Reserve Officer Training Corps
Commissioned Officers are the managers, problem solvers, key influencers and planners who lead Enlisted Soldiers in all situations. Officers in the Army possess the skills necessary to lead others through the most challenging circumstances.
The Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) was born when President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Defense Act of 1916. Since its inception, Army ROTC has provided leadership and military training at schools and universities nationwide and has commissioned more than a half million Officers. It is the largest commissioning source in the American military.
Whether you're a college-bound high school student or already attending a college or university, Army ROTC has scholarships available. Scholarships are awarded based on a student's merit and grades, not financial need.
Army ROTC scholarships consist of the following:
- Two-year, three-year, and four-year scholarship options based on the time remaining to complete your degree
- Full-tuition scholarships
- Option for room and board in place of tuition, if you should qualify
- Additional allowances for books and fees
Is enrolling in Army ROTC the same as joining the Army? Once students start taking ROTC courses, are they obligated to join the Army?
Enrolling in Army ROTC is not, strictly speaking, joining the Army. You will not be sent to boot camp. However, the primary purpose of the Army ROTC program is to produce its officers, so you must agree to serve as an officer in the Army after graduation in order to go through the entire program or if you have received an ROTC scholarship. Enrolling in the ROTC Basic Courses (the first two years of college) does NOT obligate you to serve unless you have also received a scholarship.
What kinds of scholarships are available in Army ROTC? Are any of the scholarships retroactive?
Army ROTC offers two-, three- and four-year scholarships, which pay full tuition and fees, include a separate allowance for books, and a monthly stipend of up to $5,000 a year. Army ROTC scholarships are not retroactive.
What good is Army ROTC for a career outside of the Army?
Army ROTC is one of the only college programs that teaches leadership. This training is invaluable for any career that involves leading, managing and motivating people or fostering teamwork. Young Army Officers are typically responsible for hundreds of Soldiers and millions of dollars in equipment; this kind of management experience can be very attractive for post-Army employers.
What is my Army service obligation to pay back any scholarship benefits or for enrollment in the ROTC Advanced Course?
Scholarship recipients must serve for four years; non-scholarship Cadets who enroll in the ROTC Advanced Course must serve for three years. All who graduate and complete ROTC training are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army.
Why should I choose Army ROTC over a different branch's ROTC?
The Army offers a broader range of career opportunities in more places around the world than any other U.S. military branch.
Military Science students are required to participate in a Leadership Laboratory in addition to classroom requirements. Training consists of military drills and ceremonies, field exercises, simulated leadership problems, and familiarization with Army weapons and equipment. At ASU-Beebe, students will enroll in the following courses:
Freshmen Year
- MSL 1011: Foundations of Officership - Examines Officers' unique duties and responsibilities. Discuss the organization and role of the Army. Review basic life skills pertaining to fitness and communication. Analyze Army values and expected ethical behavior. Fall Semester
- MSL 1021: Basic Leadership - Presents fundamental leadership concepts and doctrine. Practice basic skills that underlie effective problem-solving. Apply active listening and feedback skills. Examine factors that influence leader and group effectiveness. Examine the Officer experience. Spring Semester
Sophomore Year
- MSL 2032: Individual Leadership Studies - Develops knowledge of self, self-confidence and individual leadership skills. Develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Apply communication, feedback and conflict-resolution skills. Fall Semester
- MSL 2042: Leadership and Teamwork - Focuses on self-development guided by knowledge of self and group processes. Challenges current beliefs, knowledge, and skills. Provides equivalent preparation for ROTC Boot Camp. Spring Semester
In addition, students may elect to enroll in HIST 2283: American Military History as part of their academic program.
You may apply for scholarships by contacting the ASU-Beebe ROTC office at 501.882.4478.
Scholarship requirements are as follows:
- Be a U.S. Citizen.
- Be between the ages of 17 and 26.
- Have a high school GPA of at least 2.50 if under 12 semester credit hours.
- Have a cumulative college GPA of at least 2.50 if you have more than 12 semester credit hours.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Score a minimum of 19 on the ACT or 1000 on the SAT.
- Meet physical standards.
- Agree to accept a commission and serve in the Army on Active Duty or in a Reserve Component (Army Reserve or Army National Guard).
Active Duty Scholarships include the following:
- Covers Tuition and Fees OR Room and Board.
- Book Stipend of $600 per semester.
- Additional stipend of $420 each month during the semester.
National Guard or Reserve Scholarships:
- Covers Tuition and Fees OR Room and Board.
- Book Stipend of $600 per semester.
- Additional stipend of $420 each month during the semester.
- Drill pay equivalent to E-5.
Non-Scholarship opportunities are available.
Requirements for non-scholarships are as follows:
- Be a U.S. Citizen.
- Be between the ages of 17 and 26.
- Have a high school GPA of at least 2.50 if less than 12 semester credit hours.
- Have a cumulative college GPA of at least 2.50 if you have more than 12 semester credit hours.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Score a minimum of 19 on the ACT or 1000 on the SAT.
- Meet physical standards.
- Agree to accept a commission and serve in the Army or Active Duty or in a Reserve Component.
Non-Scholarship Benefits include:
- $420 each month during the semester.
- If National Guard or Army Reserves, drill pay equivalent to E-5.
