Parents & Advisors

WHEN THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW COME TO YOU FOR GUIDANCE, MAKE SURE YOU'RE PREPARED

Army ROTC is one of the most demanding and successful leadership programs in the country. For years, Army ROTC has been creating leaders who go on to rewarding careers in the military and civilian worlds. Here are just a few benefits a student can gain by enrolling in Army ROTC:

Within this section are links to more detailed explanations on this site. This information will help you offer you more practical advice to give your loved ones the information to enroll or apply for scholarships.

Frequently Questions from Parents & Advisors

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 in Army ROTC is not, strictly speaking, joining the Army. You will not be sent to "boot camp" or basic training. However, the primary purpose of the Army ROTC program is to produce Officers for the U.S. Army. So, you must agress to serve as Officers in the Army after graduation in order to go through the entire program, or if you have received an ROTC scholarship. Enrolling in ROTC Basic Course (the first two years of college) does NOT obligate you to serve unless you have also received a scholaship. For more details, see: Your Commitment.

What kinds of scholarships are available in Army ROTC? Are any of the scholarships retroactive?

Army ROTC offers two, three and four-year scholarships, which pay full tuitiou and fees or up to $10,000 room and board. Separate allowance for books, and monthly stipend of up to $5000 a year are also provided. Army ROTC scholarships are not retroactive. ROTC Scholarships are awarded based on merit and not on finacial needs.

What is the Army service obligation to pay back any scholarship benefits, or enrollment in the ROTC Advanced Course?

Scholarship winners must serve for four years of active duty; non-scholarship Cadets who enroll in ROTC Advanced Course must serve for three years on active duty. Select Cadets may serve eight years in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard. All who graduate and complete ROTC training are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army.

What good is Army ROTC for a career outside 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 dollards in equipment; this kind of management experience can be very attractive for post-Army employers.

Why should I choose Army ROTC over different branch's ROTC?

The Army officer a wider range of career opportunities, in more place around the world, than any other U.S. military branch. For those that wish to remain in Nebraska after graduation, there are may opporunitiies to serve as a Army Reserve or Army National Guard Officer throughout numberous communits in Nebraska.

Are all college majors compatible with Army ROTC?

Army ROTC Cadets are allowed to major in nearly all academic areas.

What are Army ROTC courses like? How will the class work help me? Will ROTC classes interfere with his/her other studies?

Army ROTC classes normally involve one elective class and one lab per semester. 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. At UNK, the ROTC program closely moniters academic progression, grade point averages, and other university requirements. The UNK ROTC program seeks to ensure the academic success of all Cadets. This includeds stressing the importance of academic achievement and ensuring Cadets complete academic requirements, including UNK Study Hall.

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 any other college students. They join fraternities and sororities. They participate in varsity team and individual sports. They take part in community service projects. But there are two intensive Army ROTC courses that take place on Army Posts, usually during the summer.

Leader's Training Course - This four-week summer course at Fort Knox, KY is ONLY for students who enroll in Army ROTC without having taken the first two years of military science classes.

Leader Development and Assessment Course - All Cadets who enter the Advanced course must attend this five-week summer course at Fort Lewis, WA between their junior and senior years.

 What are the chances that I will deploy to support the Global War on Terrorism?

It depends on the Army branch the Cadet chooses and the unit to which he/she is assigned. However, Army missions and challenges are always changing, so there is no way to know in advance which specialties and units will be needed where. All Soldier in the Army and Army Reserve face the possibility of deployment at some point during their careers. But 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.

Can I go into the Army Reserve or National Guard after graduation instead of the regular Army?

Yes. Select Cadets may choose to serve part-time in the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career. For more dtails, see Active Duty and Army Reservce or the Army National Guard website.

What is the typical career path for an Army Officer? What career fields are available?

Army ROTC graduates are commissioned as U.S. 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.