Program Overview

Introduction to Army ROTC

The Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is a leadership course that is part of the college curriculum. It instills discipline, fosters teamwork, and teaches leadership skills, and can help pay for college if awarded a scholarship. The primary purpose of the Army ROTC program is to produce officers for the Regular Army, Army Reserves, or National Guard.

Eligibility and Enrollment

Any student can join Army ROTC by enrolling in the first two years of academic courses, Military Science (MSCI) 100, 101/102, and then MSCI 200, 201/202. To be eligible, students must be academically sound (minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5), medically qualified, and physically fit. Students can attend Army ROTC Leadership classes at JMU as a BRCC student and earn a BRCC Leadership Certificate.

Program Structure

The Army ROTC program consists of two parts: the Basic Course (first two years) and the Advanced Course (last two years). The Basic Course includes classes such as MSCI 101 and MSCI 100, which meet on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursday mornings. The Advanced Course includes more specialized training and leadership development.

Benefits and Scholarships

The primary benefit of Army ROTC is leadership training, and for some, a pathway to commissioning as an officer in the US Army, Reserves, or National Guard. There are internship and other paid summer training opportunities, such as the Nursing Summer Training Program. Army ROTC offers two, three, and four-year scholarships, which pay full tuition and fees, include a separate allowance for books, and a monthly stipend of $420 a month during the academic year.

Service Obligation

If selected for active duty, scholarship winners must serve for four years; non-scholarship cadets who enroll in the ROTC Advanced Course must serve for three years. All who graduate and complete ROTC training are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in one of the U.S. Army components (Active duty, Reserves, National Guard), and have a minimum 8-year commitment.

Career Opportunities

Army ROTC graduates are commissioned as U.S. Army Second Lieutenants and receive specialized training in one of 17 different Army branches, or career fields. During their Army careers, they'll receive regular professional training as they advance through the ranks, and they'll have many opportunities for advanced leadership positions and post-graduate education.

Daily Life as a Cadet

Army ROTC cadets have the same lifestyles and academic schedules as any other college students. They join fraternities and sororities, participate in varsity team and individual sports, and take part in community service projects. However, they also participate in Physical Training (PT) three days a week and attend Leadership Labs and other training events.

Training and Development

Cadets participate in various training events, including the ROTC Basic Camp and the ROTC Advance Camp, which take place at Fort Knox, KY. These camps provide hands-on training and leadership development opportunities.

ROTC Basic Camp

• This four-week summer course is ONLY for students who enroll in Army ROTC without having taken the first two years of military science classes.
• It takes place at Fort Knox, KY.

ROTC Advance Camp

• All cadets who enter the Advanced Course must attend this five-week summer course at Fort Knox, KY between their junior and senior years.
• It provides advanced leadership training and development opportunities.

Career Paths

Army ROTC graduates can choose from 17 different Army branches, or career fields, and receive specialized training and leadership development opportunities. They can serve full-time in the Army or part-time in the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career.