I have decided to attend the Army ROTC program as an incoming freshman at the University of Southern Indiana. I applied for the scholarship and realize what benefits it offers, but I am not sure I will be a winner. My question is: without the scholarship, what kind of extra expenses can I expect if I enroll in the program. Does it differ greatly depending on the school? Or can someone give me a ballpark estimate of what I should be prepared to pay to become a cadet?Also, I plan on staying with the program all four years and realize that I can keep applying for the scholarship each year, but can I expect any benefits for seniority in the program? Thank you.
Whether you are on scholarship or not you will be provided everything you need for ROTC at no charge. There may be some minor things you will need to purchase but it's the same for scholarship cadets. You may decide to purchase boots on your own instead of what they issue and so on. The main point is that you will not need to purchase anything to enroll in ROTC and become a cadet, even if you are not on scholarship.
wildcatmom
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At my DS's batallion, un-contracted cadets (MS1's and many MS2's that are not on scholarship) are not given ASU's, ACU's or boots. They wear civilian clothes for PT and other activities. They can borrow some gear on an as-needed basis, although un-contracted cadets did not participate in the FTX's held each semester. My son and his buddy were not contracted until near the end of their first semester. They had uniforms and gear only because both were enlisted reservists prior to returning to school.
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Must be different for all Battalions then.
At PSU - all cadets regardless of having a scholarship/contract get ACUs and IPFUs. For us, they pretty much get everything except for ASU's and some small other things (ie: waterproof bag, camo stick, elbow/knee pads, Kevlar helmet). But other than that, the differences in equipment between contracted vs noncontracted are minuscule.
5Day
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But the answer is still the same. There is no addition cost to participate. Where uniforms were not issued they wore civilian clothing. There was no requirement to purchase uniforms.
How about books? Do you need to purchase books for the military classes like all other college classes?
How about books? Do you need to purchase books for the military classes like all other college classes?
No, any books or study material required for the MS classes are provided by the Battalion at no charge.
I remember at my son's battalion, some non contracted cadets would make sure to join the Color Guard, this way they would get a set of ASUs to wear.
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... honestly, I don't think there's even a "book" per se; that or we just never use it. Over time - you will start to realize, that all the information you learn, comes from all of the lovely FMs, ARs, DA Pams, ADPs, ADRPs, etc.
Interesting, never thought of this - but I assume this holds true for us as well.
+10000000000000.
I cannot stress this enough. Out of all the things to invest in, a good pair of running shoes is amongst the top. A lot of folks out there don't realize the implications of not having the correct shoes to run in.
And do yourself a favor - when looking for shoes, go to a running specialty shoe store if you can (not one of those disgusting nation-wide chains; half of those people don't know what their talking about). Most if not all, will allow you to try on the shoes and actually run in them until you find the right pair.
.... and this is coming from a runner.
They aren't allowed to purchase their uniforms and wear them if they are not contracted? That seems discouraging, as I could see many non-contracted cadets feeling like they aren't really apart of the brigade without the uniform.
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Doesn't take them long to learn how to work the system like a veteran!
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I wouldn't go so far as to say that the Battalion DOESN'T allow them to purchase uniforms. Just that, no one does it.
... and, eh. They are not cheap though. I don't know how much ASU's cost, but I'm fairly confident in conservatively saying that they are AT LEAST a couple hundred dollars. Then on top of that a set of ACU's will run you, give or take, about $100. And that's not including boots, which start at $50.
You start adding up the prices ... it ain't pretty.
No disrespect, but there's quite a few ways to better spend that money (ie: books ...). Plus, like I always harp, you'd be putting all your eggs in one basket and you then start assuming you will get a scholarship/contract. Cause what if you end up not getting one? Good luck recouping all that money..
Personally if I were in that boat, I wouldn't even bother -- unless I was loaded $$$. But even then, I still wouldn't do it - because your peers are going to look at you funny - as the Super Hooah guy who buys all the gear, unnecessarily ...
Technically speaking, only contracted cadets are authorized uniforms. Some battalions still give them to uncontracted, but that's contrary to the regulation.
Source: CCR 670-1 Rev 2013
a. Each Cadet and each alien student authorized to participate in the Advanced Course may be furnished an issue or Cadet-type uniform as determined by Commander, U.S. Army Cadet Command.
Source: CCR 670-1 Rev 2013
a. Each Cadet and each alien student authorized to participate in the Advanced Course may be furnished an issue or Cadet-type uniform as determined by Commander, U.S. Army Cadet Command.
nofodad
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DS just ordered his ASU for commissioning, a little over $700, but I think he went with the higher quality jacket and trousers. You can probably do it for cheaper.
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.. that [future] O Pay though ....
Yeah I've seen a few brochures in the cadet areas. Marlow White I'm assuming? Is there honestly a justifiable reason to get the nicer/fancier version?
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It may seem mundane, but when you call it's going to let whoever answers your question know that you are interested in their program.
Perhaps the conversation goes something like this:
Hi, this is Darien...I'm thinking about attending State next year and participating in Army ROTC. I had a few questions I hope you could answer...Do all Cadets get issued uniforms...how often do you have PT...
Ask a few questions and show you are interested and next year when you show up your already that kid who called last spring and seemed really interested.
And my question to you is what are you going to do if they say no? Are you looking for a school that will let you have a uniform even if you aren't on scholarship? I would say that is probably not the best criteria to use when deciding on what school you plan to attend for the next 4 years.
nofodad
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Yes, Marlow White, DS is in school in DC so he actually had an appointment for a fitting and they'll take care of all tailoring etc. instead of ordering on line. His PMS encouraged him to buy the higher quality. He's had the same set of ASU's since commissioning 20 years ago and he says they hold up better than the lesser quality. Plus our son is good at spending other people's money (we told him we'd cover the ASU). We saved about $100k with the scholarship...the least we could do.