Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps
Encyclopedia
The Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC, AROTC, or SROTC) is the United States Army
component of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps
. It is the largest ROTC program, with 20,000 ROTC cadets in 272 ROTC programs at major universities throughout the United States
.
The modern Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps was created by the National Defense Act of 1916
. This program commissioned its first class of lieutenants in 1920. The concept behind ROTC, however, had its roots in military training which began taking place in civilian colleges and universities as early as 1819 with the founding of the American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy
at Norwich, Vermont, followed by various state chartered military schools, and finally civilian land grant colleges after the Civil War, which required military training.
or Army Reserve
).
Basic Course Qualification Requirements
A candidate for freshman and sophomore level ROTC training must:
A student who does not meet all of the above requirements should consult with the Department of Military Science and Leadership to determine if waivers can be granted.
Military Science I Year (MSI)
This year serves as the cadets’ first introduction to the Army. Topics covered include military courtesy, military history, basic first aid, basic rifle marksmanship, basic hand grenade use, land navigation, rappelling, fundamentals of leadership, map orienteering, field training, and drill and ceremony.
Military Science II Year (MSII)
The second year is an expansion of the topics taught in the first year of the program. Cadets are introduced to tactics, troop leading procedures, basics of operations orders, and ethics.
The third year marks the beginning of the Advanced Course. This is where most cadets must contract with the Army to continue in the program. Cadets may be eligible for the Advanced Course if the following criteria are met:
The course sequence in this year is mainly focused on the application of leadership and small-unit tactics. Cadets are assigned rotating leadership positions within the School Battalion and are evaluated on their performance and leadership abilities while in those positions. Third-year cadets practice briefing operations orders, executing small-unit tactics, leading and participating in physical training, and preparing for successful performance at the four week Leader Development and Assessment Course during the summer following the third year. Under current regulations, attendance at the course is mandatory (in the past, Ranger School
was offered as an alternative to select cadets).
Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC)
The Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC)
(formerly Advanced Camp) is a paid four-week leadership course conducted at Fort Lewis, Washington, during the summer. Typically, cadets attend LDAC during the summer between their first and second years in the Advanced Course. At LDAC, cadets take on various leadership roles and are evaluated on their performance and leadership abilities in those positions. Cadets also participate in adventure training, to include: confidence and obstacle courses, rappelling, water safety, weapons firing, and patrolling. Cadets must attend and complete this course to earn an Army commission. The time spent at LDAC by cadets has been reduced from 33 days to 28 days.
Military Science IV Year (MSIV)
This is the final year of the ROTC program and the main focus is towards preparing cadets to become successful lieutenants in the Army upon graduation and commissioning. Senior cadets apply for their branches (career fields). Senior cadets apply before end of their third year but have until mid September to make any changes before they are locked in. In early September, cadets are notified of which service and status they were granted (e.g., Regular Army, Army Reserve, Army National Guard; as well as whether they will be active duty or not). The next thing they will be notified is the branch of choice in mid October. Last but not least, cadets will be given their requested first duty location from late March through early April. In the mean time, senior cadets are assigned cadet battalion staff positions and are responsible for evaluating MS III cadets, planning and coordinating training operations and missions. MSIV's main goal is to teach and train MSIII cadets as well as be a mentor and establish sustainable systems to meet all requirements and provide quality training designed to develop and prepare the best leaders for the United States Army.
Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
Note that these are just the minimum requirements. The Army seeks to recruit what it calls Scholar, Athlete, Leaders (SAL's). A typical 4-year scholarship winner scores around 1250 on the SAT (or 24 on the ACT), and has a high school GPA of 3.5. A large number of scholarship winners are also members of the National Honor Society, serve in student-body government, or are varsity sports team captains.
Types of Army ROTC Scholarships
There are three types of Army ROTC scholarships available:
The Army ROTC scholarship entitles its recipients to full-tuition assistance, as well as a textbook/fee allowance and a monthly stipend to cover the student’s living expenses. Typically, cadets receive tuition assistance. However, they also have the option to apply the scholarship to their ‘room and board’ expenses instead of school tuition.
The amount that cadets on the ROTC scholarship receive for their monthly stipend depends on their year in school:
Alternative to the ROTC Scholarship
The Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) is an alternative route to receive military scholarship benefits. The program requires that cadets enlist in a reserve unit while enrolled in ROTC. This can include the Army National Guard or the Army Reserve. ROTC cadets on scholarship are not allowed to participate in SMP. SMP cadets are not required to complete Basic Combat Training (BCT) or Advanced Individual Training (AIT), but it is necessary to receive specific benefits. The benefits are as follows:
Army Reserve Benefits
Once contracted, ROTC cadets cannot be deployed. However, they are required to attend all drill events with their unit. This includes drill weekend and advanced training.
Air Assault School (AA)
Cadets are trained in airmobile operations, including rappelling from helicopters, airmobile tactics and rigging air mobile cargo. This is a two-week course taught at Fort Campbell, KY or Fort Rucker, AL. Upon successful completion, the cadet is awarded the Air Assault Badge.
Airborne School (ABN)
Army paratrooper training is conducted for three weeks at Fort Benning, GA. Upon successful completion cadets are awarded the Parachutist Badge. This training qualifies the Cadet to be a US Army Paratrooper.
Cadet Field Training (CFT)
This is an 4-week program of instruction executed by the United States Military Academy to develop the leadership skills of sophomore cadets. Seven weeks of CFT will be at Camp Buckner, with one week at Fort Knox, KY for Mounted Maneuver Training (MMT)(Cancelled in 2010). CFT consists of basic skill level training ending with Maneuver Light Training where the cadets train on how to defend and attack an opposing force.
The Cadet Intern Program (CIP)
An initiative of ASA/MRA, allows cadets to work with Department of the Army (DA), OCAR, NGB, and OSD for 3 weeks.
Cadet Troop Leadership Training (CTLT)
Cadet Troop Leadership Training is an optional program for MSIII cadets during the summer following completion of LDAC. This three week CONUS or 4 week OCONUS program trains Cadets in lieutenant positions with active Army and Reserve component units. Assignments are available in nearly all branches and with units world wide.
Northern Warfare Training Course (NW)
This is a three-week course covering tactical operations in a cold weather climate. The course is taught at Fort Greeley, AK. Cadets will be trained in winter survival techniques, skiing, snowshoeing and cold weather patrolling.
Mountain Warfare School
This course is taught at the Ethan Allen Firing Range in Jericho, VT. It is taught in two phases, each lasting two weeks. The summer phase teaches and tests Cadets on military mountaineering operations including rock climbing, rappelling and orienteering. The winter phase teaches and tests on similar tasks but in the winter environment. It includes ice climbing, cross-country skiing and cold weather operations.
Ranger Challenge is the Varsity sport of Army ROTC. A Ranger Challenge Team is made up of nine and five-man teams of Cadets. They compete against other colleges throughout the nation in events such as: patrolling, weapons assembly, one-rope bridge, Army Physical Fitness Test, Land navigation, and a ten kilometer road march. This is both a physically and mentally grueling competition. Participating in Ranger Challenge PT will put you in position to make the cut and be part of the team.
Color Guard
It is open to anyone in the battalion. Color Guard is responsible for posting the colors for ceremonial events (football games, Dining In or Out, Mil Ball, and Commencement), as well as cannon detail at football games, in order to show honor towards flag and country.
Military Ball
Is a formal event held every year for the entire Battalion. These social events are designed to allow Cadets to experience the type of social gathering and military etiquette they can expect as future commissioned officers. Cadets are encouraged to bring spouses/dates. Many dignitaries are invited, including the school president, certain university officials, and representatives of veterans’ societies, parents and relatives.
Pershing Rifles
s which, in turn command 272 ROTC units, referred to as battalion
s (though these units are typically much smaller than regular army battalions.) The brigades command ROTC units throughout different regions of the country.
."
I am an ARMY Cadet.
Soon I will take an oath to become an Army Officer committed to defending the values which make this nation great.
Honor is my Touchstone.
I understand mission first and people always.
I am the past - the Spirit of those warriors who have made the final sacrifice.
I am the present - the scholar and apprentice soldier enhancing my skills in the science of warfare and the art of leadership
But above all, I am the future - the future warrior leader of the United States Army.
May God grant me the compassion and judgment to lead and the gallantry in battle to win.
I will do my duty.
, was a student at the Virginia Military Institute
, he technically received a direct commission, since the modern-day ROTC program had not officially been established when he graduated.
In 1960, General George H. Decker became the first ROTC graduate named Chief of Staff of the Army. General Colin Powell
was the first ROTC graduate named Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
. He was a graduate of the City College of New York
. He later served as the United States Secretary of State
.
Chiefs of staff of the Army or Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to come out of Army ROTC include:
Virginia Military Institute holds the record among ROTC schools for the most general and flag officer
s produced, with 265 as of 2006. The University of Oregon
has produced the highest number of general officers out of the civilian ROTC schools, with a total of 44. Texas A&M University
produces more officers than any other ROTC program, largely because of the university's long history as a military college
.
There are three Department of the Army decorations authorized exclusively to cadets:
Outside these, cadets are eligible for numerous U.S. Army awards and decorations
, as well as awards and decorations sponsored by various military societies and organizations. These include:http://www.rotc.wustl.edu/Cadet/Awards.htm
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
component of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps
Reserve Officers' Training Corps
The Reserve Officers' Training Corps is a college-based, officer commissioning program, predominantly in the United States. It is designed as a college elective that focuses on leadership development, problem solving, strategic planning, and professional ethics.The U.S...
. It is the largest ROTC program, with 20,000 ROTC cadets in 272 ROTC programs at major universities throughout the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
The modern Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps was created by the National Defense Act of 1916
National Defense Act of 1916
The National Defense Act of 1916, , provided for an expanded army during peace and wartime, fourfold expansion of the National Guard, the creation of an Officers' and an Enlisted Reserve Corps, plus the creation of a Reserve Officers' Training Corps in colleges and universities...
. This program commissioned its first class of lieutenants in 1920. The concept behind ROTC, however, had its roots in military training which began taking place in civilian colleges and universities as early as 1819 with the founding of the American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy
Norwich University
Norwich University is a private university located in Northfield, Vermont . The university was founded in 1819 at Norwich, Vermont, as the American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy. It is the oldest of six Senior Military Colleges, and is recognized by the United States Department of...
at Norwich, Vermont, followed by various state chartered military schools, and finally civilian land grant colleges after the Civil War, which required military training.
Army ROTC Progression
For a cadet who takes only the first two years of ROTC (Basic Course), there is no military obligation, unless the student is a 3-4 year scholarship cadet or has other specific scholarships. If a cadet has accepted a scholarship, service commitments may vary. With some exceptions, in order to progress to the last two years of the program (Advanced Course), the cadet must contract with the United States Army. To do so, the student enlists in the United States Army Reserve Control Group (ROTC) as a cadet and elects to serve on either Active Duty or in a reserve component (Army National GuardArmy National Guard
Established under Title 10 and Title 32 of the U.S. Code, the Army National Guard is part of the National Guard and is divided up into subordinate units stationed in each of the 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia operating under their respective governors...
or Army Reserve
United States Army Reserve
The United States Army Reserve is the federal reserve force of the United States Army. Together, the Army Reserve and the Army National Guard constitute the reserve components of the United States Army....
).
Course of Instruction
There are two ROTC courses of instruction administered: branch material and general military science. The far majority of ROTC programs today are general military science (many having previously been branch material). If a program is branch material, the course of instruction is designed to prepare the cadet for appointment as a commissioned officer in a specific branch of the Army. A branch material unit may offer training in one or more specific branches. The cadet will train during ROTC specifically for that branch (e.g., aviation, engineering, nursing). When the cadet graduates, he or she will be commissioned in that branch. If the program is general military science (GMS), then the ROTC program will prepare the cadet for appointment as a commissioned officer in any branch of the Army for which he or she is qualified, as determined by the Army through a selection process. The following is an outline of a general military science program.http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=cdd4ebd64b8858577b5c6cbfc7e8d913&rgn=div5&view=text&node=32:3.1.1.5.20&idno=32Basic Course
A candidate for freshman and sophomore level ROTC training must:
- Be of good moral character
- Be a citizen of the United States
- Be able to graduate before 30 years of age
- Be physically able to participate in the program of instruction
- Meet other entrance requirements as determined by the departmental chair, current Army regulations, and University policies
A student who does not meet all of the above requirements should consult with the Department of Military Science and Leadership to determine if waivers can be granted.
Military Science I Year (MSI)
This year serves as the cadets’ first introduction to the Army. Topics covered include military courtesy, military history, basic first aid, basic rifle marksmanship, basic hand grenade use, land navigation, rappelling, fundamentals of leadership, map orienteering, field training, and drill and ceremony.
Military Science II Year (MSII)
The second year is an expansion of the topics taught in the first year of the program. Cadets are introduced to tactics, troop leading procedures, basics of operations orders, and ethics.
Advanced Course
Military Science III Year (MSIII)The third year marks the beginning of the Advanced Course. This is where most cadets must contract with the Army to continue in the program. Cadets may be eligible for the Advanced Course if the following criteria are met:
- The cadet has prior military service OR
- The cadet has completed the first two years of the program (Basic Course) OR
- The cadet has graduated the Leaders Training Course (formerly Basic Camp) at Ft. Knox AND
- The cadet has completed 54 credits (at least 60 preferred) of college coursework.
The course sequence in this year is mainly focused on the application of leadership and small-unit tactics. Cadets are assigned rotating leadership positions within the School Battalion and are evaluated on their performance and leadership abilities while in those positions. Third-year cadets practice briefing operations orders, executing small-unit tactics, leading and participating in physical training, and preparing for successful performance at the four week Leader Development and Assessment Course during the summer following the third year. Under current regulations, attendance at the course is mandatory (in the past, Ranger School
Ranger School
The United States Army Ranger School is an intense 61-day combat leadership course oriented towards small-unit tactics. It has been called the "toughest combat course in the world" and "is the most physically and mentally demanding leadership school the Army has to offer". The course is conducted...
was offered as an alternative to select cadets).
Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC)
The Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC)
Leader Development and Assessment Course
The Leadership Development and Assessment Course is the centerpiece of the US Army's Reserve Officers' Training Corps program. Over the last 40 years the Army has called it "Advanced Camp", "Camp Adventure", and it is currently known as "Warrior Forge". Within ROTC, it is often referred to simply...
(formerly Advanced Camp) is a paid four-week leadership course conducted at Fort Lewis, Washington, during the summer. Typically, cadets attend LDAC during the summer between their first and second years in the Advanced Course. At LDAC, cadets take on various leadership roles and are evaluated on their performance and leadership abilities in those positions. Cadets also participate in adventure training, to include: confidence and obstacle courses, rappelling, water safety, weapons firing, and patrolling. Cadets must attend and complete this course to earn an Army commission. The time spent at LDAC by cadets has been reduced from 33 days to 28 days.
Military Science IV Year (MSIV)
This is the final year of the ROTC program and the main focus is towards preparing cadets to become successful lieutenants in the Army upon graduation and commissioning. Senior cadets apply for their branches (career fields). Senior cadets apply before end of their third year but have until mid September to make any changes before they are locked in. In early September, cadets are notified of which service and status they were granted (e.g., Regular Army, Army Reserve, Army National Guard; as well as whether they will be active duty or not). The next thing they will be notified is the branch of choice in mid October. Last but not least, cadets will be given their requested first duty location from late March through early April. In the mean time, senior cadets are assigned cadet battalion staff positions and are responsible for evaluating MS III cadets, planning and coordinating training operations and missions. MSIV's main goal is to teach and train MSIII cadets as well as be a mentor and establish sustainable systems to meet all requirements and provide quality training designed to develop and prepare the best leaders for the United States Army.
Branch Assignment for ROTC Cadets
Branch selection factors Branch assignments are made according to the needs of the Army. Consideration is given to the cadet's area of academic specialty. Army policy is to assign graduating cadets to a branch and specialty code based on the following:- Army branch/specialty strength requirements.
- Academic disciplines.
- Personal preference.
- Recommendation of PMS. (Professor of Military Science)
- Demonstrated performance and potential.
- Prior military experience.
- Other experience.
- Gender.
Lab
Labs place students in leadership positions, teaches and provides practical experience in military drill and ceremonies, troop leading procedures, small unit tactical operations, rappelling, and water survival. Labs are held during the week and run for approximately two hours.Physical Fitness Training
Physical fitness training builds physical conditioning, teamwork, and self-confidence. Physical fitness training sessions are scheduled for one-hour and the intensity, time and type of exercises varies. All ROTC Students must complete the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) with at least the minimum (60%) in each of the three categories according to their age bracket (See Army Physical Fitness Test). Also each battalion may make its own standards. For example; a battalion may set a standard of scoring no less than 70% (10% more than the Army requires) in each category. Failure to reach the battalion standard may require increased physical fitness training on days of rest (commonly known as "Incentive PT").Cadre
The cadre usually consists of 5 to 7 Officers ranking from 2nd Lieutenant to Colonel as well as Non-Commissioned Officers ranking from Staff Sergeant to Master Sergeant and civilian technical assistants. It is the cadres’ job to teach and help the Military Science Cadets achieve the goal of 2nd Lieutenant. Every Army ROTC school has a Professor of Military Science; it is their job to instruct the MSIV’s as they make the transition from Army Cadet to 2nd Lieutenant. Assistant Professor of Military Science; it is their job to instruct the MSI’s and teach them the fundamentals of the military. Recruiting Operations Officer; it is their job to make sure that every cadet coming into their program is eligible. The Recruiting Operations Officer also handles the Scholarships within its school. The Executive Officer and enlisted personnel also help with the training of the MS Cadets. The civilian technicians are usually retired military personnel whose job is to help the Officers with paperwork and medical forms from the MSI’s.Scholarships
The United States Army offers ROTC scholarships that allow students to finance their education.Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- At least 17 years of age before the scholarship is effective
- Scored a 920 on SAT or 19 on ACT
- 2.5 GPA or higher
- Participant in leadership, extra-curricular, and athletic activities
- Under 27 years old at time of commissioning
- High school grad or equivalent
- Agree to accept a commission upon graduation
- Meet physical standards
- Must be accepted to the university that offers the scholarship
Note that these are just the minimum requirements. The Army seeks to recruit what it calls Scholar, Athlete, Leaders (SAL's). A typical 4-year scholarship winner scores around 1250 on the SAT (or 24 on the ACT), and has a high school GPA of 3.5. A large number of scholarship winners are also members of the National Honor Society, serve in student-body government, or are varsity sports team captains.
Types of Army ROTC Scholarships
There are three types of Army ROTC scholarships available:
- The four-year scholarship is designed for high school students planning on attending a four-year college program.
- The three-year scholarship is available for students who have three academic years of college remaining.
- The two-year scholarship is available for students who have two academic years of college remaining.
The Army ROTC scholarship entitles its recipients to full-tuition assistance, as well as a textbook/fee allowance and a monthly stipend to cover the student’s living expenses. Typically, cadets receive tuition assistance. However, they also have the option to apply the scholarship to their ‘room and board’ expenses instead of school tuition.
The amount that cadets on the ROTC scholarship receive for their monthly stipend depends on their year in school:
- Year 1: $300 a month
- Year 2: $350 a month
- Year 3: $450 a month
- Year 4: $500 a month
Alternative to the ROTC Scholarship
The Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) is an alternative route to receive military scholarship benefits. The program requires that cadets enlist in a reserve unit while enrolled in ROTC. This can include the Army National Guard or the Army Reserve. ROTC cadets on scholarship are not allowed to participate in SMP. SMP cadets are not required to complete Basic Combat Training (BCT) or Advanced Individual Training (AIT), but it is necessary to receive specific benefits. The benefits are as follows:
Army Reserve Benefits
- Drill pay at E-5 or higher
- Cadet rank
- GI Bill
- Full tuition assistance
Once contracted, ROTC cadets cannot be deployed. However, they are required to attend all drill events with their unit. This includes drill weekend and advanced training.
Training Options
Cadets may compete for training opportunities conducted at Active Army Schools. This training is usually conducted during the summer months but some allocations are available during the winter holidays. Cadets are selected to attend this excellent training based on their overall standing within the program. Since the number of allocations are limited, selection for schools is competitive and based on factors including ROTC grades, academic grades, participation in ROTC activities, APFT scores and advisor recommendations.Air Assault School (AA)
Cadets are trained in airmobile operations, including rappelling from helicopters, airmobile tactics and rigging air mobile cargo. This is a two-week course taught at Fort Campbell, KY or Fort Rucker, AL. Upon successful completion, the cadet is awarded the Air Assault Badge.
Airborne School (ABN)
Army paratrooper training is conducted for three weeks at Fort Benning, GA. Upon successful completion cadets are awarded the Parachutist Badge. This training qualifies the Cadet to be a US Army Paratrooper.
Cadet Field Training (CFT)
This is an 4-week program of instruction executed by the United States Military Academy to develop the leadership skills of sophomore cadets. Seven weeks of CFT will be at Camp Buckner, with one week at Fort Knox, KY for Mounted Maneuver Training (MMT)(Cancelled in 2010). CFT consists of basic skill level training ending with Maneuver Light Training where the cadets train on how to defend and attack an opposing force.
The Cadet Intern Program (CIP)
An initiative of ASA/MRA, allows cadets to work with Department of the Army (DA), OCAR, NGB, and OSD for 3 weeks.
Cadet Troop Leadership Training (CTLT)
Cadet Troop Leadership Training is an optional program for MSIII cadets during the summer following completion of LDAC. This three week CONUS or 4 week OCONUS program trains Cadets in lieutenant positions with active Army and Reserve component units. Assignments are available in nearly all branches and with units world wide.
Northern Warfare Training Course (NW)
This is a three-week course covering tactical operations in a cold weather climate. The course is taught at Fort Greeley, AK. Cadets will be trained in winter survival techniques, skiing, snowshoeing and cold weather patrolling.
Mountain Warfare School
This course is taught at the Ethan Allen Firing Range in Jericho, VT. It is taught in two phases, each lasting two weeks. The summer phase teaches and tests Cadets on military mountaineering operations including rock climbing, rappelling and orienteering. The winter phase teaches and tests on similar tasks but in the winter environment. It includes ice climbing, cross-country skiing and cold weather operations.
Activities and Clubs
Ranger ChallengeRanger Challenge is the Varsity sport of Army ROTC. A Ranger Challenge Team is made up of nine and five-man teams of Cadets. They compete against other colleges throughout the nation in events such as: patrolling, weapons assembly, one-rope bridge, Army Physical Fitness Test, Land navigation, and a ten kilometer road march. This is both a physically and mentally grueling competition. Participating in Ranger Challenge PT will put you in position to make the cut and be part of the team.
Color Guard
It is open to anyone in the battalion. Color Guard is responsible for posting the colors for ceremonial events (football games, Dining In or Out, Mil Ball, and Commencement), as well as cannon detail at football games, in order to show honor towards flag and country.
Military Ball
Is a formal event held every year for the entire Battalion. These social events are designed to allow Cadets to experience the type of social gathering and military etiquette they can expect as future commissioned officers. Cadets are encouraged to bring spouses/dates. Many dignitaries are invited, including the school president, certain university officials, and representatives of veterans’ societies, parents and relatives.
Pershing Rifles
Reserve Officers' Battalions
ROTC is composed of seven brigadeBrigade
A brigade is a major tactical military formation that is typically composed of two to five battalions, plus supporting elements depending on the era and nationality of a given army and could be perceived as an enlarged/reinforced regiment...
s which, in turn command 272 ROTC units, referred to as battalion
Battalion
A battalion is a military unit of around 300–1,200 soldiers usually consisting of between two and seven companies and typically commanded by either a Lieutenant Colonel or a Colonel...
s (though these units are typically much smaller than regular army battalions.) The brigades command ROTC units throughout different regions of the country.
- 2nd Reserve Officers' Training Corps Brigade2nd Reserve Officers' Training Corps BrigadeThe 2nd Reserve Officers' Training Corps Brigade is an Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps brigade based at Fort Dix, New Jersey.- New York :* Canisius College* Clarkson University* Cornell University* Fordham University* Hofstra University...
(CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, GermanyGermanyGermany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, ItalyItalyItaly , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
) - 3rd Reserve Officers' Training Corps Brigade3rd Reserve Officers' Training Corps BrigadeThe 3rd Reserve Officers' Training Corps Brigade is an Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps brigade based at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Illinois.- Illinois :* Eastern Illinois University* Illinois State University* Northern Illinois University...
(IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, SD, WI) - 4th Reserve Officers' Training Corps Brigade4th Reserve Officers' Training Corps BrigadeThe 4th Reserve Officers' Training Corps Brigade is a United States Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps brigade based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.- Maryland :* Bowie State University* Loyola College* McDaniel College* Morgan State University...
(DC, DE, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV) - 5th Reserve Officers' Training Corps Brigade5th Reserve Officers' Training Corps BrigadeThe 5th Reserve Officers' Training Corps Brigade is an Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps brigade based at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.- Arizona :* Arizona State University* Northern Arizona University* University of Arizona- Arkansas :...
(AR, AZ, CO, NM, OK, TX, UT, WY) - 6th Reserve Officers' Training Corps Brigade6th Reserve Officers' Training Corps BrigadeThe 6th Reserve Officers' Training Corps Brigade is an Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps brigade based at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia.- Alabama :* Alabama A&M University* Auburn University* Auburn University at Montgomery...
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, PR, VI) - 7th Reserve Officers' Training Corps Brigade (IN, KY, MI, OH, TN)
- 8th Reserve Officers' Training Corps Brigade8th Reserve Officers' Training Corps BrigadeThe 8th Reserve Officers' Training Corps Brigade is a United States Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps brigade based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.- California :* California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo...
(AK, AS, CA, GU, HI, ID, MP, MT, NV, OR, WA, KoreaKoreaKorea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
, JapanJapanJapan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
)
Cadet Creed
The Creed is recited at all dress functions usually following the playing of "The Star-Spangled BannerThe Star-Spangled Banner
"The Star-Spangled Banner" is the national anthem of the United States of America. The lyrics come from "Defence of Fort McHenry", a poem written in 1814 by the 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet, Francis Scott Key, after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British Royal Navy ships...
."
I am an ARMY Cadet.
Soon I will take an oath to become an Army Officer committed to defending the values which make this nation great.
Honor is my Touchstone.
I understand mission first and people always.
I am the past - the Spirit of those warriors who have made the final sacrifice.
I am the present - the scholar and apprentice soldier enhancing my skills in the science of warfare and the art of leadership
But above all, I am the future - the future warrior leader of the United States Army.
May God grant me the compassion and judgment to lead and the gallantry in battle to win.
I will do my duty.
Notable Army ROTC graduates
Although General of the Army George C. Marshall, Chief of Staff of the Army during WWIIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, was a student at the Virginia Military Institute
Virginia Military Institute
The Virginia Military Institute , located in Lexington, Virginia, is the oldest state-supported military college and one of six senior military colleges in the United States. Unlike any other military college in the United States—and in keeping with its founding principles—all VMI students are...
, he technically received a direct commission, since the modern-day ROTC program had not officially been established when he graduated.
In 1960, General George H. Decker became the first ROTC graduate named Chief of Staff of the Army. General Colin Powell
Colin Powell
Colin Luther Powell is an American statesman and a retired four-star general in the United States Army. He was the 65th United States Secretary of State, serving under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005. He was the first African American to serve in that position. During his military...
was the first ROTC graduate named Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is by law the highest ranking military officer in the United States Armed Forces, and is the principal military adviser to the President of the United States, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council and the Secretary of Defense...
. He was a graduate of the City College of New York
City College of New York
The City College of the City University of New York is a senior college of the City University of New York , in New York City. It is also the oldest of the City University's twenty-three institutions of higher learning...
. He later served as the United States Secretary of State
United States Secretary of State
The United States Secretary of State is the head of the United States Department of State, concerned with foreign affairs. The Secretary is a member of the Cabinet and the highest-ranking cabinet secretary both in line of succession and order of precedence...
.
Chiefs of staff of the Army or Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to come out of Army ROTC include:
- Chiefs of Staff of the Army
- GA George Marshall (Virginia Military Institute)
- GEN George Decker (Lafayette CollegeLafayette CollegeLafayette College is a private coeducational liberal arts and engineering college located in Easton, Pennsylvania, USA. The school, founded in 1826 by James Madison Porter,son of General Andrew Porter of Norristown and citizens of Easton, first began holding classes in 1832...
) - GEN Fred Weyland (University of California, BerkeleyUniversity of California, BerkeleyThe University of California, Berkeley , is a teaching and research university established in 1868 and located in Berkeley, California, USA...
) - GEN Gordon SullivanGordon R. SullivanGeneral Gordon Russell Sullivan is a retired Army general officer, who served as the 32nd Chief of Staff of the United States Army and as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.-Background and education:...
(Norwich UniversityNorwich UniversityNorwich University is a private university located in Northfield, Vermont . The university was founded in 1819 at Norwich, Vermont, as the American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy. It is the oldest of six Senior Military Colleges, and is recognized by the United States Department of...
) - GEN Peter SchoomakerPeter SchoomakerPeter Jan Schoomaker is a retired four-star general of the United States Army and served as the 35th Chief of Staff of the United States Army from August 1, 2003 to April 10, 2007. Schoomaker's appointment as Chief of Staff was unique in that he was recalled and came out from retirement to assume...
(University of WyomingUniversity of WyomingThe University of Wyoming is a land-grant university located in Laramie, Wyoming, situated on Wyoming's high Laramie Plains, at an elevation of 7,200 feet , between the Laramie and Snowy Range mountains. It is known as UW to people close to the university...
) - GEN George CaseyGeorge William Casey Jr.George William Casey, Jr. is a former United States Army four-star general who last served as the 36th Chief of Staff of the United States Army from April 10, 2007 to April 11, 2011...
(Georgetown UniversityGeorgetown UniversityGeorgetown University is a private, Jesuit, research university whose main campus is in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Founded in 1789, it is the oldest Catholic university in the United States...
)
- Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
- GEN Colin Powell (City College of New York)
- GEN Hugh SheltonHugh SheltonGeneral Henry Hugh Shelton is a retired American career military officer of the United States Army. He served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1997 to 2001.-Early life, family and education:...
(North Carolina State UniversityNorth Carolina State UniversityNorth Carolina State University at Raleigh is a public, coeducational, extensive research university located in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. Commonly known as NC State, the university is part of the University of North Carolina system and is a land, sea, and space grant institution...
)
Virginia Military Institute holds the record among ROTC schools for the most general and flag officer
Flag Officer
A flag officer is a commissioned officer in a nation's armed forces senior enough to be entitled to fly a flag to mark where the officer exercises command. The term usually refers to the senior officers in an English-speaking nation's navy, specifically those who hold any of the admiral ranks; in...
s produced, with 265 as of 2006. The University of Oregon
University of Oregon
-Colleges and schools:The University of Oregon is organized into eight schools and colleges—six professional schools and colleges, an Arts and Sciences College and an Honors College.- School of Architecture and Allied Arts :...
has produced the highest number of general officers out of the civilian ROTC schools, with a total of 44. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University is a coeducational public research university located in College Station, Texas . It is the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System. The sixth-largest university in the United States, A&M's enrollment for Fall 2011 was over 50,000 for the first time in school...
produces more officers than any other ROTC program, largely because of the university's long history as a military college
Senior Military College
In the United States, a Senior Military College is one of six colleges that offer military Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs and are specifically recognized under 10 USC 2111a...
.
Army ROTC Awards
- ROTC Medal for HeroismROTC Medal for HeroismThe ROTC Medal for Heroism is the highest Department of the Army medal awarded exclusively to Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets. This award is presented to cadets who perform acts of heroism. As with other Department of the Army decorations, the award consists of a medal and ribbon,...
- Superior Cadet Decoration AwardSuperior Cadet Decoration AwardThe Superior Cadet Decoration Award is the second highest Department of the Army medal awarded exclusively to Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets. This award is presented annually to the outstanding cadet in each year of Military Science at each of the respective ROTC units...
- Ranger Challenge TabRanger Challenge TabThe Ranger Challenge Tab is the only Department of the Army individual qualification tab awarded exclusively to Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets, and approved by the Institute of Heraldry...
Outside these, cadets are eligible for numerous U.S. Army awards and decorations
Awards and decorations of the United States Army
Awards and decorations of the United States Army are those military decorations which are issued to members of the United States Army under the authority of the Secretary of the Army. Together with military badges such awards provide an outward display of a service member's accomplishments.The...
, as well as awards and decorations sponsored by various military societies and organizations. These include:http://www.rotc.wustl.edu/Cadet/Awards.htm
- Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement
- National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) Award
- Same Award (Society of American Military EngineersSociety of American Military EngineersThe Society of American Military Engineers is an organization for military engineering professionals. According to its , SAME was formed “in the interest of National Defense… bringing together all phases of U.S...
) - National Defense Industrial AssociationNational Defense Industrial AssociationThe National Defense Industrial Association is an association for the United States government and the defense industry. Based in Arlington, Virginia, NDIA was established in 1919 as a result of the inability of the defense industry to scale up the war effort during World War I...
(NDIA) (Formerly the American Defense Preparedness Association - ADPA Gold Scholarship Key Award) - Association of the United States ArmyAssociation of the United States ArmyThe Association of the United States Army is a private, non-profit organization that acts primarily as an advocacy group for the United States Army. Founded in 1950, it has 125 chapters worldwide. Membership is open to everyone, not just Army personnel, nor is membership mandatory for soldiers,...
(AUSA) Award - American LegionAmerican LegionThe American Legion is a mutual-aid organization of veterans of the United States armed forces chartered by the United States Congress. It was founded to benefit those veterans who served during a wartime period as defined by Congress...
Awards (General Military Excellence and Scholastic Excellence) - Sons of the American RevolutionSons of the American RevolutionThe National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution is a Louisville, Kentucky-based fraternal organization in the United States...
(SAR) Award - The Retired Officers' Association (TROA) Medal
- Society of the War of 1812 Award
- George C. Marshall ROTC Award
- Military Order of the Purple Heart Leadership Medal Award
- United States Field Artillery Association Award
- Army Aviation Association of America Award
- AFCEA Award For Distinguished Performance
- General and Mrs. Matthew B. Ridgway Military History Research Fellowship
- Military Order of World Wars Awards
- Daughters of the American Revolution
- American Veterans Outstanding Cadet Award
- Reserve Officers Association Awards
- USAA Spirit Award
- Veterans of Foreign WarsVeterans of Foreign WarsThe Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a congressionally chartered war veterans organization in the United States. Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, VFW currently has 1.5 million members belonging to 7,644 posts, and is the largest American organization of combat...
Award - National Society of Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America Award
- National Sojourners Award
- Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Award
- Military Officers Association of America Award
- Special Forces Association Award
- American Veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam Award
- Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Education Foundation Award
- Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil WarSons of Union Veterans of the Civil WarSons of Union Veterans of the Civil War is an American fraternal organization, the legal successor to the Grand Army of the Republic . Founded in late 1881, it was originally one of several competing organizations of descendants of Union veterans...
(SUVCW) Medal and Certificate Award - Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) Ribbon and Certificate award.