What are the benefits of entering into an ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) or a similar program during college?

John,

Bear in mind that ROTC and the service academies also lead to a commission as an officer in their respective branches of the military. Unless you are willing to accept the responsibility of leading, managing, and generally caring about your Sailors, Marines, Airmen, or Soldiers, I would recommend you enlist.

Enlistment will lead you to an MOS (military occupational speciality) or rating (Navy) in which you receive training on how to do that job. As you progress and advance/promote, you will have opportunities to learn how to lead and then actually lead.

As an officer, on day 1, people are looking to you for answers and guidance, order and discipline, and general leadership. We all mess up, especially when we first start, so, thankfully there are senior enlisted and mid-grade officers who mentor you and teach you how to be a better leader.

As far as your question about ROTC: I haven't a clue. I received an appointment to, and eventually graduated and commissioned from, the United States Naval Academy. USNA, and the other service academies, give you a fantastic education and provide plenty of opportunities to learn, develop, and practice your own leadership style. Additionally, you will be exposed to the real military in many ways, learning what it is we do. The process for getting into a service academy is quite rigorous, so start early if that's something you're considering!

I served for 22 years in the Air Force so my expertise lies in that Branch but the ROTC programs (both Junior/High School) and ROTC (College) should pretty much offer the same benefits. You can learn more about Air Force ROTC at https://www.afrotc.com/

If you are in High School participating in JRROTC allows you to enlist at an advanced grade (if qualified) and makes you more competitive for military scholarships through the ROTC program. To become a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Air Force, you must complete the three- or four-year AFROTC program. So it’s a good idea to enroll in AFROTC at the same time you enroll in your first college courses.

There are three different scholarships available and you can learn more at the web site:

Type 1—Pays full college tuition, most fees and a book allowance. Approximately five percent of our four-year scholarships are Type 1—mostly in technical fields as deemed needed by the Air Force (careers with a scientific basis such as engineering, chemistry and meteorology).

Type 2—Pays college tuition and most fees up to $18,000 and a book allowance. Approximately 15 percent of our four-year scholarship winners will be offered a Type 2 scholarship (again, mostly in technical fields). If a student attends an institution where the tuition exceeds $18,000 per year, then he/she pays the difference.

Type 7—Pays college tuition up to the equivalent of a public school’s in-state rate and a book allowance. If a student receives a Type 7 offer but wishes to attend a college/university where they do not qualify under the guidelines, the student can convert the four-year Type 7 scholarship to a three-year Type 2 scholarship. You cannot activate a Type 7 scholarship at a nonqualifying school and pay the difference.

Hi John!

This a very important question!

Here are three comments on the value of an ROTC program:
http://www.fastweb.com/student-life/articles/financial-and-educational-benefits-of-rotc-is-it-right-for-you
http://oureverydaylife.com/there-benefit-rotc-college-5523.html
http://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/rotc-programs/

Here is an overview of the Air Force ROTC program:
https://www.afrotc.com/about

Another possible way of combining your objectives would be to enlist in a branch of the military, have them train you in your chosen career area, and complete you education on the GI Bill after you complete your tour of duty. That way you get you training almost free! Visit the military recruiters in your area for more information.

Only YOU can make the most pertinent decision for YOU. I can only give you food for thought.

Best of luck! I would like to follow your progress! Please keep me posted!

As I recall, you receive a monthly payment for your service, you accomplish two goals at the same time, graduating college and entering the military, and you will get a glimpse of the military life. After the first year of ROTC you may have a choice to discontinue the program, change programs, etc.

One other option that isn't spoken too much about, if it is still available, is the Marine Corps PLC (Platoon Leaders Course) program. It is entered at the end of your sophomore year leaving you two years to complete the program. One option that is good about this program is that you can attend a junior college for your first two years of study.

Forty-five years ago I looked at all kinds of options to avoid the draft. The Marine PLC was a serious consideration as well as the Merchant Marine Academy. I started looking too late, though. I was a fortunate draftee that fit into the Army life and had lots of memorable experiences.

Explore all options and check with a recruiter who can help you with making a choice.

Hope this is helpful.