Enlisted Soldiers and ROTC

Your prior service can pave the way for your commission.

If you’re a current or prior service enlisted Soldier interested in becoming an officer, ROTC can be the ideal solution. ROTC offers the perfect opportunity to pursue your college requirements while you earn your officer’s commission.

Take advantage of your education benefits.
You need a four-year degree to become an officer. But for you, that’s within reach. Your military service has earned you up to 100% federal tuition (many states also offer tuition funding)  plus any additional benefits you’ve earned with the GI Bill. You can be working on your degree and your commission by adding just one ROTC class and one lab per semester.

Earn more while you earn your commission.
If you re-enlist in the National Guard, you’ll be able to participate in the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP). With SMP, your Guard service—just one weekend of drill every month with two weeks of Annual Training in the summer—will be earning you even more money and time in grade. Combine your ROTC allowance with your Guard pay and GI Bill stipend and you’ll quickly see how your experience and leadership can work for you while you work on your degree.

Take advantage of special schools.
Cadets with enlisted experience may be eligible for special schools like Airborne, Air Assault or Mountain Warfare, or study abroad with the Army's Culture and Language Program (CULP). The additional training, leadership and experience can make a big difference later in earning assignments and promotions.

Be recognized as a real leader.
Your experience as a Soldier is valuable to you and to others. With your insight, you can be a real example and mentor to other cadets in the classroom and during training. And after graduating and receiving your commission as a second lieutenant, you’ll earn respect as an officer with real-world enlisted experience.

With ROTC, you’ll be prepared for additional responsibility and leadership, and you’ll be earning increased authority and income. Check it out: ROTC could be the perfect "next step" in your military career.