Frequently Asked Questions
When I join ROTC, am I joining the Army?
Not necessarily. Although the option exists to sign an enlistment contract and commit immediately upon entry into ROTC, students may delay signing their contract until they have three remaining semesters of education, undergraduate or graduate. If a student decides not to continue ROTC, and he or she has not signed a contract, then that student may leave the program at any time with no obligation or further commitment. However, entry into the ROTC advanced course requires contracting, and a student will not receive benefits until he or she has become a contracted cadet.
What is my service obligation?
If one does not sign a contract, then no service obligation is incurred. The contract one signs to enter the ROTC program is a standard enlistment contract, which entails a service commitment of at least eight years following one's commissioning from the program. That service obligation may be fulfilled in several ways:
-Six years in the National Guard or Army Reserve plus two years in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). When in the IRR, one is not required to perform duties, but must be ready to return to duty.
-Three years in the Regular Army on active duty plus five years in the IRR, Guard, or Reserve. (non-scholarship students only)
-Four years in the Regular Army on active duty plus four years in the IRR, Guard, or Reserve.
Other options exist wherein one may exchange additional years of active service for a guarantee of graduate school or active duty assignment (branch). If a contracted cadet leaves the program for whatever reason before commissioning, he or she may be obligated to repay any received benefits, serve on active duty, or both.
What does an ROTC cadet do in a typical day?
For the most part, ROTC cadets are college students. They attend classes, study, play sports, and participate with student organizations and extracurricular activities just like any other student. Cadets attend class twice per week, which is a college course like any other, involving tests, written assignments, and required studies. In addition, ROTC cadets attend a hands-on outdoor laboratory period for two hours per week where they learn field skills, like small unit tactics and land navigation. Also, contracted cadets are required to attend morning physical training at least three times per week.
Do cadets live in a barracks environment?
No. Cadets are responsible for providing their own housing and living independently. Officers are expected to manage their own affairs and have a relatively independent lifestyle.
Will the Army ROTC program take away from my "college experience"?
No. The time commitment to Army ROTC is no more than that of a part-time job, which allows cadets to pursue a wide range of other interests, whether personal, professional, athletic, social, or religious. ROTC cadets have ample time to live their lives outside the program.
How do I qualify for the ROTC program?
To enroll in the class requires no qualifications – one merely needs to be enrolled at the University of Oklahoma and sign up for the course. When pursuing an Army commission, however, a prospective cadet must meet certain other requirements.
Will medical/health problems or a criminal record make one ineligible for ROTC?
Maybe. Most medical or health problems, if they are far in one's past or not particularly severe, are waiverable, provided the candidate is otherwise qualified. A criminal record is dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Generally, isolated misdemeanor offenses far in one's past or in one's youth are not a bar to commissioned service – provided one has demonstrated a reformed life.
Does disqualification or separation from another service mean that one is disqualified from Army ROTC?
Not always. The Army has different qualification requirements than the other armed services, so someone who is disqualified from the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard, for whatever reason, may find that he or she meets the Army's qualifications.
Former service members discharged under honorable conditions may join Army ROTC provided they meet all the other requirements. Service members discharged under less than honorable conditions, other than honorable conditions, or given a general discharge (such as for a medical problem) will generally have their cases reviewed on an individual basis.
In general, a past discharge or rejection should not in all cases be considered as an impediment to joining ROTC.
Can a Soldier on active duty join ROTC?
Yes, but it is a complicated process that requires the Soldier, not the local ROTC unit, to do a majority of the leg work. In general, Soldiers in good standing with at least two years of active service (waiverable) may begin the process of applying to join ROTC through the Green to Gold Program.
The process begins when a Soldier obtains the permission and endorsement of his or her commander and submits a paperwork packet to Cadet Command. In addition, the Soldier must be admitted to the University of Oklahoma and obtain a letter of acceptance from the Professor of Military Science at OU. Constant contact with the Recruiting Operations Officer is required throughout the process.
For further explanation, please contact us.
What should I bring to class on the first day?
Yourself. All course materials, uniforms, and equipment will be provided at no charge.
Which military science class do I enroll in?
One's standing in ROTC is determined mostly by completed credit hours. Regardless of prior military experience, a prospective cadet with fewer than 30 hours of college credit will enter as a first-year cadet (MS I). A prospective cadet with between 30 and 60 hours may enter as a second-year cadet (MS II). Students with no prior military experience but more than 60 hours may enter as a third-year cadet (MS III) after attending the Leader Training Course (LTC). Students with prior military experience and more than 60 hours may enter ROTC as an MS III with no additional training.
Everyone, regardless of earned credit, must complete at least three semesters of ROTC. Someone with an undergraduate degree may pursue graduate work at the University of Oklahoma while taking ROTC.
When do I have to sign a contract?
ROTC students are not required to sign a contract until their junior year. A contract is required to begin the advanced course, which consists of the junior and senior years (MS III and MS IV).
Do I have to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)?
To take the class, no. To become a contracted cadet, receive benefits, and commission as an officer, yes. A passing score of 180 on the 300 point scale with 60 points in each event is required to remain in the program and commission. Cadets must also conform to the Army Weight Control Policy as described in AR 600-9.
Is physical training (PT) mandatory?
Non-contracted students are not required to attend PT; however, they are strongly encouraged to do so in order to ensure that they meet the appropriate physical fitness requirements by the time they are ready to commission. Contracted cadets are required to attend PT. It is an essential part of the ROTC program.
Do I have to go to basic combat training (BCT)?
No. The ROTC basic course fulfills the basic training requirement. However, attending basic training and joining the National Guard may entitle one to further training, experience, and benefits under the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP).
