Can I be contracted as an officer and do a 2 year ROTC program?

Ethan Cox — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 15:38:18 -0500

I am currently a senior at a high school in CT and am planning on taking an engineering science program at a community college for two years before transferring over to UConn to get a degree in Mechanical Engineering... my question is, can I contract into the Army ROTC program as a junior transfer student at UConn? I want to become an officer, but am confused as to how the ROTC program works.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Dec 28 at 2017 3:44 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 15:44:44 -0500

I'll be interested in the replies. I never understood it either

Response by LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2017 3:46 PM

LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 15:46:38 -0500

Contact the recruiting officer at the AROTC office at UConn. They may be able to conduct a prelim background check a year before you attend.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2017 3:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 15:56:29 -0500

If you are interested in military service and ROTC through college look into the Simultaneous Membership Program that allows you to serve in the Army Reserves while attending an ROTC college. They offer 2 year and 4 year scholarships for the program.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2017 4:15 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 16:15:46 -0500

Yes, but I'd be surprised if they paid you for it. In the cases I've been familiar with, they didn't receive a scholarship for school, though they did commission upon graduating.

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Dec 28 at 2017 4:40 PM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 16:40:07 -0500

Contact the ROTC Dept - Lieutenant Col and they will tell you. Or contact abUS Army Recruiter for their assistance. Ok

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 28 at 2017 9:52 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 21:52:05 -0500

You need to contact the ROTC program at UConn to confirm what is current policy and what is possible. This changes frequently. ROTC cadre are the ones you need to contact to confirm.
- in the past it was possible to contract as a junior, go to training that summer and the following summer and Commission at the conclusion of that second training.
- will UConn accept everything you did in the two year and directly apply it to the 4 year? Universities are fickle. Between their contact hour requirements, what isnt offered at the two year and how courses align, and sometimes four year snobbery, they do not accept everything. Especially as an engineering student. Recommend getting your transcripts/ two year curriculum and course descriptions and sitting down with the UConn's admissions and the engineering department to see how you will be postured. 2+2 may be 5.
- if you end up doing 3 years at UConn this may align better with your ROTC aspirations. Very common to have people start as MS IIs.
- Down the road: study for and take the EIT / FE exam your junior/senior year. Check what PE licensing requirements are for your state. It is a pain to back track and catch it later. You will need 4-8 years of documented experience depending on the state to sit for the PE exam and earn your stamp. Being a PE is critical to your future as an engineer. Don't be an EIT at 46. It sucks.
- some have recommended SMP, which has you joining the National Guard or USAR. You could also apply for a scholarship. Being SMP could be a great way to secure a spot in a particular NG/USAR unit. This varied over the years, but it could shut the door on active duty. Check with the ROTC cadre.
- make an appointment with the ROTC department and find out what is current. Do it before you are committed to a path. Do it now. My recommendation as an ROTC graduate and engineer.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2017 7:43 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 19:43:20 -0500

I happened to be looking into this for my son so he could make an informed decision about contracting or when to contract etc... BLUF: yes you can but there are other things/variables to research. You will have to be available to go to a summer camp the summer leading into your junior year. That is where you'll get a crash course on what freshman and sophomore students learned by participating in ROTC classes at their respective university. Basically a way to catch up with the herd... There are other considerations that you should check into as well. If everything works out, you can also consider applying for a two year scholarship. Best thing would be to do some research on the Army's ROTC website and contact the ROTC recruitment personnel or other members of the respective university. Good luck.

Response by LTC John Bautch made Jan 17 at 2019 4:14 PM

LTC John Bautch — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 16:14:24 -0500

Yes, you can. You should contact UConn Army ROTC to learn how.
Mr. Bautch
Middle Tennessee State University Army ROTC
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