Frequently Asked Questions
Q: By enrolling in ROTC are you joining the ARMY?
A: No. Students who enroll in ROTC do not join the army. They
take a ROTC class for which they receive credit. It is
considered a college elective.
Q: Is ROTC like “boot camp”?
A: No. ROTC cadets go directly to college where they earn their
degree.
Q: How much time does ROTC take up weekly?
A: ROTC cadets spend their time like typical college students.
All that is required is a few hours a week.
Q: What can students expect to learn by taking ROTC?
A: Quite simply, leadership and management skills needed to
become a U.S. Army officer or have a successful civilian
career.
Q: What makes ROTC different from regular college management
courses?
A: 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.
Q: Is there a military obligation during college?
A: During the first two years, ROTC cadets have no military
obligation (or the first year in the case of scholarship
winners).
Q: What is the ROTC course comprised of?
A: The ROTC program is divided into two 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 the tactical
operations and military instruction, as well as advanced
techniques of management, leadership and command.
Q: Does Army ROTC offer scholarships?
A: Yes. Each year hundreds of students attending college nationwide
receive ROTC scholarships. ROTC awards them to students studying
science, engineering, nursing, business, as well as a variety
of other majors.
Q: How much money does ROTC usually award and what does the
money go towards?
A: Scholarships are awarded at different monetary levels. At
some schools an ROTC scholarship is worth up to $80,000, which
goes towards tuition and educational fees. Also, scholarship
winners receive an allowance of up to $4,500 a year.
Q: On what basis are scholarship winner’s
chosen?
A: ROTC scholarships are not based on financial need. Instead,
they are awarded on merit. Merit is exhibited in academic
achievement and extracurricular activities, such as sports,
student government or part-time work.
Q: Can only scholarship winners enroll in ROTC?
A: Anyone can enroll in ROTC. And regardless of whether you
are
a scholarship recipient or not, all ROTC books, supplies and equipment
are furnished at no cost to you.
Q: How often are Army ROTC scholarships awarded?
A: Four-year scholarships are awarded monthly starting in
October for Seniors in High School. 5 Four-year scholarship applications must be requested
between July 1 through January 31st. Also, once cadets are on
campus, two-year and three-year scholarships become available.
Q: How do students benefit from Army ROTC?
A: In college and after graduation, cadets find that the training
and experience they receive are assets-whether pursuing an
Army of civilian career. Employers place high regard on the
management and leadership skills that ROTC instructors stress.
Plus, ROTC looks great on a resume. When cadets complete
the ROTC courses, upon graduation, they become commissioned
officers in the US Army.
Q: If I attend Winona State University
or St. Mary's University do I need to drive to La Crosse to
participate in ROTC?
A: No. Though Winona State University and St. Mary's
University are both part of the University of La Crosse-
Wisconsin ROTC program, Military Science classes, Physical
Readiness Training, and Leadership Labs are all taught in
Winona.