Best ROTC Programs?

ILHunter92

ILHunter92

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Not counting the military schools such as VMI and The Citadel, what are some of the best ROTC programs in the country? This includes Army, Navy, and Air Force. Thanks!
 
ILHunter92 said:
Not counting the military schools such as VMI and The Citadel, what are some of the best ROTC programs in the country? This includes Army, Navy, and Air Force. Thanks!
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It would seem like this subject should have been discussed somewhere on this forum before (a couple of stabs at the search function really didn't turn up anything - perhaps it is my skill with the tool that is lacking) but the most important question that must be asked first is "What makes a great ROTC program?"

And lots of things may go into the answer including:
1) Qualifying candidates for their top choice of branches.
2) Various competition results.
3) Quality/quantity of Unit events.
4) How well a unit integrates into the university where it is hosted.

I'm sure others will come up with other measurements, but the most important question you have to ask yourself is "What do I want out of this experience?"
 
Wow those were four characteristics that I like! I couldn't find anything either that's why I was curious.
 
The one that you are assigned to. You make your experience. No matter what unit you get your commission from everyone lower than you in rank calls you "Sir/Ma'am!". The purpose of any ROTC program is to help you develop into the best officer that you can be. Every unit shares the same summer experience on a ship, land or air with every other unit and SA.
 
felixbed said:
The one that you are assigned to. You make your experience. No matter what unit you get your commission from everyone lower than you in rank calls you "Sir/Ma'am!". The purpose of any ROTC program is to help you develop into the best officer that you can be. Every unit shares the same summer experience on a ship, land or air with every other unit and SA.
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Another great answer. Ultimately the unit you choose will be what you make of it and that is what the ROTC experience is about - developing leadership, knowledge, and skills.

What makes a great unit? The people who are in it, of course. :thumb:
 
Alot of factors contribute to how good the program is.

Personally, I'd say North Georgia College & State University has a great Army ROTC program. I personally visited it and attended their Leadership Seminar and found they are well put together, proud, and motivated in all they do. Not to mention the #1 cadet in the nation this year is currently attending there...seems like they know what it takes to make you a great cadet.
 
Hybrid ROTC programs

Both my sons looked at Virginia Tech and Texas A & M because of their "hybrid" programs. They are sort of cross between the Military Academies and regular ROTC programs. Some of the differences include wearing uniform to classes, housing and eating together , etc. It consisted of a more structured environment like an academy, but still had some unstructured "college" time as well. The other ROTC programs they looked at were less structured: students wore their own clothes to class and only participated in ROTC activities a few times a week for PT and other programs. This is just a generalization, so there are sure to be some variations at the different colleges. Do your research and ask,ask, ask! On your college visits, make an appointment to meet with the ROTC on that campus. Call ahead and ask questions! We learned so much from our visits-and each college was different. Best of luck to you!
 
pinnedalltheway said:
Will your son or daughter be going to VT or A&M?
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One son will be going to Texas A&M. The other son liked VT, but was late getting his ROTC application in. At this point, I think all the slots for NROTC are filled at VT. First son had to switch NROTC to AROTC because all the slots filled VERY early. If you are looking to go this route, make sure you do everything EARLY!!!! Looks like second son going to USMMA-was waitlisted for CG. (Both are interested in Engineering Majors).
 
For AROTC, AFROTC and NROTC you should take a look at Duke, Vanderbilt, PSU and Univ of Penn (just for NROTC).

Excellent schools - great programs - and a range of admission options. The units all are fairly small -except for PSU - but I mention them because I rarely see these colleges listed and they happened to be ones I have visited and liked for different reasons.
 
My daughter will be attending Texas A&M this fall, she will be going on an ARMY ROTC scholarship! Loved the school and the corp program :biggrin::biggrin:
 
mombailey said:
My daughter will be attending Texas A&M this fall, she will be going on an ARMY ROTC scholarship! Loved the school and the corp program :biggrin::biggrin:
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Welcome to the Texas Aggie Class of '13! Whoop!

My son will be a freshman there this year, too, also on an Army ROTC scholarship.
 
How about Villanova? how're their arotc and nrotc programs?
 
Senior Military Colleges

There are 6 senior military colleges:
Va Tech
Texas A&M
The Citadel
VMI
North Ga College & SU
Norwich

They all have a Corps of Cadets, but some have a civilian component as well, such as Va Tech and Texas A&M.
The ROTC programs at these schools tend to be very well run and quite large and respected on campus. If you are in ROTC at one of these schools then you are in military school.
It's a lot different than going through ROTC at a civilian school.

Sealion - AROTC at UPenn is now run through Drexel, which is right next door.

IMO - the best ROTC program is the one at the college or university you want to attend! Pick your school first for major and "fit".
Do not pick a ROTC program because you met the Officers who run it and you "clicked". By the time you get there that officer may have been transferred.
 
RPI has a great NROTC program, too! It is an good fit for someone who wants a urban (small city) serious engineering school (although it does have other majors that are not as big) with around 5000 students.
 
CadetMom777 said:
Welcome to the Texas Aggie Class of '13! Whoop!

My son will be a freshman there this year, too, also on an Army ROTC scholarship.
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Where are you from?? And what unit will your son be joining? My daughter will be joining B-co, she will be in the band :thumb:
 
mombailey said:
Where are you from?? And what unit will your son be joining? My daughter will be joining B-co, she will be in the band :thumb:
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I am private messaging you the info. It's great to hear yet another Aggie joining the ranks and being part of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band!
 
i

too have an Army ROTC 4 Year scholarship. So I was looking for the best ROTC around. Seeing as how i dont live very far from Texas A&M i figured they would most likely be my choice...The Citadel stole me.
 
Heard from NROTC

Wow! My son just heard he received his NROTC Scholarship at Virginia Tech! He is so pumped! This was his first choice for ROTC schools. Anyone else out there at VT?
 
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