Restrictions while in ROTC?

Question

Hi. I have a question about joining the ROTC (most likely air force). I know that it isn't like at a military academy where your living a strict military life 24/7, but how "strict" for lack of better terms is the ROTC when it comes to things such as studying abroad, trips involved with the college/organizations in the college, etc.They say that other then about 8 hours a week (give or take) your a normal college student, but do those 8 hours spread throughout the week prevent you from activities such as studying abroad, etc?

Answer 1

I haven't done it myself, but I know a cadet who has studied abroad during his spring semester of the junior year. He just had to double up on both his senior ROTC class and the junior ROTC class.

For trips, you can request for an excused absence for PT and class as long as it is legitimate. You can also miss a few unexcused absence before you get in trouble.

You'll be fine! You can always try it out and drop the program if it doesn't work out.

Answer 2

Studying abroad is encouraged, especially through ROTC programs. I was offered a CTLT slot to Germany and UKOTC program in England while in Army ROTC. I know they've cut back in recent years on these types of programs due to budget cuts to Cadet Command but check with your ROTC program's cadre for info on this kind of stuff.

Involvement in other student organizations are highly recommended, especially leadership positions. In Army ROTC, you gain "assession points" by doing these types of things to help you when you are finally put on the National Order of Merit list for all ROTC Cadets in your year group your senior year...which in Army ROTC determines your branch and duty station. I joined a fraternity, student government, honor societies, intramural sports, and did community service projects while serving in leadership positions from treasurer to president to ROTC Ranger Team Captain during college. Make sure you are able to balance all of this + your social life...with your academics!

The military would love for its Officer Corps to be as diverse and well-rounded as possible. Definitely talk to your cadre about this stuff. They should be more than willing to help.

Best of luck.

-Army Pilot

FLY ARMY!

Answer 3

First two years of ROTC are voluntary.  As long as you are not on ROTC scholarship if you don't like it drop it, just like any other class.  Those first two years have one hour Military Science class and a two hour lab every week.  They had two required FTXs spring and fall.  While it looks good to join an ROTC origination like Pershing Rifles it wasn't required.  We had two extra FTXs every year that were voluntary.  

The last two years MS III and MS IV you are required to "sign your life away."  You'll be sent to training and more work will be placed on you as a cadet "officer" to train the younger cadets and get you ready for your commission.  

Answer 4

ROTC is joke, don't even worry about it.