Service retirement

Mairborn

Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2015
Messages
66
Hello,

I am currently a freshman 4-year Army ROTC scholarship winner. I have always wanted to go active duty, and understand the 4 year Active Duty requirement following graduation. However, I would like to know how competitive it is get active duty, as well as the service requirement for reserve/NG (is it 6 or 8 years?) thank you
 
"All Army ROTC graduates incur an eight-year military service obligation. This may be accomplished by serving on active duty or reserve duty. Cadets who receive an active duty assignment normally serve four years followed by service in the Army National Guard (ARNG) or United States Army Reserve (USAR) or the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR) for the remainder of the eight-year obligation. Cadets who receive a reserve duty assignment normally serve eight years in an ARNG or USAR Troop Program Unit which includes a three- to six-month active duty period for initial training."

AFROTC and NROTC all go active duty, as do SA graduates who have 5 year active duty obligation..

As you know active duty for AROTC not guarantee. Army uses national rankings based on college and ROTC performance and evaluations. And the always controlling needs of the Army. Good luck.
 
Hello,

I am currently a freshman 4-year Army ROTC scholarship winner. I have always wanted to go active duty, and understand the 4 year Active Duty requirement following graduation. However, I would like to know how competitive it is get active duty, as well as the service requirement for reserve/NG (is it 6 or 8 years?) thank you

Regarding active duty vs Reserves/NG, your mileage may vary based on your college. You don't mention if you are attending an SMC. If so, you are assured by federal law of AD with approval of the PMS. If you are at a regular school there is no such assurance.

I would start with speaking with your Cadre. At my DS's school, the majority of the MS-IV's received the component of their choice (some prefer reserves/guard which frees up AD for another cadet.

I would speak to your cadre and find out what happened last year, but keep in mind there is no guarantee going forward as the needs of the army are what determines the outcome.

The most important part of this equation is that the Order of Merit is what will ultimately govern your opportunities. You have full control over your GPA, volunteer points, APFT, and other OML criteria. If you are in the top quartile of your AROTC class, you are likely to receive your choice of component.

Just aim to be the #1 cadet in your class and you will be in great shape. Good luck!
 
Hello,

I am currently a freshman 4-year Army ROTC scholarship winner. I have always wanted to go active duty, and understand the 4 year Active Duty requirement following graduation. However, I would like to know how competitive it is get active duty, as well as the service requirement for reserve/NG (is it 6 or 8 years?) thank you

Regarding active duty vs Reserves/NG, your mileage may vary based on your college. You don't mention if you are attending an SMC. If so, you are assured by federal law of AD with approval of the PMS. If you are at a regular school there is no such assurance.

I would start with speaking with your Cadre. At my DS's school, the majority of the MS-IV's received the component of their choice (some prefer reserves/guard which frees up AD for another cadet.

I would speak to your cadre and find out what happened last year, but keep in mind there is no guarantee going forward as the needs of the army are what determines the outcome.

The most important part of this equation is that the Order of Merit is what will ultimately govern your opportunities. You have full control over your GPA, volunteer points, APFT, and other OML criteria. If you are in the top quartile of your AROTC class, you are likely to receive your choice of component.

Just aim to be the #1 cadet in your class and you will be in great shape. Good luck!
Thank you! But if I am the top of my class will they make me go active? I've just heard it's so competitive that if you aren't competitive enough you can just go reserve or NG
 
"All Army ROTC graduates incur an eight-year military service obligation. This may be accomplished by serving on active duty or reserve duty. Cadets who receive an active duty assignment normally serve four years followed by service in the Army National Guard (ARNG) or United States Army Reserve (USAR) or the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR) for the remainder of the eight-year obligation. Cadets who receive a reserve duty assignment normally serve eight years in an ARNG or USAR Troop Program Unit which includes a three- to six-month active duty period for initial training."

AFROTC and NROTC all go active duty, as do SA graduates who have 5 year active duty obligation..

As you know active duty for AROTC not guarantee. Army uses national rankings based on college and ROTC performance and evaluations. And the always controlling needs of the Army. Good luck.
Thank you! But if I am the top of my class will they make me go active? I've just heard it's so competitive that if you aren't competitive enough you can just go reserve or NG
 
Mairborn,
In your original post, you indicate that you "have always wanted" active duty. It is my understanding that if you rank high on the order of merit, then you get your choice of component. So if you rank highly, you get to choose the component.

However, remember reserves and NG both can get called to AD at any time!

Here is a thread where a cadet actually changed their mind as an MS-IV.

http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/arotc-component-change.44902/
 
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