What is Army ROTC?

The mission of Army ROTC is to “commission the future officer leadership of the US Army.”

Army ROTC is a program offered at hundreds of colleges and universities nationwide, training college students to be officers in the active Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard. It’s a four-year program, divided into two parts: a Basic Course and an Advanced Course. The Basic Course is normally taken in your freshman and sophomore years. The Advanced Course is usually taken during your final two years of college. Advanced Camp, a five-week summer training, takes place between your Junior and Senior years and provides hands-on training and confidence that can’t be learned in the classroom.

Is there a military obligation during college?

During the first two years, ROTC cadets have no military obligation (or the first year for scholarship recipients). Upon contracting, the cadet incurs an obligation to serve in the United States Army; that service can be either active or reserve duty. This service obligation is for a period of eight years, this can be fulfilled through a combination of active duty and service through the Army National Guard, Army Reserve, or Individual Ready Reserve. Cadets who graduate with Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty serve their full eight-year obligation in the reserve components.

Is Army ROTC the same as enlisting or joining the Army?

Enrolling in Army ROTC is not, strictly speaking, joining the Army. You will not be sent to boot camp. However, the primary purpose of the Army ROTC program is to produce Army officers, so you must agree to serve as an officer in the Army after graduation in order to go through the entire program, or if you have received an ROTC scholarship. Enrolling in the ROTC Basic Course in your first two years of college does not obligate you to serve unless you have also received a scholarship.

Can I still participate in other activities?

Yes! In fact, we highly encourage students to participate in other activities. We subscribe to the total person concept and want well-rounded individuals to lead the Army and the nation into the 21^st century. Participating in other activities is one of the criteria looked favorably upon when a student applies for an ROTC scholarship. Clubs, athletics, and volunteer activities are all helpful endeavors in developing your leadership skills. Many cadets take on second academic majors, academic minors, and even study abroad programs.

I want to get my master’s/professional degree before going on active duty. Can I do that?

Yes. During your fourth year, you can request an educational delay to continue your studies before going on active duty. This is a competitive program and is normally granted only to those students pursuing a technical or professional degree such as law school or medical school.

Do I have to attend UConn Storrs to be a part of Army ROTC?

No. In fact the Nathan Hale Battalion Army ROTC program encompasses 11 different colleges and universities from across Connecticut. We have cadets from the following schools: UConn (all campuses), CCSU, ECSU, SCSU, Sacred Heart, University of Bridgeport, Fairfield University, Yale University, Quinnipiac University and our extension campus at the University of New Haven.

Do I have to wear a uniform while in ROTC?

Yes and No. While in the basic courses you do not have to wear a uniform to class. Once you are contracted, you will wear your uniform to class and leadership labs. Outside of class and lab, you are a Husky and can wear civilian attire.

Will I be deployed in ROTC?

No, you cannot be deployed while in ROTC. If you are part of the SMP program, you are also not eligible for deployment.

What is the SMP program?

The Simultaneous Membership Program allows you to attend Army ROTC and serve in the US Army Reserve or Army National Guard at the same time. It gives you an opportunity for additional training and experience. Cadets serve as officer “interns” in the Reserve or National Guard while completing college. You can earn Reserve/Guard pay and benefits in addition to your Army ROTC allowances. Also, since you are a actively drilling soldier, you have access to government money to pay for school, such as the GI Bill and the Connecticut National Guard Tuition Waiver.

Does every cadet get a scholarship?

No, you must compete for scholarships. There are several different types of ROTC scholarships. To receive a four-year national scholarship, high school students must apply by November 15 of their senior year and selections are made continuously through May 15. Also, once cadets are on campus, two-year and three-year scholarships are available. Learn more about it here.

Army ROTC scholarships consist of:

• Two-, three-, and four-year scholarship options based on the time remaining to complete your degree
• Full-tuition and fees scholarships
• The option for room and board in place of tuition
• Additional allowances for books and fees
• Monthly Stipend once contracted

What do Army ROTC Cadets do?

Mainly, they are just like any other college student. They earn an academic degree and learn to think and reason at the college level. Along the way, they will learn leadership skills and have experiences that will set them apart from their peers. These skills and experiences will qualify them to become officers in the U.S. Army. Upon graduation, they are placed in job positions as second lieutenants, either on active duty or in the Reserves or National Guard.

There are a lot of things that cadets get to experience that are above and beyond what a normal college student might experience. Cadets might get to jump out of an airplane, rappel down a cliff, learn how to care for and fire a weapon, travel the world to learn languages, complete obstacle courses, compete against other universities in military style games, learn leadership skills that will last a lifetime, and so much more.

I heard that the ROTC cadets are always running around in the woods. Is this true?

Not entirely; we do a good portion of our training outdoors and utilize the UConn Forest for a lot of it. We also train on Horsebarn Hill, and all over campus. If you are ever up at 5am you might see us rucking around campus for our 12 or 18 mile ruck marches. We do enjoy adventure activities such as hiking, rappelling and orienteering. If these types of activities excite you, then register for a class. You have nothing to lose! No obligations!

What should I do to prepare for UNC Army ROTC?

Bring the right attitude, confidence, commitment. Begin developing good study habits to maintain your grades. Additionally, ROTC training can be physically demanding. Keep yourself physically fit by developing a personal fitness program. Upon arriving at UConn, you will need to take and pass the Army Fitness Test (AFT) in order to contract, the AFT can be viewed here.

How do I sign up?

The first step is to connect with our recruiting officer. Our current Recruiting Officer is Mr. Robertson. His email is james.m.robertson@uconn.edu. Once you have connected with him, you will need to register for one of our Military Science Classes MISI 1101/2, 2201/2. These classes require a permission number from our university liaison, Mr. Bartolotta. You can connect with Mr. Bartolotta via email at jonathan.bartolotta@uconn.edu. The last step will be to complete your in-processing forms. Please bring the following items to Mr. Robertson for in-processing copy of your social security card, birth certificate, current immunization record, and the forms listed under “New Cadets” on our “Forms” page.