{"id":121,"date":"2024-05-17T17:12:56","date_gmt":"2024-05-17T17:12:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/arotc1\/?page_id=121"},"modified":"2026-07-27T09:51:44","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T09:51:44","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/arotc1\/faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-block accordion expandable-group expandable-group-lightblock\" id=\"newExpandable\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingis-enrolling-in-army-rotc-the-same-as-joining-the-army-once-a-student-starts-taking-rotc-courses-is-he-she-obligated-to-join-the-army\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapseis-enrolling-in-army-rotc-the-same-as-joining-the-army-once-a-student-starts-taking-rotc-courses-is-he-she-obligated-to-join-the-army\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseis-enrolling-in-army-rotc-the-same-as-joining-the-army-once-a-student-starts-taking-rotc-courses-is-he-she-obligated-to-join-the-army\">Is enrolling in Army ROTC the same as joining the army? Once a student starts taking ROTC courses, is he \/ she obligated to join the Army?<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapseis-enrolling-in-army-rotc-the-same-as-joining-the-army-once-a-student-starts-taking-rotc-courses-is-he-she-obligated-to-join-the-army\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingis-enrolling-in-army-rotc-the-same-as-joining-the-army-once-a-student-starts-taking-rotc-courses-is-he-she-obligated-to-join-the-army\" data-bs-paren=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Enrolling in Army\u00a0ROTC\u00a0is not, strictly speaking, joining the Army. You will not be sent to boot camp. However, the primary purpose of the Army\u00a0ROTC\u00a0program is to produce its\u00a0Officers, so you must agree to serve as\u00a0Officers\u00a0in the Army after graduation in order to go through the entire program, or if you have received an\u00a0ROTC\u00a0scholarship. Enrolling in the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.goarmy.com\/rotc\/courses-and-colleges\/curriculum\/basic-course.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ROTC Basic Course<\/a>\u00a0(the first two years of college) does NOT obligate you to serve unless you have also received a scholarship. For more details, see:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.goarmy.com\/rotc\/service-commitment.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Service Commitment<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingwhat-kinds-of-scholarships-are-available-in-army-rotc-are-any-of-the-scholarships-retroactive\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsewhat-kinds-of-scholarships-are-available-in-army-rotc-are-any-of-the-scholarships-retroactive\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsewhat-kinds-of-scholarships-are-available-in-army-rotc-are-any-of-the-scholarships-retroactive\">What kinds of scholarships are available in Army ROTC? Are any of the scholarships retroactive?<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsewhat-kinds-of-scholarships-are-available-in-army-rotc-are-any-of-the-scholarships-retroactive\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingwhat-kinds-of-scholarships-are-available-in-army-rotc-are-any-of-the-scholarships-retroactive\" data-bs-paren=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Army\u00a0ROTC\u00a0offers\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.goarmy.com\/rotc\/college-students\/two-year-scholarships.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">two-<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.goarmy.com\/rotc\/college-students\/three-year-scholarships.html\">three-<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.goarmy.com\/rotc\/college-students\/four-year-scholarships.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">four-year scholarships<\/a>, which pay full\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/tuition\/\">tuition<\/a>\u00a0and fees, include a separate allowance for books, and a monthly stipend of up to $5,000 a year. Army\u00a0ROTC\u00a0scholarships are not retroactive.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingwhat-is-my-army-service-obligation-to-pay-back-any-scholarship-benefits-or-for-enrollment-in-the-rotc-advanced-course\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsewhat-is-my-army-service-obligation-to-pay-back-any-scholarship-benefits-or-for-enrollment-in-the-rotc-advanced-course\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsewhat-is-my-army-service-obligation-to-pay-back-any-scholarship-benefits-or-for-enrollment-in-the-rotc-advanced-course\">What is my Army service obligation to pay back any scholarship benefits or for enrollment in the ROTC advanced course?<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsewhat-is-my-army-service-obligation-to-pay-back-any-scholarship-benefits-or-for-enrollment-in-the-rotc-advanced-course\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingwhat-is-my-army-service-obligation-to-pay-back-any-scholarship-benefits-or-for-enrollment-in-the-rotc-advanced-course\" data-bs-paren=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Army ROTC students who receive an Army ROTC scholarship or enter the Army ROTC Advanced Course must agree to complete an eight-year period of service with the Army.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"is-style-compact-list wp-block-list\">\n<li>You can serve full time in the Army for three years (four years for scholarship winners), with the balance in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Selected Cadets may choose to serve part-time in the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more details, and answers to common questions, see:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.goarmy.com\/rotc\/service-commitment.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Service Commitment<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingwhat-good-is-army-rotc-for-a-career-outside-of-the-army\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsewhat-good-is-army-rotc-for-a-career-outside-of-the-army\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsewhat-good-is-army-rotc-for-a-career-outside-of-the-army\">What good is Army ROTC for a career outside of the Army?<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsewhat-good-is-army-rotc-for-a-career-outside-of-the-army\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingwhat-good-is-army-rotc-for-a-career-outside-of-the-army\" data-bs-paren=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Army\u00a0ROTC\u00a0is one of the only college programs that teaches leadership. This training is invaluable for any career that involves leading, managing and motivating people or fostering teamwork. Young Army\u00a0Officers\u00a0are typically responsible for hundreds of Soldiers and millions of dollars in equipment; this kind of management experience can be very attractive for post-Army employers. For more details, see:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.goarmy.com\/rotc\/legacy-and-value.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Legacy &amp; Value<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingwhy-should-i-choose-army-rotc-over-a-different-branchs-rotc\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsewhy-should-i-choose-army-rotc-over-a-different-branchs-rotc\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsewhy-should-i-choose-army-rotc-over-a-different-branchs-rotc\">Why should I choose Army ROTC over a different branch&#8217;s ROTC?<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsewhy-should-i-choose-army-rotc-over-a-different-branchs-rotc\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingwhy-should-i-choose-army-rotc-over-a-different-branchs-rotc\" data-bs-paren=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Army offers a wider range of career opportunities, in more places around the world, than any other U.S. military branch.&nbsp; Additionally, Army ROTC is the only commissioning source that allows our graduates to pursue part-time Reserve duty, in addition to full-time, Active duty.&nbsp; If you want the opportunity to pursue a civilian career while you serve our country, Army ROTC allows you to do so.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingare-all-college-majors-compatible-with-army-rotc\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapseare-all-college-majors-compatible-with-army-rotc\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseare-all-college-majors-compatible-with-army-rotc\">Are all college majors compatible with Army ROTC?<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapseare-all-college-majors-compatible-with-army-rotc\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingare-all-college-majors-compatible-with-army-rotc\" data-bs-paren=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Army&nbsp;ROTC&nbsp;Cadets are allowed to major in nearly all academic areas.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingwhat-are-army-rotc-courses-like-how-will-the-class-work-help-me-will-rotc-classes-interfere-with-his-her-other-studies\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsewhat-are-army-rotc-courses-like-how-will-the-class-work-help-me-will-rotc-classes-interfere-with-his-her-other-studies\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsewhat-are-army-rotc-courses-like-how-will-the-class-work-help-me-will-rotc-classes-interfere-with-his-her-other-studies\">What are Army ROTC courses like? How will the class work help me? Will ROTC classes interfere with his \/ her other studies?<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsewhat-are-army-rotc-courses-like-how-will-the-class-work-help-me-will-rotc-classes-interfere-with-his-her-other-studies\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingwhat-are-army-rotc-courses-like-how-will-the-class-work-help-me-will-rotc-classes-interfere-with-his-her-other-studies\" data-bs-paren=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Army&nbsp;ROTC&nbsp;classes normally involve one elective class and one lab per semester. Although the classes involve hands-on fieldwork as well as classroom work, they are standard college classes that fit into a normal academic schedule. These courses can help students with personal and academic decision making while giving them the tools to exercise leadership in college life, even before graduating and becoming&nbsp;Officers. For more details, see:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.goarmy.com\/rotc\/courses-and-colleges\/curriculum.html\">Curriculum<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headinghow-will-being-an-army-rotc-cadet-affect-my-daily-life-what-is-rotc-in-college-like-do-cadets-experience-normal-college-life-and-activities\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsehow-will-being-an-army-rotc-cadet-affect-my-daily-life-what-is-rotc-in-college-like-do-cadets-experience-normal-college-life-and-activities\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsehow-will-being-an-army-rotc-cadet-affect-my-daily-life-what-is-rotc-in-college-like-do-cadets-experience-normal-college-life-and-activities\">How will being an Army ROTC cadet affect my daily life? What is ROTC in college like? Do cadets experience normal college life and activities?<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsehow-will-being-an-army-rotc-cadet-affect-my-daily-life-what-is-rotc-in-college-like-do-cadets-experience-normal-college-life-and-activities\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headinghow-will-being-an-army-rotc-cadet-affect-my-daily-life-what-is-rotc-in-college-like-do-cadets-experience-normal-college-life-and-activities\" data-bs-paren=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Army&nbsp;ROTC&nbsp;Cadets have the same lifestyles and academic schedules as any other college students. They join fraternities and sororities. They participate in varsity team and individual sports. They take part in community service projects. But there are two intensive Army&nbsp;ROTC&nbsp;courses that take place on Army Posts, usually during the summer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"is-style-compact-list wp-block-list\">\n<li>Basic Camp\u2014This four-week summer course at Fort Knox, Kentucky is ONLY for students who enroll in Army ROTC without having taken the first two years of military science classes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advanced Camp\u2014All Cadets who enter the Advanced Course must attend this five-week summer course at Fort&nbsp;Knox, KY between their junior and senior years.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingwhat-are-the-chances-that-i-will-be-deployed-to-support-operations-overseas\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsewhat-are-the-chances-that-i-will-be-deployed-to-support-operations-overseas\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsewhat-are-the-chances-that-i-will-be-deployed-to-support-operations-overseas\">What are the chances that I will be deployed to support operations overseas?<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsewhat-are-the-chances-that-i-will-be-deployed-to-support-operations-overseas\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingwhat-are-the-chances-that-i-will-be-deployed-to-support-operations-overseas\" data-bs-paren=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It depends on the Army branch the Cadet chooses and the unit to which he\/she is assigned. However, Army missions and challenges are always changing, so there&#8217;s no way to know in advance which specialties and units will be needed where. All Soldiers in the Army or&nbsp;Army Reserve&nbsp;face the possibility of deployment at some point during their careers. But all Soldiers are fully trained and proficient in the tasks and drills of their units. And&nbsp;Officers&nbsp;are specifically trained to make the right decisions so that missions can be carried out safely and successfully.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingcan-i-go-into-the-army-reserve-or-national-guard-after-graduation-instead-of-the-regular-army\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsecan-i-go-into-the-army-reserve-or-national-guard-after-graduation-instead-of-the-regular-army\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsecan-i-go-into-the-army-reserve-or-national-guard-after-graduation-instead-of-the-regular-army\">Can I go into the Army Reserve or National Guard after graduation instead of the regular Army? <\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsecan-i-go-into-the-army-reserve-or-national-guard-after-graduation-instead-of-the-regular-army\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingcan-i-go-into-the-army-reserve-or-national-guard-after-graduation-instead-of-the-regular-army\" data-bs-paren=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Selected Cadets may choose to serve part-time in the U.S.\u00a0Army Reserve\u00a0or Army\u00a0National Guard\u00a0while pursuing a civilian career. For more details, see:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.goarmy.com\/about\/serving-in-the-army.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Active Duty &amp; Army Reserve<\/a>\u00a0or the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalguard.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Army National Guard website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingwhat-is-the-typical-career-path-for-an-army-officer-what-career-fields-are-available\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsewhat-is-the-typical-career-path-for-an-army-officer-what-career-fields-are-available\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsewhat-is-the-typical-career-path-for-an-army-officer-what-career-fields-are-available\">What is the typical career path for an Army officer? What career fields are available?<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsewhat-is-the-typical-career-path-for-an-army-officer-what-career-fields-are-available\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingwhat-is-the-typical-career-path-for-an-army-officer-what-career-fields-are-available\" data-bs-paren=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Army\u00a0ROTC\u00a0graduates are commissioned as U.S. Army Second Lieutenants. They then receive specialized training in one of 17 different Army branches. During their Army careers, they&#8217;ll receive regular professional training as they advance through the ranks, and they&#8217;ll have many opportunities for advanced leadership positions and post-graduate education.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-121","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/arotc1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/121","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/arotc1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/arotc1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/arotc1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/arotc1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=121"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/arotc1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/121\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":747,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/arotc1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/121\/revisions\/747"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/arotc1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=121"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}