What does ROTC stand for?

ROTC stands for Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. It is a course of study and training that upon graduating, leads to a Presidential appointment as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.

What can ROTC do for me?

  1. Provide academic credit toward graduation.
  2. Provide realistic leadership and management experience while still a college student.
  3. As a sophomore or as a junior you will conduct much of the leadership training. As a senior you will plan and supervise that training.
  4. Enhance your resume. Personnel managers know this training identifies the best potential new hires who can set and meet goals.
  5. Provide numerous opportunities for generous scholarships.
  6. Enhance your ability to communicate effectively and build confidence through public speaking.

Am I in the Army as a Cadet?

Cadets in ROTC are not in the Army, they are in a commissioning program to develop their leadership skills to become officers in the United States Army. Once you sign a contract to become an officer, however, you will receive some benefits of Military Service, such as PX and commissary privileges, use of Military Facilities, and gyms, etc.

Do I have to go into the Army after college?

Only if you sign a contract do you incur a service obligation as an Army Officer. You are not obligated to sign a contract until your Junior year. You can serve either part-time (8 years Reserve duty) or full-time (3 years active duty if you did not have an ROTC scholarship, 4 years active duty if you did). All students are welcome to take our courses, regardless of their interest in military service.

What is my commitment?

All cadets, whether scholarship or non-scholarship, sign a contract during their Junior year to accept a commission in the United States Army. If commissioned into the Active Army (serving full time), most officers serve three to four years on active duty, then have the option to continue on Active Duty or not. If commissioned into the Reserves (serving only one weekend a month and two weeks during the year), there is an eight year commitment.

Will I have to go to war as a student?

As a contracted cadet with our program, you will not be asked to deploy in support of operations overseas. Our focus is to ensure that you graduate from your college with a four year degree and are well trained and prepared for your future as an Army Officer. This is also true for our National Guard and Reserve Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) cadets.

How does ROTC affect my schedule?

There are two parts to the ROTC classes. You will participate in academic class as well as an associated 2 hour lab period. The lab teaches basic military skills as well as introduces cadets to the Army. You will learn Drill and Ceremonies, Land Navigation, Patrolling Skills, Rappelling and more. The academic classes are elective classes for graduation credit taught by military officers and Noncommissioned officers covering military leadership, history, military law and other subjects which make for a well rounded officer. ROTC also includes a Physical Training portion to develop one’s self physically as well. Additionally there are many other extracurricular activities that cadets participate in as well.

Do I have to go to UC Berkeley?

No! Army ROTC has cross-enrollment agreements with about fifteen schools in the Bay Area. This means that you can be enrolled at that other schools, and take ROTC’s classes at UC Berkeley to receive credit at your school. Also, you don’t have to pay UC Berkeley Extension fees. Students from all four year and/or junior colleges are welcome.

How much money would I make as a cadet?

You will receive up to $420 a month (up to 10 months) as a contracted cadet. If receiving a full-tuition scholarship, cadets will also receive a book purchasing allowance of $1200 a year.

What is the difference between an “officer” and an “enlisted personnel?”

There are important differences between enlisted personnel and officers. Individuals who have high school diplomas can join as enlisted personnel. Individuals who have four-year college degrees usually join as officers. Enlisted personnel and officers fill different types of jobs. Enlisted personnel are found throughout the Army in various jobs. There are nine pay grades for enlisted personnel, E-1 to E-9, while most enlisted personnel are in the pay grades of E-3, E-4, and E-5. About 83 percent of all military personnel are enlisted. Officers work mainly in managerial, professional, and technical occupations. For example, military doctors and registered nurses are officers as well as military lawyers and engineers. All military pilots are officers. Officer specialties are found in all of the management and combat areas such as accounting, planning, artillery, and infantry operations. There are ten pay grades for officers, O-1 to O-10. Most officers are in the O-2, O-3, and O-4 pay grades. About 17 percent of all military personnel are officers. Although enlisted soldiers can rise to the rank of a “Noncommissioned Officer,” Commissioned officers are appointed to their office through a Presidential Commission. In order to become an officer one must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university. ROTC cadets, after graduating from their respective colleges become commissioned officers.

What is the difference between Reserve duty and Active duty?

Army Reserve and National Guard members work part time for the Army. They train one weekend a month and two weeks a year. They receive approximately $350 / weekend to start and $100/day during the 2 week Annual Training. They are also entitled to limited medical care and access to facilities. Active duty soldiers work full time in the Army. They receive approximately $33,000 a year to start, 30 days paid vacation per year, free medical care, and access to tax-free supermarkets and department stores, (PX & Commissary).

Are there women in ROTC?

Yes, women make up about a quarter of our program and can now enter into any Army career field they wish.