Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Army ROTC?
Army ROTC is a program offered at hundreds of colleges and universities nationwide, training college students to be officers in the active Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard. It's a 4-year program, divided into two parts - a Basic Course and an Advanced Course. The Basic Course is normally taken in your freshman and sophomore years. The Advanced Course is usually taken during your final two years of college and includes a five-week Cadet Leadership Course that is normally attended in the summer, between your junior and senior years. CLC will give you hands-on training and the confidence you can't learn in a classroom. The mission of Army ROTC is to "Commission the future officer leadership of the U.S. Army."
- By enrolling in ROTC are you joining the Army?
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.
- Is there a military obligation during college?
During the first two years, ROTC cadets have no military obligation (or the first year in the case of scholarship winners).
- What can students expect to learn by taking ROTC?
Quite simply, the leadership and management skills needed to become a U.S. Army officer or have a successful civilian career. During the Basic Course, your studies will include basic leadership development, basic military skills, adventure training, and life skills. During the Advanced Course, your studies will include advanced leadership and management skills, advanced tactics and Army ethics.
- What makes ROTC different from regular college management courses?
Students in ROTC learn through a unique program that involves both classroom and "live" situations. For instance, a ROTC cadet might be found leading classmates through rough terrain in the woods, across swamps or up mountains.
- Is there a military obligation during college?
During the first two years, ROTC cadets have no military obligation (or the first year in the case of scholarship winners).
- What is the military obligation after graduation from college?
Following graduation, ROTC cadets are required to serve in the active Army, Army National Guard or the Army Reserve. All graduates will be required to serve in the military for a period of 8 years. As AC (Active Component) obligation will be fulfilled by serving 4 years on active duty, followed by 4 years’ in Individual Ready Reserve. As RC (Reserve Component) obligation will be fulfilled by 6 years in the Army National Guard or Reserves, plus 2 years in the Individual Ready Reserve. (1 weekend a month, 2 weeks in the summer).
- What is the ROTC course comprised of?
The ROTC program is divided into phases. The Basic Course teaches Army history, organization and structure. Techniques and principles of leadership and management are stressed throughout this phase. The Advanced Course concentrates on tactical operations and military instruction, as well as advanced techniques of management, leadership and command.
- Does Army ROTC offer scholarships?
Yes, scholarships that are offered 2, 3, and 4 year scholarships are available on a competitive basis. Certain criteria that is required are physical fitness, GPA and leadership potential. The Army is so confident in the program that if the Cadet does not wish to continue after 1 year they do not have to and will suffer no money recoupment.
- Can only scholarship winners enroll in ROTC?
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.
- How do students benefit from Army ROTC?
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 cadets acquire in the ROTC program. ROTC experience looks great on a resume. When cadets complete the ROTC course, upon graduation, they become commissioned officers in the U.S. Army.
- I heard that ROTC cadets have to run every morning at 6:00 A.M. Is that true?
Juniors and Seniors along with scholarship cadets are required to participate in Physical Fitness Training every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 6:00 to 7:20 A.M. All other cadets are encouraged to do so three days a week.
- Do I have any summer training requirements in ROTC?
Yes. The summer between your junior and senior years of college, all ROTC cadets will attend CST (Cadet Summer Training) at Fort Knox, Kentucky. This 4-week leadership experience is the culmination of everything you have learned thus far and is used as an evaluation tool, which determines your future as an officer. Cadets receive a stipend allowance while attending this training. Other training opportunities are available during the summer,
- How can I find out more about ROTC?
Stop by the Department of Military Science, which is located at the University of Texas of El Paso. Or contact our Recruiting Operations Officer, Simon Hernandez at (915) 747-6692 or by email at shernandez6@utep.edu