Army ROTC
Through targeted recruiting, rigorous leadership development and focused retention, Army ROTC commissions future Army Officer Leadership for service to the Army and Nation. We accomplish this mission through intellectual, moral, physical, and military development.
What is Army ROTC?
Army ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) is a program that can enhance your education by providing unique leadership training and management experience. The ROTC experience is a character-building program that strengthens self-discipline, courage, integrity and physical stamina. It helps you develop the qualities necessary for success in either a military or civilian career. The skills you develop for successful command are the same skills you'll need for success in the corporate world.
Students are given a valuable opportunity to build for the future by earning a college degree and an Army Officer's commission at the same time. ROTC programs produce more than 70% of the newly commissioned lieutenants entering active Army service each year.
Many students delay active duty until completion of law, medical or graduate programs. Those students who do want to serve on active duty may be guaranteed Reserve or National Guard duty.
For more information, please contact MR Michael Bell at (443) 885-4160 or request information online.
Program Overview
Army ROTC is a unique college elective. It takes no more of your time than would most other college courses. The credits received from ROTC classes go toward your diploma. And when you graduate, you'll receive a diploma and a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. ROTC also awards scholarships - based solely on your merit - to hundreds of students each year. The scholarship covers 100% of tuition and fees, $900 per year for books and fees, and a tax-free stipend from $300 to $500 dollars per year.
ROTC Training goes beyond the typical college classroom. You could be leading your classmates on a tactical "mission," or taking part in outdoor adventure training designed to improve your ability to solve problems under stress.
You'll learn skills you would expect to find in an Army officer including how to motivate co-workers, cope with the unexpected, and organize large, complex tasks. But you'll also learn skills in demand today in the civilian and business world such as teamwork, tact, and effective communication. You'll learn from experienced Army officers and noncommissioned officers and, in time, help pass on what you've learned to newer students as well. In other words, you'll learn how to take charge, take command, and take the lead!
Course Requirements
Basic Course
Traditionally, Army ROTC is a 4 year program. The first 2 years of the program comprise the Basic Course. This includes classroom studies in subjects including military history, leadership development, and national defense. You can enroll in the program for the first 2 years without incurring any future military obligation (unless you have an ROTC scholarship). Learn more about the Basic Course
Advanced Course
As a Cadet in the Advanced Course, you'll spend the summer between your junior and senior years attending the Leadership Development and Assessment Course. In this course you'll be asked to handle the complex tasks of a unit leader.
Then, as a Cadet in the Advanced Course, your management skills will continue to be sharpened. You'll teach new ROTC students what you've learned. And when you graduate from college, you're ready to be a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army.
Learn more about the Advanced Course.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Joining Army ROTC is often a big decision for many students. Over the years, we've answered many student and family questions about what it means to join the Army ROTC, lifelong benefits, and how you can serve your country.
No. Anyone can enroll in ROTC. Regardless of whether you're a scholarship winner or not, all ROTC books, supplies and equipment are furnished at no cost to you.
No. Students who are enrolled in ROTC don't join the Army. They take ROTC Courses for which they receive college credits. It's considered a college elective.
No. As a ROTC Cadet, you are not obligated to attend Boot Camp. Basic Training is designed for enlisted personnel. As a Cadet, you are training to be an Officer.
ROTC Cadets spend their time like a typical college student. All that is required is a few hours a week.
The leadership and time management skills needed to become a U.S. Army officer or have a successful civilian career.
No. You have no obligation until you have graduated.
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.
Scholarships are awarded at different monetary levels. At Coppin, the ROTC scholarship is worth $52,000 for a Maryland resident and $104,000 for a non-Maryland resident. The ROTC scholarship goes towards tuition, fees, and books. If you are in the Honors Program the award will pay for Room and Board.
ROTC scholarships are not based on financial need. Instead, they're awarded on merit. Merit is exhibited in academic achievement and extracurricular activities such as sport, student government or part-time work.
In college and after graduation, Cadets find that the training and experience they receive are assets—whether pursing an Army or civilian career. Employers place high regards on the management and leadership skills that ROTC instructors stress. Plus, ROTC looks great on a resume. When Cadets complete the ROTC course, upon graduation, they become commissioned officers in the U. S. Army.