What are the ROTC programs & campus life like at Norwich University and VMI?

Jacob Patton — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 15:08:05 -0500

These are my top 2 college picks (in terms of senior military college). Looking mainly for info about the Army ROTC at these two schools. Thank you for your responses

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2018 3:19 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 15:19:08 -0500

I am currently teaching for Army ROTC, and attending the Master's of Military History program as a student at Norwich.

As a member of the Corps of Cadets you would be required to attend ROTC, and both the Corps of Cadets and ROTC training are part of the daily fabric of your life as a Cadet at Norwich. Rook year is a challenge for anyone really, but one that many people have successfully overcome and become very proud of.

I can answer any specific questions you have if the many replies you're likely to get here leave you with more you want to know, reach out any time.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Dec 20 at 2018 12:08 PM

SPC Casey Ashfield — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 12:08:50 -0500

As a Norwich U alumni I can tell you about life at that campus. Your first year is called your Rook Year. Where virtually every privilege you have is taken away from you that you gradually earn back. It is not for everyone. The attrition rate when I attended would make many Army programs envious.

At Norwich U I was in Army ROTC. The program at Norwich is run by top of the line NCOs (you will see Green Berets on their heads) who make the program as realistic as possible to the "real" Army.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2018 11:39 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Dec 2018 23:39:17 -0500

You can always contact the cadre members to ask for more memo. There should be a contact page on these two colleges websites. You can even try to call to ask for more information, but make sure to do some research before calling. Always try doing research before asking talking or emailing the cadre members. Always start at the lowest level when asking for more information (use chain of command).

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2019 8:35 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 May 2019 08:35:07 -0400

At VMI everyone takes ROTC for all 4 years. Though as a junior/senior, if you do not plan on commissioning you complete a leadership lab v. field lab. If you want a full military experience pick VMI. Norwich has a corps of cadets, but the school is still mainly civilian. If you don't get a 4 year scholarship prior to attending college, VMI will provide the resources for you to be competitive for a 3 or 2 year ROTC scholarship as well.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 8 at 2019 1:46 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 08 May 2019 13:46:13 -0400

Texas A&M has a 2600 members in ROTC.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made May 8 at 2019 1:46 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Wed, 08 May 2019 13:46:15 -0400

You can expect Your entire daily routine to revolve around the Military. I did attend as a Cadet in an Army ROTC program Bordentown Military Institute, Bordentown, NJ which was in operation from 1885 to 1973 and ceased to operate in the post Vietnam period. Bugle calls signaled the days activities from Reveille at 0600 until taps at 2200 Civilian clothes were NOT allowed. Academic Classes, meals, athletic team activities and ROTC Classes in MST, Military Science and Tactics by active duty Officers and NCOs. I think You will find at VMI, Norwich, the Citadel to name a few places a program very much like that.