical and leadership skills

A structured path to a career after college

Specialized professional training for military officer positions after college

Scholarships that cover tuition, fees, books, and other student necessities

Long-term career guidance and continued professional education

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It is important to remember that ROTC scholarships provide these benefits in exchange for mandatory active duty service after you complete your bachelor’s program. So you should carefully examine these commitments, along with your other future goals, before accepting a scholarship or entering a program.