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.
Your total enlistment period will be eight years, but you can serve as little as three or six years, and spend the remainder in IRR (Individual Ready Reserve).
Learn moreAbsolutely. Your Guard service is only part time—just one weekend per month, and one two-week period each year.
See how the Guard helps with school.Recruits need to meet certain standards of height, weight, age, fitness and education in order to enlist.
Learn about the Guard's eligibility requirements.Yes. Guard members can be mobilized to protect and defend America in battle domestically or overseas.
Learn more about about training.MEPS stands for Military Entrance Processing Station, METS stands for Military Entrance Testing Site.
Learn moreThe Guard is a military branch that serves both state and federal governments, at home and overseas.
Find out more about the Guard.Guard pay is based on your rank and the number of years you've served, along with incentives like hazardous-duty pay.
Contact a representative to learn more.Your pay depends on a few different factors, but you won't make less than $183 for every weekend you drill.
Find out more about Guard pay.Different states may offer commissioning bonuses for critical skill positions. Please check with your local Guard representative for current bonus information.
Learn more about becoming an officer.Yes, you will be paid for every day you work.
Find out about Annual Training pay.There are different ways to become an officer. If you’re heading to college, the ROTC program is the way to go.
View how to become an officer.The training period varies for each job.
Learn moreFor certain career specialties, particularly medical professions, the Guard will reimburse student loans.
Contact a Guard representative.Find jobs in your area on our Job Board.
Learn moreIn two major ways: getting promotions and activating retirement benefits.
Learn more from a Guard representative.If you've completed Army or Marine Corps Basic Training, you won't need to repeat BCT. Most other prior service personnel will need to attend BCT (except USAF and USN Special Operations personnel). Your recruiter has details.
Talk to a Guard representative.Yes, provided you can complete 20 years of total military service by age 62.
Learn more about retirement benefits.As a National Guard Soldier, you get good pay and great benefits, and continue building toward a military retirement—while serving your country in a part-time status.
Learn moreYou are eligible for this benefit only once in your career. Once it has ended, it cannot be reinstated, even with a new enlistment contract.
Learn more.Your Chapter 1606 GI Bill benefit is suspended while you are AGR. You may need to extend your enlistment to have it reinstated once you return as a traditional drilling Soldier.
Learn more.Eligibility for Chapter 1607 is based on Title 10 Active Duty periods. The Border Mission is Title 32 and not considered a mobilization eligible for Chapter 1607.
Learn more.If you are released from Active Duty prior to completing 90 days due to an illness or injury in the line of duty, you will receive Chapter 1607 benefits at a 40 percent rate.
Learn more.You cannot receive payment from more than one benefit program at a time.
Learn more.Your estimated total for the first year.
*DetailsPlease understand that these calculations are only estimates and that a recruiter will have the most up-to-date information about benefits.
Because of the broad range of pay options, the Pay Calculator does not apply to Medical Professional Officers.
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