Is ROTC worth it?

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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. :-)

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.

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.

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