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Ways to Attend ROTC

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High School Students

If you're still in high school and you're interested in enrolling in Army ROTC, you can find schools that carry an Army ROTC program or talk to your academic advisor.

Learn more about Army ROTC scholarships for high school students.

College Students

If you're interested in enrolling in Army ROTC and you are in college, you can start by taking an Army ROTC basic elective course. If you have at least two or more years remaining toward your undergraduate degree, but not enough time to complete the Basic Course, you can enter the Army ROTC Advanced Course by completing the Leader's Training Course (LTC) held at Fort Knox, Kentucky, during the summer.

Talk to your campus Military Science department about other ways to enroll in Army ROTC and the incentives available, including opportunities to compete for two-, three-, or four-year scholarships.

Junior College & Graduate Students

If you have two years remaining in junior college or graduate school, you are still eligible to enroll in Army ROTC.

Leader's Training Course (LTC)

This course is for those college students who want to complete Army ROTC training in two years. To qualify, you must complete a challenging and motivating 28-day training program at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Upon completion of the Leader's Training Course, graduates return to campus prepared to enter the Advanced Course. Upon that contracting commitment, they may also qualify for a $5,000 bonus. Ask your campus Military Science department.

Learn more about Army ROTC scholarships for college students.

Enlisted Soldiers

If you are an Enlisted Soldier in the Army and interested in becoming an Officer, find out more about opportunities for Soldiers.

Learn more about Army ROTC scholarships for Enlisted Soldiers.

Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)

The Simultaneous Membership Program allows you to attend Army ROTC and serve in the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard at the same time. It gives you an opportunity for additional training and experience. Cadets serve as Officer trainees in the Reserve or National Guard while completing college. You can earn Reserve/Guard pay and benefits in addition to your Army ROTC allowances.

Service Commitment

Army ROTC students who receive an Army ROTC scholarship or enter the Army ROTC Advanced Course must agree to complete an eight-year period of service with the Army.

  • You can serve full time in the Army for three years (four years for scholarship winners), with the balance in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).
  • Selected Cadets may choose to serve part time in the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career.

It's an experience that you can't get anywhere else, and your leadership skills will be challenged every day. Contact your campus Military Science department for more specific details on your Army ROTC service commitment.

Enrolling in the Army ROTC Basic Course does NOT involve a commitment of service to the Army unless you have received an Army ROTC scholarship.

All scholarship students will be required to serve in the military for a period of eight years. This obligation may be fulfilled by serving four years on Active Duty, followed by four years service in the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR).

Non-Scholarship Program Participants

Non-scholarship graduates may serve three years on Active Duty and five years in the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR).