Since its inception the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) has prepared high school students and adult civilians to enjoy a career in the military. You learn how to lead, motivate yourself and others, understand Army and general military history, remain physically fit and familiarize yourself with military terminology and traditions when you join the Army ROTC.As many as 120 Army Reserve and 150 active duty careers are available to you when you join an Army ROTC program. While you’re in high school you can apply for military financial aid to pay for your college education after you graduate with a high school diploma. To get a four-year education paid for by the military, you may be required to commit to serving eight years in the Army after you graduate with an undergraduate degree.
You must be at least 17 years old and younger than 27 to participate in the program. Additionally, your high school grade point average (GPA) must be 2.5 or higher. Minimum scores you can earn on the SAT and ACT are 920 (math/verbal) and 19 respectively.
Types of Army ROTC Training ProgramsTwo and four-year ROTC programs are available to you as a college student. For example, if you want to complete your training in two years you can enroll in the Army’s ROTC Leader’s Training Course. Qualifying examinations for the course are conducted at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Fort Knox’s Leader’s Training Course is a rigorous training and testing program that last 28 days. If you pass the 28-day training program, you can return to college and complete your postsecondary education through advanced courses.
Commit to serving in the Army a certain number of years and you may also qualify to receive a $5,000 bonus, in addition to having your college or university education paid for by the Army.If you’re already in the Army and serving in the enlisted ranks consider applying to become an officer by enrolling in the Army’s Green to Gold Hip Pocket Scholarship program. Each year Army division commanders select enlisted members to participate in the program. In addition to receiving financial aid to pay the full cost of your college or university tuition, you may also receive up to $1,200 to pay for your books and school fees. You may also qualify to receive a $500 monthly stipend so you have spending money while you pursue your undergraduate degree. More About Army ROTC Education ProgramsAs of July 2011, the Army operates approximately 1,600 ROTC programs in high schools.
There are nearly 1,400 college and university ROTC programs that you can participate in if you’ve already graduated from high school. After you get your degree, you can enter the Army’s officer cadet training program, gain advanced leadership, physical fitness and academic training and prepare to get commissioned for service as an officer in the United States Army.If you’re passionate about serving the country and want to become a part of the military’s history and traditions, possibly making decisions and taking action that helps to shape the Army’s future, joining an Army ROTC program is a rewarding first step. Additionally, you can know what to expect during training and officer candidate school. You may also receive financial aid to pay for up to four years of full-time study at an accredited college or university.