Parents and ROTC

Learn how ROTC can be the best path for your son or daughter.

Every parent has questions about their child's military service. You'll find a lot of those answers in our Parents section. But for your concerns about ROTC—how it will impact your son or daughter's education, their college experience and their future after college—you can learn more here.

Can my child get a scholarship for participating in ROTC?
There are several scholarship options available for ROTC students. The National Guard and Army ROTC both offer scholarships for two, three or four years, which cover 100% tuition and fees—plus book allowances and monthly stipends. Cadets participating in the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) receive an additional allowance—plus drill pay—for combining ROTC with National Guard service.

If my child enrolls in ROTC, are they automatically in the Army or National Guard?
Taking ROTC courses will not automatically enlist or qualify your child for military service. Unless they receive an ROTC scholarship, they can take the ROTC Basic Course (the first two years of ROTC) without being obligated to serve. If they continue into the Advanced Course to become eligible for their officer’s commission (or if they receive an ROTC scholarship), they will be obligated to serve following graduation.  

How long will my child serve after graduating?
If your son or daughter receives an ROTC scholarship, they’ll serve four years in the National Guard after graduation. If they don’t receive a scholarship, but still complete the four-year Advanced Course, they’ll serve three years. Either way, upon graduation they’ll be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the National Guard. Learn more about your child's ROTC commitment. 

Can my child enroll in Army ROTC, but still enter the National Guard?
Yes, cadets may take ROTC but choose to enlist in the National Guard and pursue a civilian career while they serve. Students must declare by the end of their junior year whether they intend to enlist in the National Guard, Army Reserves or Active Army. In addition, they’ll need to qualify for Active Duty.

Could my child be deployed?
During your child's first two years of ROTC, unless they have received a National Guard scholarship, they won’t be obligated to serve in the military. Students in the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) who combine ROTC and Guard service may be eligible for mobilization during domestic emergencies or for overseas service, though this happens very rarely. But rest assured, Guard Soldiers receive the same training and are as mission-qualified as Active Duty Soldiers.

Is the National Guard the best military branch for my child?
While National Guard Soldiers and officers can be deployed overseas for Active Duty, they are just as likely to train in their own community and serve in this country. Add this to all the Guard’s other educational and career benefits, and we believe Army ROTC and National Guard service offer an excellent combination.

How does ROTC help my child’s civilian career?
Leadership experience and ability are valuable in any career. And very few college courses offer the kind of leadership and management training ROTC teaches. Cadets learn to take charge of situations, people and resources under the mentorship of experienced officers. This experience will carry over into any career, whether military or civilian.

Is it hard to balance ROTC and other college classes?
Army ROTC cadets are students first. They can pursue most academic majors while adding only one elective ROTC class and one lab every semester. Your child will enjoy the same college life as other students. Cadets can play sports, join campus organizations (including fraternities and sororities), and participate in just about every part of campus life. And they’ll be learning the management and leadership skills to help them make the most of their college experience.

Are there any courses during summer?
For students who enroll in ROTC following their sophomore year (without taking the ROTC Basic Course their first two years of college), there is an intensive four-week Leader’s Training Course offered at Fort Knox, KY. Any cadet who plans to continue into the ROTC Advanced Course will be required to attend the five-week Leader Development and Assessment Course, which takes place at Fort Lewis, WA, in the summer between their junior and senior years.

Nursing students who are also ROTC cadets may be eligible for the Nurse Summer Training Program. The NSTP offers paid, three-week positions at Army hospitals in the U.S. and Germany. Check with the campus ROTC representative for details.

Find more answers in our Parents section.