How does ROTC work?

[EastRound]

I’m a senior and am finishing up my ROTC scholarship application.

I was wondering, if I don’t get the AROTC scholarship, can I still sign up for ROTC in college and will I still commission as an officer?

will I receive some sort of reimbursement upon completion of the ROTC program even if I am not a scholarship winner?

can other scholarships such as Florida Bright Futures (which will pay for 100% of my tuition) be used as a replacement for the scholarship funds while I’m in college?

Essentially what I am asking is: can I still commission as an Army Officer if I simply sign up for the ROTC classes in college and complete the program, even if I don’t receive a scholarship?

neither of my parents went to college or even grew up in the US and no in my family has gone through this process so I would appreciate the help.

thanks

 

[Herman_Snerd]

I’m a senior and am finishing up my ROTC scholarship application. APPLICATION - SINGULAR? WHY NOT APPLY TO MULTIPLE BRANCHES?

I was wondering, if I don’t get the AROTC scholarship, can I still sign up for ROTC in college and will I still commission as an officer? YES AND YES. THOSE NOT ON SCHOLARSHIP CAN PARTICIPATE AS A COLLEGE PROGRAMMER AND COMPETE FOR A SCHOLARSHIP AS WELL.

will I receive some sort of reimbursement upon completion of the ROTC program even if I am not a scholarship winner? YOU'LL EARN A COMMISSION AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE AS AN OFFICER IN A BRANCH OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY. YOU SHOULD DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH TO CONFIRM WHAT STIPEND YOU WOULD BE POTENTIALLY ELIGIBLE FOR WHILE NOT ON SCHOLARSHIP.

A LOT OF YOUR QUESTIONS YOU POSED HERE ARE EASILY ANSWERED ON YOUR OWN. I'LL GET YOU STARTED HERE BUT PLEASE TAKE SOME OWNERSHIP/ INITIATIVE TO RESEARCH THESE THINGS YOURSELF.

can other scholarships such as Florida Bright Futures (which will pay for 100% of my tuition) be used as a replacement for the scholarship funds while I’m in college? YES BOTH MERIT AND FINANCIAL AID CAN BE APPLIED INCLUDING THE BRIGHT FUTURES SCHOLARSHIP IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE IT.

Essentially what I am asking is: can I still commission as an Army Officer if I simply sign up for the ROTC classes in college and complete the program, even if I don’t receive a scholarship? YES.

neither of my parents went to college or even grew up in the US and no in my family has gone through this process so I would appreciate the help. AGAIN THAT'S A START - GET ONLINE TO EACH SERVICE ROTC SITE, SCHOOL ROTC SITES AND TALK TO THE RECRUITING OFFICER AT THE SCHOOLS YOU ARE INTERESTED IN TO LEARN MORE.

thanks - YOU'RE WELCOME.

 

[EEBTTF]

Yes - There are numerous ways to commission if you do not receive a national scholarship. You can participate in ROTC (assuming your school has a detachment) and work towards becoming a contracted cadet. You will need to be contracted by your Junior year in order to attend the Advanced Course and the Basic Course - both requirements to commission.

There is also the OCS route - for OCS you don't need to participate in ROTC. You apply to OCS and attend after graduation. OCS is a very competitive process and just because you apply, does not mean you will be accepted.

Direct Commissioning is another option - (From the Army website)Direct commission provides individuals who possess leadership, skills, and experience the opportunity to become an Army Officer. In addition to individuals from professional fields like law, medicine and religion, the Army has expanded Direct Commission to look for skilled individuals in a multitude of other fields. At completion of an Officer training program, they are commissioned at a rank determined by their experience and career branch.

With regards to your question on scholarship money. Yes - take advantage of all the available scholarship funds. In the event you are offered the AROTC scholarship, you could use the Florida Bright Futures to cover tuition and the AROTC to cover room and board.

Good luck!