Please contact us if you have additional questions.
Phone: (301) 314-9939
Phone: (301) 314-9237
Email: armyrotc@umd.edu
Is enrolling in Army ROTC the same as joining the Army? Once a student starts taking ROTC courses, is he/she obligated to join the Army?
Enrolling the Army ROTC is not, strictly speaking, "joining the Army." You will not be sent to "boot camp." However, the primary purpose of the Army ROTC program is to produce Officers, so young adults must agree to serve as Officers in the Army after graduation in order to go through the entire program, or if they have received an ROTC scholarship. Enrolling in the ROTC Basic Course (the first two years of college) does NOT obligate someone to serve unless they have also received a scholarship.
What good is Army ROTC for a career outside of the Army?
Army ROTC is one of the only college programs that teaches leadership. This training is invaluable for any career that involves leading, managing, and motivating people or fostering teamwork. Young Army Officers are typically responsible for hundreds of Soldiers and millions of dollars in equipment; this kind of management experience can be very attractive to post-Army employers.
Are all college majors compatible with Army ROTC?
Army ROTC Cadets are allowed to major in nearly all academic areas.
What are Army Courses like? How will the class work help me? Will ROTC classes interfere with my other studies?
Army ROTC classes normally involve one course per semester that covers classroom, lab, and physical fitness instruction. Although the classes involve hands-on fieldwork as well as classroom work, they are standard college classes that fit into a normal academic schedule. These courses can help students with personal and academic decision-making while giving them the tools to exercise leadership in college life, even before graduating and becoming Officers.
How will being an Army ROTC Cadet affect my daily life? Do cadets experience normal college life and activities?
Army ROTC Cadets have the same lifestyles and academic schedules as other college students. They join fraternities and sororities. They participate in varsity team and individual sports. They take part in community service projects.
Can I go into the Army Reserve or National Guard after graduation instead of the regular Army?
Yes. Cadets may choose to serve part-time in the US Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career.
What is the typical career path for an Army Officer? What career fields are available?
Army ROTC graduates are commissioned as US Army Second Lieutenants. They then receive specialized training in one of 17 different Army branches. During their Army careers, they will receive regular professional training as they advance through the ranks, and they will have many opportunities for advanced leadership positions and post-graduate education.
What are the chances that I will be deployed?
ROTC cadets do not deploy. Once they are commissioned, however, it depends on the Army branch the Cadet chooses and the unit to which he/she is assigned. All Soldiers in the Army or Army Reserve face the possibility of deployment during their careers. But understand that all Soldiers are fully trained and proficient in the tasks and drills of their units. And Officers are specifically trained to make the right decisions so that missions can be carried out safely and successfully.