Is ROTC worth it?

2020-02-25T16:22:38-05:00

I am currently a serving member of the national guard, and will soon be attending college. Are the ROTC benefits all they’re cracked up to be?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2020 4:28 PM

2020-02-25T16:28:04-05:00

If you want to become a US Army officer then yes it's worth it. If you don't then you have no business doing ROTC.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2020 4:44 PM

2020-02-25T16:44:21-05:00

Are you planning on becoming an Army officer?

Response by MAJ James Woods made Feb 25 at 2020 4:51 PM

2020-02-25T16:51:59-05:00

The scholarship has its perks if you need the financial aid. If you’re interested in becoming an officer it’s definitely a route to consider separate from the Academies, OCS and ‘Green to Gold’ programs. Otherwise not sure what other benefits you’re thinking about.

Response by COL David Turk made Feb 25 at 2020 5:13 PM

2020-02-25T17:13:02-05:00

What do you think the pluses and minuses are? Ask us to comment on your assumptions and interpretations.
Until then my answer is, yes.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2020 5:25 PM

2020-02-25T17:25:23-05:00

Yes they are. It’s legit. You will become and SMP cadet. (Simultaneous Membership Program). You will be paid as and E-5 for drill. You will also get ROTC stipends (Tax free) depending on your grade in school. And during drill, you would just shadow the lieutenants. You wouldn’t be treated as a regular private anymore. In some units, the NCO’s will give u respect as they will give and officer, but they wouldn’t salut u lol.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2020 6:30 PM

2020-02-25T18:30:14-05:00

I’m in ROTC at UK and Guard. The benefits aren’t that much better and most definitely not worth it if you do not want to be an officer. Really the only difference is E5 drill pay as a cadet and monthly stipend. As with most things don’t do it unless your hearts not in it.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2020 6:43 PM

2020-02-25T18:43:27-05:00

ROTC is definitely worth it if you want to become an Officer. Plus the benefits sound good.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Feb 25 at 2020 7:25 PM

2020-02-25T19:25:54-05:00

Let’s see... An college education and a commission? I say “definitely.”

Maybe you should talk to some of your peers who opted for student loans.

Response by 1LT Kevin Chapman made Feb 25 at 2020 7:34 PM

2020-02-25T19:34:14-05:00

If I were you I’d do it. ROTC allows you to get your college and gain your commission as an Officer at the exact same time. I commission in May.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 25 at 2020 10:33 PM

2020-02-25T22:33:05-05:00

It sounds like it will behoove of you to research the definition and responsibilities of a military officer to include the various types of officers for the branch of service that you are keen on. If that appeals to you then go ROTC. If it does not appeal to you, then don't go ROTC. It's a binary answer.

Response by MAJ Cathy Baumbusch made Feb 25 at 2020 11:47 PM

2020-02-25T23:47:52-05:00

I can't answer your question because my information is not current. When I was a cadet, (1980s) I got $100 a month once I contracted and as a scholarship cadet, I was prohibited from participating in the SMP program in my Reserve unit. I suggest talking to several ROTC cadets (not the cadre, LOL) who are currently enrolled, get a few different outlooks to help you make a decision. I'm only halfway joking about the cadre, but they will paint a rosy picture. :-)

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 1:12 AM

2020-02-26T01:12:52-05:00

They were for me. I never intended to do a career though, I had intended to do a few years in the Guard and get out.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 10:45 AM

2020-02-26T10:45:06-05:00

If by “is it worth it” you mean - is ROTC a good way to receive a commission and earn the privilege of leading Soldiers? Then YES - absolutely. ROTC is an outstanding program. I highly recommend it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 11:21 AM

2020-02-26T11:21:47-05:00

It depends on your situation. If you are going into a Medical, Legal or Computer field, you could direct commission afterwards. However joining ROTC may cut down on scheduling conflicts between class and your unit. I left the program I was in to go to another school that was better for my career field and they had just canceled their program only to reinstate it the year after I graduated. Word of warning though. Direct Commissioning can put you behind on the learning curve on military skills. Ultimately you have to do what's best for you long term.

Response by COL John McClellan made Feb 26 at 2020 1:42 PM

2020-02-26T13:42:06-05:00

Absolutely! If your goal is to become an officer, it's a great way to serve, learn and earn the college degree you'll need to commission!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2020 10:08 AM

2020-02-28T10:08:16-05:00

It will definitely increase your workload in college, but there are a lot of perks. I managed to do ROTC while in graduate school. If you contract then there’s a pay stipend of up to $500 per month. Plus you get drill pay since you’ll be in the national guard as a cadet. It’s E-5 pay, but do not confuse yourself with an actual E-5. You’ll be there to learn and shadow other lieutenant platoon leaders. There’s PT at least 3 days a week in the morning with your ROTC at school. It all really depends on what you want to do in the military. Do you see yourself as a leader? Do you want to be able to influence more people earlier? You can stay enlisted and be an amazing NCO. I’ve seen some NCOs who have been better leaders than some officers I’ve worked with/for. I was an NCO before I became an officer. I loved being an NCO, and now I love being an officer.

Response by CH (LTC) Robert Leroe made Mar 1 at 2020 9:21 PM

2020-03-01T21:21:24-05:00

I came on via direct commission, and I wish I could have taken ROTC just to learn more about the military. The only disadvantage I can see is that they can't guarantee what branch you'll get, and I've known some very disappointed people.

Response by PVT Caleb Young made Aug 13 at 2020 5:00 AM

2020-08-13T05:00:09-04:00

The scholarship helps take some of the stress out of school. But it wouldn't matter career wise unless you went officer.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Oct 26 at 2020 12:50 AM

2020-10-26T00:50:03-04:00

YES, it is worth it. Get a degree which is useful to yourself and the military and you shouldn't have any difficulties.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2021 2:27 PM

2021-02-08T14:27:49-05:00

If you have already decided you want to pursue becoming an Officer, then yes. ROTC offers some very good benefits. I did 3 years as a Cadet and commissioned through ROTC, I wouldn't have wanted to do it any other way. ROTC gives you the opportunity to have a flexible life (work, social, financial) while also getting the training required to commission.

Response by CPT Richard Trione made Feb 8 at 2021 8:23 PM

2021-02-08T20:23:11-05:00

Yes! I am thankful I went through Army ROTC and became a commissioned officer! I highly recommend it for anyone planning to become a commissioned officer!