Frequently Asked Questions
What is ROTC and it will pay for my college, right?
Army ROTC is the Reserve Officers' Training Corps and is phase one of Army Officers' training. Army ROTC produces officers for the Active Duty, Army National Guard, and the Army Reserve. There are several financial incentives available for our students to compete for. All cadets are assessed on are the Scholar/Athlete/Leader (SAL) criteria.
The minimum SAL criteria required to compete for our financial incentives are:
- SCHOLAR: cumulative GPA of a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale to include transfer GPA if you are a transfer student and either a 19 ACT score or a 1000 SAT score
- ATHLETE: 360 points (60 points in each event: 3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift; Standing Power Throw; Hand-Release Push-Up; Sprint-Drag-Carry; Plank; 2-Mile Run) on the Army Combat Fitness Test
- LEADER: any extracurricular activities you have participated in along with working, veteran, currently enlisted in the Army National Guard/Army Reserve, volunteering, community organizations, etc.
Is there a military obligation during college?
The first two years of Army ROTC can be done without commitment. Students are encouraged to take this time and make an informed decision on whether or not this is the right path for them. They cannot enter in to the third year of the program without making a commitment to both the Army ROTC and the Army.
What happens upon completion of the 4-year ROTC program?
The next step after college is to attend Phases II and III of Officers' training. Time and location for this training is based on the branch (job) they were awarded.
By enrolling in ROTC, are you joining the Army?
No. Students who enroll do not join the Army. They take a Military Science class each semester for which they receive credit. It is considered a college elective.
What is the difference between ROTC and Military Science?
Military Science is the academic portion of ROTC. There are a total of 21 credit hours for Military Science. ROTC is comprised of the Military Science classes, physical training, training exercises, Basic Camp, Advance Camp, etc.
What can students expect to learn by taking ROTC?
The leadership and management skills needed to become an Officer in the United States Army or to have a successful civilian career. During the first two years, your studies will include basic leadership development, basic military skills, and life skills. The last two years focuses heavily on leadership training, planning and executing major training events, and possessing the higher level of thinking required of a great leader.
What makes ROTC different from regular college management courses?
Students in ROTC learn through a unique program that combines both classroom instructions with practical application through leadership labs. Our students learn through a "hands-on" approach.
How much time does ROTC take up weekly?
Our philosophy is academics first and ROTC second so whatever time is required to be successful in school plus Military Science class, Leadership Lab, physical training, and any additional training or ROTC events taking place. Time requirements increase with responsibility.
The first year class only meets one day a week for 50 minutes. The sophomore through senior class each meets two days a week and has a Leadership Lab as part of their curriculum.
Does ROTC offer scholarships?
Yes. There are scholarship opportunities: High School, Federal, Nurse, and the Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty Scholarships. For more information on our scholarships and eligibility requirements please visit our Financial Incentives page.
Can I get a scholarship after I contract?
No. All scholarship offers must be awarded prior to contracting.
Is there summer training involved with Army ROTC?
Yes. Basic Camp is conducted between first and sophomore years and Advance Camp is conducted between junior and senior years. Both are four weeks long and are conducted at Fort Knox, KY. *Basic Camp is not mandatory for all students.
If I've attended basic training do I need to take the Military Science I and II classes?
No. While basic training gives you constructive credit for the first two years of Army ROTC it all depends on how many semesters you have remaining at the university. We highly recommend taking the classes so you stay aligned with your year group, get use to the culture of Army ROTC, and provide yourself as much time as possible to see if this is really the right path for you.
Can I have a life and family outside of the military?
YES! Whether you elect to go Active Duty, Army National Guard or Army Reserve you can have a normal lifestyle. It should be of no surprise though that time will be spent away from friends and family for deployments (combat and humanitarian), training and schools. Active Duty posts have Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) sites that host family, single Soldier and community events.
Did you find the answer you were looking for? If not, then text or call Mr. Sanford at 309-287-1529 or email at dasanfo@ilstu.edu.