What’s the process like for graduate level ROTC (Army)?

2019-12-31T19:53:36-05:00

I am about to obtain my bachelors degree this semester and looking into Carson Newman for my grad school. Is it hard to get into ROTC for grad level. I want to join as an officer in the Army.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2019 7:55 PM

2019-12-31T19:55:49-05:00

Contact the Recruiting and Enrollment Officer (ROO) at the university you wish to attend. S/he will be able to give you the most current guidance.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2019 9:07 PM

2019-12-31T21:07:12-05:00

I am close friends with a guy who is completing his Master's, a year under me in ROTC. His ROTC experience is ultimately no different than anyone else, he is held to the same standards and gets little to no "extra credit" for being older or in grad school. For his case, it was as easy to get into ROTC as it was for anyone else.

The real question is can you make the cut every year and can you score well on your OML.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2020 1:40 AM

2020-01-01T01:40:51-05:00

It should be easier to get a scholarship. It's lower risk that you won't compete the program.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2020 4:08 AM

2020-01-01T04:08:27-05:00

The process is the same, but the experience will be different. Unless you are taking an easy grad program (which I don't recommend as it's a waste of your time and money), it will be far more difficult for you than the other cadets, particularly if you decide to take a thesis. As one of the comments alluded to, it is recommended to score high on the OML. To score high on the OML, you need to be in positions of leaders in your ROTC program and participating in color guard, ranger challenge, etc. That takes time.

Your ROTC program will also be condensed. Most grad programs are two years, ROTC is meant for 4. You will have to take additional ROTC classes or extend your grad school out to 3 years.

Honestly, I don't recommend doing it. I would rather have focused on my studies and then done OCS after I graduated.

Response by Maj Chuck "DATA" Danley made Jan 13 at 2020 9:55 AM

2020-01-13T09:55:14-05:00

ROTC doesn't care what level of school you are currently enrolled in. The only requirement for ROTC is to have a Bachelors when completing the program, minimum 2 years up to 4 years, and taking the appropriate ROTC classes. An additional requirement exists if you are on scholarship to be a full-time student. Beyond those requirements, you can take whatever classes you desire.
Some may do well and some may not depending on the degree you choose to pursue, Bachelors or Masters. I took over the max class load as a student that required adviser's approval and also participated in drill team and other activities. You need to evaluate your ability to succeed in such an environment to determine the right path to follow.