How to Join the ROTC

The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) allows you to attend college while training to become an officer in the United States military. If you earn a scholarship through the ROTC, they will fund your college expenses. As long as you’re over 17 and younger than the maximum age limit for the military branch you want to join, you’re eligible to join the ROTC. There are over 1,700 universities in the United States that have an ROTC program, and you can apply for any of them.[1] While the Army ROTC allows you to choose almost any major, the Navy, Marines, and Air Force ROTC programs require science or technology-based majors. After you graduate, you will usually need to serve a minimum of 3–4 years of active duty and remain in the Inactive Ready Reserve for another 4–5 years.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Meeting the Minimum Qualifications

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    Check that you meet all the legal requirements. Wait until you’re 17 to start looking at ROTC programs since you won’t be able to apply any earlier. If you aren’t already a United States citizen, make sure you’re in the process of becoming a naturalized citizen, or else you won’t be eligible for an ROTC scholarship. You also cannot have any criminal history or arrests if you want to join the ROTC.[2]
    • If you’re interested in the Army ROTC, you cannot be older than 26.[3]
    • For the Navy and Marines, you must be younger than 23 before you start college.[4]
    • In order to receive a scholarship in the Air Force ROTC, you need to be under 31.[5]

    Tip: If you have dual citizenship, you usually need to revoke any other countries besides the United States when you join the ROTC.

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    Maintain a GPA above 2.5 throughout high school. Focus during lectures and participate in your classes so you can do your best in school. Take notes and try to study a little bit every night so you’re able to do well on exams. If you have trouble in classes, talk to your teachers or go to tutoring sessions to help you improve your coursework.[6]
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    Earn the minimum requirements on the SAT or ACT. Sign up to take the SAT or ACT during your junior year of high school or within 1 year of attending college. If you want to join the Army ROTC, you need a minimum of 1,000 on the SAT or a 19 composite score on the ACT. For the Navy or Marines ROTC, earn at least 1,000 on the SAT or a 22 composite score on the ACT.[7] The Air Force ROTC requires an SAT score of 1240 or an ACT composite score of 26.[8]
    • Take time to study and take practice exams so you can do well when the test date arrives.
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    Meet the physical fitness standards for the military branch. Check the ROTC program’s fitness requirements online since they may vary. Usually, you will be evaluated on push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1–2 mi (1.6–3.2 km) run. Look at the minimum scoring requirements listed on the ROTC website and practice ahead of time to ensure that you’re able to complete the tasks without any problems.[9]
    • Exercise regularly so you can train and stay fit for any evaluations you need to complete.
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    Apply for a school that has an ROTC program if you’re not yet in college. Look online for schools that offer the ROTC program you’re interested in and offer a major you want. Fill out the applications for the schools with your personal information and any essays or files they require. Submit the applications to the universities and wait to hear a response back from them to see if you’ve been accepted.[10]
    • If you’re interested in the Army ROTC, you can usually select any major you want, but other ROTC programs may require you to choose a specific major.
    • There are only 153 campuses that offer ROTC programs for the Navy or Marines.

    Variation: If you’re already enrolled in a university that has an ROTC program, talk to the recruiter on campus to find out how you can join. If your campus doesn’t have a program, then you will need to transfer to a different school.

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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Applying for Scholarships

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    Create an account on the military branch’s ROTC website. Visit the ROTC site for the branch you want to join and click the “Create an Account” or “Sign Up” button on the screen. Provide your full name, email address, and a password you want to use. Once you confirm your account, you will have access to the application files for the scholarships.[11]
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    Choose a 2-, 3-, or 4-year scholarship based on your grade level. If you’re still in high school or you haven’t started college yet, opt for a 4-year scholarship so it covers your entire education. If you’ve already taken 1–2 years of college classes, then choose a 2- or 3-year scholarship instead. Make the scholarship selection on your online account so you can access the correct forms.[12]
    • If you get a 2- or 3-year scholarship, you will not be reimbursed for the college courses you’ve taken before earning it.

    Variation: You do not need a scholarship to take basic ROTC courses in college, but you will have to provide your own funds to pay for them.

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    Fill out the application completely. Make sure to fill out each field on the application accurately and honestly. Write down your personal information, such as name, birth date, and permanent address, as well as your educational and family background. The application may also contain sections for extracurricular activities, references, and employment. If the application asks for any files, like transcripts or test scores, be sure to upload them and attach them to the application.[13]
    • Each ROTC branch has a checklist to go through as you fill out the application so you don’t miss any required information.
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    Submit the application before the listed deadlines. Usually, applications are due in December or January the year before you plan on attending school, but they may vary by branch. Review all of your information to make sure it’s accurate before clicking on the “Submit” button near the bottom of the page. You will usually get an email or phone call confirming your application went through and that it’s currently under review.[14]
    • Deadlines may vary if you’re already enrolled in college. Reach out to an ROTC recruiter or officer to confirm when your applications are due.
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    Take a medical and physical fitness assessment if you get an offer. After you submit the application, a board will review the information and reach out to you by phone or email if you’re accepted. Listen carefully to their instructions and attend the medical and fitness assessment, which is usually at a nearby military building or a licensed assessor. If you pass both assessments, then you’re still eligible for the scholarship.[15]
    • You can check the status of your application through your online account after you submit it.
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    Sign and accept the scholarship offer. Read over the contract to find out what terms you need to follow while you’re in school and how long you will need to serve in the military after you graduate. If you have any questions, talk to the recruiter or officer that contacted you and let them know about your concerns. After you sign the contract, the ROTC program will fund your education.[16]
    • Some scholarships do not cover room and board, so make sure you’re aware of what’s included and what you may need to pay for.
    • Some scholarships also give you a monthly stipend so you have spending money.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Completing Your Schooling

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    Sign up for ROTC courses each semester of college. In addition to the core classes for your major, you will need to take at least 2 ROTC courses per semester, but it may vary depending on which branch of the military you’ve chosen. During your first year, look for the basic training courses which usually cover leadership, customs and traditions, tactics, and fitness. Check the ROTC’s program plan to find other courses that you’re eligible for.[17]
    • If you aren’t sure which classes to take, talk to the ROTC recruiter on campus or your academic advisor to find out what courses are required or fit your schedule best.
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    Wear your uniform when officers require it. While you can usually wear civilian clothes most days during the week, change into your military uniform whenever you attend your ROTC classes or when your campus’s officers instruct you to. Be sure to wear each piece of your uniform properly, and avoid mixing civilian clothes into your wardrobe. Keep your uniform neat and tidy whenever you aren’t wearing it.[18]
    • If you’re male, keep your hair short and neatly combed so it doesn’t cover your ears or eyebrows.
    • If you’re female, wear your hair up so it doesn’t extend below the uniform’s collar.
    • Don’t wear any exposed jewelry, except for a watch or a ring, while you're in uniform.
    • Stay clean-shaven or wear a mustache when you’re in the ROTC program.
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    Maintain your GPA above 2.5 to stay in the program. Focus on your classes and take notes so you’re able to earn the best grades. Complete all of your coursework on time, and study regularly for tests and exams. If you have trouble with your studies, look on campus for tutoring services or talk to your professors so you don’t fall behind.[19]
    • If your GPA falls below 2.5, you may be asked to leave the ROTC program.
    • Make time between your coursework to hang out with friends and do extracurricular activities so you don’t get too stressed.
    • Drink alcohol responsibly only if you’re over the legal age, or else you may be removed from the ROTC.
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    Complete physical and medical assessments as needed. Talk to your ROTC recruiter or officer and find out what additional training you need throughout your education. If you’re in the Army ROTC, you may need to attend leader training courses during the summer. For Navy and Marine students, attend summer cruise training, which involves working on a ship. If you’re part of the Air Force ROTC, complete physical fitness tests twice per year.[20]
    • Be sure to stay fully involved in the training so you stay in good standing with the ROTC
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    Serve in active duty upon graduation. You may either work at a military base full-time, or you may be deployed. Talk to your ROTC officers to discuss possible career options and where you’re eligible to serve. After you finish your active duty, you will be put into Inactive Ready Reserve, which means you can work in a different career, but may need to go back into duty if you’re called upon.[21]
    • You can enroll in the basic ROTC courses without a military commitment, but you must serve if you receive a scholarship or enter the advanced courses.

    Minimum Years on Active Duty

    If you graduate from the Army ROTC, expect at least 3–4 years of active duty.

    The Navy ROTC requires 5 years of active military service.[22]

    You need to serve 4 years of active duty for the Marines and Air Force ROTC.[23]

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Warnings

  • If you leave the ROTC after signing a contract, or you fail to meet the requirements while you’re in school, you may be required to pay back any financial assistance or face legal repercussions.[25]
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.todaysmilitary.com/education-training/rotc-programs
  2. ↑ https://www.nrotc.navy.mil/entrance_requirements.html
  3. ↑ https://www.goarmy.com/rotc/college-students/four-year-scholarships.html
  4. ↑ https://www.marines.com/becoming-a-marine/officer/nrotc-scholarships.html
  5. ↑ https://www.afrotc.com/what-it-takes/enlisted/
  6. ↑ https://www.goarmy.com/rotc/high-school-students/four-year-scholarship.html
  7. ↑ https://www.marines.com/becoming-a-marine/officer/nrotc-scholarships.html
  8. ↑ https://www.afrotc.com/scholarships/high-school/requirements/
  9. ↑ https://www.afrotc.com/what-it-takes/fitness/
  1. ↑ https://www.afrotc.com/scholarships/desired-majors/
  2. ↑ https://www.afrotc.com/scholarships/high-school/application/
  3. ↑ https://www.goarmy.com/rotc/college-students.html
  4. ↑ https://www.nrotc.navy.mil/pdfs/NROTC%20Scholarship%20Application%20Instructions%20-%20Updated%202019.pdf
  5. ↑ https://www.nrotc.navy.mil/apply.html
  6. ↑ https://www.afrotc.com/scholarships/high-school/application/
  7. ↑ https://www.afrotc.com/scholarships/high-school/application/
  8. ↑ https://www.goarmy.com/rotc/courses-and-colleges/curriculum/basic-course.html
  9. ↑ https://www.wku.edu/rotc/handbook/annexd.php
  10. ↑ https://www.afrotc.com/scholarships/college/application/
  11. ↑ https://www.afrotc.com/what-it-takes/fitness/
  12. ↑ https://www.goarmy.com/rotc/service-commitment.html
  13. ↑ https://www.nrotc.navy.mil/military_requirements.html
  14. ↑ https://www.afrotc.com/scholarships/high-school/requirements/
  15. ↑ https://www.defense.gov/ask-us/faq/Article/1775385/how-do-i-find-out-about-jrotc-programs/
  16. ↑ https://www.goarmy.com/rotc/service-commitment.html

About This Article

Hunter Rising
Co-authored by:
Hunter Rising
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Hunter Rising is a wikiHow Staff Writer based in Los Angeles. He has more than three years of experience writing for and working with wikiHow. Hunter holds a BFA in Entertainment Design from the University of Wisconsin - Stout and a Minor in English Writing. This article has been viewed 9,075 times.
4 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 5
Updated: July 13, 2021
Views: 9,075
Categories: Careers in the Military
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