FAQs

Q: If I enroll in Army ROTC, won't I have a service obligation?

A: No. You can enroll in ROTC classes for up to two years with no service obligation. At CMC six credits count toward your degree (two senior classes), and all ROTC course credits will appear on your official transcript. You would attend one 75-minute lecture (flexible times), one 90-minute lab, and physical training three times per week.

Q: If I do eventually contract and become a Second Lieutenant, I will have to serve on Active Duty, right?

A: No. At least two-thirds of the upcoming graduating cadets will receive an active duty tour. Cadets who receive Reserve Duty will serve in local Reserve or National Guard units one weekend a month, or serve in the Ready Reserves with no 'drilling' requirement if a suitable unit is not available where you reside. The Reserves are one of the best adjunct career and retirement systems in the U.S. today.

Q: Won't ROTC interfere with my academic or athletic pursuits?

A: No. Our current cadet corps has an average cumulative GPA above the general university average. Yes, there are some time demands and some voluntary extracurricular activities in ROTC. But, simply put, ROTC cadets are more mature and better time managers than many students. Your academic and athletic success is the highest priority and we stress that. You must do well academically and athletically to succeed in ROTC.

Q: I see ROTC as a potential interference to my career field. How can you get around that one?

A: Well, there are surely some career tracks where ROTC may not help you, but the exceptional record of graduating cadets getting good jobs in their fields is well above average. In the Reserves, there are also a lot of job networking and contacts, and most employees view Reservists or officers leaving active duty in very positive terms. Further, students that emphasize their ROTC enrollment are generally viewed as desirable to most employers because of their competitive leadership and managerial abilities, maturity, and time management skills.

Q: What about haircuts, wearing uniforms, and harassment?

A: Well, you have to be well-groomed; hair off your ears and not down your shoulders (crewcut not required). You will learn how to wear a uniform properly, but the uniform is only required to be worn during class times and training. Finally, harassment of any type went out years ago; it is not acceptable. We emphasize proper decorum, respect, military courtesies, ethics and standards of conduct; all of which apply equally well to non-military, professional careers.

Q: What can Army ROTC do for me even if I only want to enroll for a year or two?

A: If you enroll in Army ROTC, we will help you become a better person in manifold ways - no doubt about that. ROTC will:

1. Give you better leadership and managerial skills applicable to any field. 

2. Provide you a lot of personal attention, encouraging you to get good grades and further mature. Class sizes are small and everyone is given personal counseling.

3. We compel you to stay in shape and improve your physical fitness. Yes, there are some progressive physical fitness requirements and you cannot be overweight and complete the program.

4. We give you the opportunity to learn what the military is all about these days - the role of the Army and its soldiers, (strategy, politics, technology, standards, career fields, etc.)

5. We provide additional fun and learning activities, and opportunities for you to make more friends than virtually any other organization on campus. Cadets consistently relate that one of the best aspects of the ROTC program is the camaraderie students find among each other -that is what Esprit de Corps or belonging is all about.