Army Officer Training, Education and Career Opportunities
Graduates of the ROTC emerge with the rank of Second Lieutenant, opening doors to numerous army careers, including exciting disciplines such as Aviation, Engineering, Special Forces, Finance, Medicine and Dental, Nursing, Ordinance and Personnel. There are a number of ways to obtain advanced army careers as an officer and beyond, including Officer Training, Warrant Officer Training and West Point's illustrious Military Academy.
Reserve Officer's Training Corp.
There is a wide variety of rewarding career paths to follow, and most could benefit from the skills and experiences learned through enrollment in the Army's Reserve Officer's Training Corp, or the ROTC. In fact, there are careers in the Army for which 88% have a corresponding civilian career. It all begins with basic Army training.
One of the many army career paths, the ROTC, is a leadership training course offered by the Army, and an elective aspect of the Army's college curriculum. This program can pay for the student's college tuition while the student enjoys the regular college experience. Enrollees will learn what it takes to lead, motivate and conduct missions as an officer, and graduates of this program earn the rank of Second Lieutenant.
Two, three and four year scholarships are available, depending on the number of years the student has remaining upon deciding to participate in the officer's training program, and a combination of GPA, physical and SAT standards.
ROTC Basic Training
Without having to make a commitment to the military, students are offered the ability to enroll in both one elective and lab class per semester. In the first year of college, the student learns the basics of leadership, beginning with a fundamental, well-rounded core of an officer's military career including Customs, Traditions, Operations and Tactics, establishing and reaching Goals, Health and Fitness. The curriculum adds Theory, Communications, War Principles and advanced Military Operations in the second year.
ROTC Leader Training
For those who wish to focus and advance their army career development outside of the college experience, the ROTC offers a version of basic training which is spent during the summer at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The Leader Training course offers the student the kind of army training that only complete immersion can provide, developing three key aspects to be a successful officer; the mental, physical and emotional conditions, which also bring with them benefits that go well beyond college. Candidates may even qualify for a scholarship that will pay for tuition and other expenses. Participation in the Leader Training accelerated course pays a salary, travel to and from Fort Knox, and room and board.
In four weeks, the student receives an intense and immersive experience both in the classroom and in the field, giving graduates eligibility into the Advanced Reserve Officer's Training program on campus for completion within the following two years of college.
ROTC Advanced Leader Training
The final two years of college will include one elective or lab class per semester, and Leadership Camp, which takes place during the summer months. Advanced Tactics and Teaming are only part of the experiences gained in this course, however the student must at this point make a commitment to the Army post-graduation. In year one the student learns about leading small tactical units, including Command, Weapons and Career Functions. Year two finds the student taking a role that begins to define the role of an officer, learning about Training, Justice, Ethics, Personnel, Support and additional Tactics.
Enrollment in this Advanced course automatically enters the cadet into the Assessment Course, another four week course offered in the summer months between junior and senior year classes, taking place this time in Fort Lewis, Washington.
Those choosing to pursue an army career beyond the Basic Training phase must make a commitment to the Army, full-time, for three years, or four years for those who won scholarships. Certain candidates may elect to commit to a part-time roll in the Reserves or National Guard if they choose to follow careers outside of the army.
Please contact your local ROTC recruiter for more information.
Officer Schools
Army Officer School
Warrant Officer School
West Point Academy