By enrolling in ROTC, are you joining the Army?
No. Students who enroll in ROTC don’t join the Army. They take an ROTC class for which they receive credit. It’s considered a college elective.
Is ROTC like “boot camp”?
No. ROTC cadets go directly to college where they earn their degree.
What can students expect to learn by taking ROTC?
Quite simply, leadership and management skills needed to become a U.S. Army officer or have a successful civilian career.
What makes ROTC different from regular college management courses?
Students in ROTC learn through a unique program that involves both classroom and “live” situations. For instance, an ROTC cadet might be found leading classmates through adventure training, down a river in a raft, or up a mountain wall.
Is there a military obligation during college?
During the first two years, ROTC cadets have no military obligation (unless they are a scholarship winner).
What is the ROTC course comprised of?
ROTC programs are divided into phases: The Basic Course studies Army history, organization and structure. The techniques and principles of leadership and management are stressed throughout. The Advanced Course concentrates on tactical operations and military instruction, as well as advanced techniques of management, leadership, and command.
Does Army ROTC offer scholarships?
Yes. Each year hundreds of students attending colleges nationwide receive ROTC scholarships. ROTC awards them to students studying science, engineering, nursing, business, as well as a variety of other majors. Click here to learn more about ROTC scholarships.
Can Graduate Students do Army ROTC?
A common misconception for many prospective students is that Army ROTC is not an option for graduate students. Joining Army ROTC and becoming an officer is definitely possible as a graduate student but requires planning. Since a graduate student will automatically start off in the junior year of Army ROTC, certain requirements must be met even before a student begins their graduate program in order to make up the prerequisite 100 and 200 level ROTC courses.
Making up the MIlitary Science 100 and 200 level courses
Making up the prerequisite 100 and 200 level Army ROTC courses can be accomplished by attending a summer course called Basic Camp. Basic Camp is a 32-day training event that takes place at Fort Knox, KY. It is similar to Army Basic Training but with a greater focus on leadership and preparation for succeeding in the advanced phase (300 and 400 level classes) of Army ROTC. Once a cadet has been through Basic Camp they have satisfied all the training requirements to begin the third year of Army ROTC.
The greatest challenge with getting a graduate student to Basic Camp is identifying that they need to attend Basic Camp prior to the summer before they start graduate school. It is important that a prospective graduate student begins working with WSU Army ROTC well before the summer prior to starting graduate school.
Individuals who have been to Basic Training for the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard have also satisfied all 100 and 200 level class requirements and if chosen for contracting, could start in the 300 year of Army ROTC.
Scholarships
Two-year scholarships are available for graduate students! Students can apply for these scholarships prior to attending Basic Camp by contacting the our recruiting officer at 509-308-9676 or click here.
Do I have to go on Active Duty?
Graduate students (who are not currently enlisted in the Army Reserve or National Gaurd) can choose to compete for Active Duty or volunteer to go into the National Guard or Army Reserve. Just like all cadets who wish to go onto Active Duty, the process of being selected for Active Duty is competitive. Special scholarships are also available that will lock students into National Guard or Army Reserve service if they so desire.