Put What You've Learned to Practical Use

Army ROTC students who receive an Army ROTC scholarship or enter the Army ROTC Advanced Course must agree to complete an eight-year period of service with the Army.

  • You can serve full time in the Army for three years (four years for scholarship winners), with the balance in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).
  • Selected Cadets may choose to serve part time in the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career.

It's an experience that you can't get anywhere else, and your leadership skills will be challenged every day. Contact your campus Military Science department for more specific details on your Army ROTC service commitment.

Enrolling in the Army ROTC Basic Course does NOT involve a commitment of service to the Army unless you have received an Army ROTC scholarship.

All scholarship students will be required to serve in the military for a period of eight years. This obligation may be fulfilled by serving four years on Active Duty, followed by four years service in the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR).

Non-Scholarship Program Participants

Non-scholarship graduates may serve three years on Active Duty and five years in the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR).

Early Discharge

If you are selected for Green to Gold Program, you may obtain early release from Active Duty. Army Regulation 635-200, Chapter 16-2, provides for the honorable, early discharge of Soldiers so they can enroll in an Army Senior ROTC program.

The early discharge may be up to 30 days prior to the start of school. Terminal leave is NOT authorized.

To Qualify For Early Discharge

  • You must meet the requirements of the Green to Gold Program.
  • The separation authority must ensure that you meet the criteria, have served honorably and possess Officer attributes.
  • You must agree to the stipulations of the terms of the USAR enlistment contract or ROTC student contract. Otherwise, you will be in breach of your contract and subject to involuntary order to Active Duty to complete the prior service remaining and/or the scholarship contractual obligation. If you are a scholarship Cadet, you may be required to repay the scholarship benefits received in lieu of Active Duty service.

There are several options of commitment available to Army ROTC students in exchange for the tuition scholarship, the training and leadership development.