If I'm already enlisted and wanted to join the ROTC program, will I keep the rank I already have?

Question

I recently got promoted to SGT/E-5 and want to start school in the Spring semester. I haven't brought the subject up to my unit yet, but I was curious if anyone knew first hand that if I joined the ROTC, would I get to keep my rank? Or would I have to like...downgrade to a cadet? Or is that even a downgrade?

Answer 1

You can't get out of your enlistment

Get your degree and then apply for OCS

Answer 2

youd get to keep your rank. like, youd get to maintain your rank of sgt, but you would start out in the rotc program as a cadet, or whatever the first rank there would be. but you still are in the military so youd keep your rank. dont worry.  

Answer 3

Actually a Cadet is paid the same as an E-5 so you will keep teh pay.  You will have different responsibilities.  If you are in the National Guard, you may want to see if you can be a Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) cadet.  

Answer 4

you cant be ROTC and active duty at the same time (you didn't mention but I assume), although you can take ROTC courses, you just wont be considered in ROTC.  You can wait until your enlistment is up and then be put in the ROTC program, and a cadet usually gets paid the same as an E-5 or E-6.  If you are already enlisted why don't you just consider getting a degree and doing OCS?