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Military Science Department

ROTC Facts

What is Army ROTC?

Army ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) is an academic elective offered at the College of William and Mary and Christopher Newport University. Army ROTC combines courses in military science with practical leadership training to prepare men and women for success in college and as leaders in the Army, or in the profession of their choice.

How can Army ROTC benefit me?

By participating in ROTC training, you will gain a high degree of confidence and self-discipline, and acquire leadership skills and experience which will impress future employers. In addition, you will earn opportunities for service-to-country as an officer, either full-time on active duty, or part-time in the reserves as you pursue your civilian career.

How do ROTC courses fit in?

All military science courses are accepted by the college as electives. Freshman and sophomores can try Army ROTC during the first two years without obligation. The program involves classroom instruction, a weekly leadership lab, and a fitness session.

How about financial aid?

Army ROTC offers several opportunities to earn merit-based scholarships that pay full tuition and fees at William and Mary and CNU. As a high school student, you may compete for a 4-year award. Once on campus, you may apply for a 3-year or 2-year award. Scholarships pay full tuition and fees at William & Mary or CNU, plus $900 annually for books and a $3,000-$5,000 annual living allowance.

All cadets receive $3,000-$5,000 annual living allowance during their two years of Advanced ROTC (junior and senior years). They are paid while attending summer training and internships.

What else does the program offer?

As a student enrolled in ROTC, you are eligible to participate in a challenging physical training program to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance. The physical training sessions, conducted three times a week, promote fitness, fun, and camaraderie.

Army ROTC cadets put their leadership studies into action during a biannual weekend training exercise, and a five week Advanced Leadership Camp during the summer of their junior year.

Students also have the opportunities to attend special training during the summer of their sophomore year at the Army's Airborne, Air Assault, or Northern Warfare School.

How do I get into the Army ROTC program?

Students enroll in ROTC classes when they register, just like any other college course. As a first semester freshman, you would take Military Science 101 and 103 (Lab).

Students may qualify to enter the advanced course by completing either the basic courses on campus, or a five-week paid summer leadership program called Leader Training Course.

Veterans, Reservists, and National Guard soldiers may qualify to enter directly into the Advanced Course.

What is the obligation?

Introductory basic courses let you take a look at officer opportunities without obligation. Once you accept a scholarship or begin the Advanced Course, you make a commitment to serve as an officer on active duty or reserve duty when you graduate. This service commitment is a great opportunity. Not only do Army Lieutenants earn an above average income, but they gain significant levels of responsibility from their first days on the job. For those who eventually leave the Army for a civilian career, this work experience is extremely valuable in the civilian job market.