What are your thoughts on ROTC?

2020-07-03T07:42:33-04:00

I'm finishing my bachelors in a few semesters and I was considering going for another, or a masters. Not sure yet. But im interested in the ROTC program. What are your thoughts on it and how does it actually work if I already have a degree? Should I wait to see if I make E5?

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Jul 3 at 2020 7:48 AM

2020-07-03T07:48:21-04:00

Best course of action is to talk to ROTC recruiting officer at your desired school to evaluate options.

Based on your situation, I personally would consider seeking master's after ETS or getting out to finish first undergraduate degree via Green-to-Gold. A second undergraduate degree would be time consuming and may not have ideal return on investment for career. You must be a full-time student with at least four semesters / two years of academics in order to do college ROTC

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2020 8:56 AM

2020-07-03T08:56:10-04:00

Highly Recommend
You can do ROTC while you get your masters. Good Luck

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2020 9:37 AM

2020-07-03T09:37:37-04:00

I enjoyed going through ROTC. If you decide to get your masters while going through ROTC you will come out ahead on your civilian education once you commission. Going through school while being an officer isn’t impossible, but it can be trying at times.

Talk to the ROTC recruiter at the school you would like to attend to cover all your options.

Response by 1LT Kevin Chapman made Jul 3 at 2020 10:06 AM

2020-07-03T10:06:37-04:00

It’s doable as long as you manage your time correctly.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jul 5 at 2020 9:16 AM

2020-07-05T09:16:56-04:00

I am an ROTC graduate. IMO it's the easiest way to a commission. Talk to the ROTC office at your university or one nearby. They can tell you about programs for prior-service members. Taking ROTC along with a masters degree works.

You should talk to recruiters for Army, Navy & Marine Corps, Air Fore & Space Force, and Coast Guard. See which service offers you the best deal. (Coasties don't have ROTC.) You might find OCS is a better choice depending on you life goals. If you want to be an officer quickly (in months, not years) then OCS may be the way to go. If you focus is the advanced degree, then ROTC will help you meet your goals. Services may offer a variety of opportunities for scholarships for ROTC cadets.

As far as getting promoted to SGT goes: Let that be independent of your effort to be commissioned.

I see you list a degree in graphic arts on your profile. My son has an Art degree with a graphic arts major. He earned it over 20 years ago (Southwest Washington State). He went into advertising and has done very well. Currently VP & creative director for a small communications firm in Anchorage. He loves his work, his co-workers, and the location. Some of the Services may be looking for people with degrees in STEM, don't let that dissuade you. Keep talking to recruiters. Emphasis on degree type changes from time to time. I have a degree in political science and history. One of my friends in my commissioning class was a music major. Another had a degree in Russian.