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Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps

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Active
  
1916–present

Role
  
Officer Training

Website
  
ROTC Website

Branch
  
United States Army

Garrison/HQ
  
Fort Knox, Kentucky

Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps

Motto(s)
  
"Leadership Excellence"

The Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC, AROTC, or SROTC) is the United States Army component of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps. It is the largest ROTC program, with 20,000 ROTC cadets in 273 ROTC programs at major universities throughout the United States.

Contents

The modern Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps was created by the National Defense Act of 1916. This program commissioned its first class of lieutenants in 1920. The concept behind ROTC, however, had its roots in military training which began taking place in civilian colleges and universities as early as 1819 with the founding of the American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy at Norwich, Vermont, followed by various state chartered military schools, and finally civilian land grant colleges after the Civil War, which required military training.

ROTC progression

For a cadet who takes only the first two years of ROTC (Basic Course), there is no military obligation, unless the student is a 3-4 year scholarship cadet or has other specific scholarships. If a cadet has accepted a scholarship, service commitments may vary. With some exceptions, in order to progress to the last two years of the program (Advanced Course), the cadet must contract with the United States Army. To do so, the student enlists in the United States Army Reserve Control Group (ROTC) as a cadet and elects to serve on either active duty or in a reserve component (Army National Guard or Army Reserve).

Course of instruction

The following is an outline of a general military science program.

Basic Course

Basic Course Qualification Requirements

A candidate for freshman and sophomore level ROTC training must:

  • Be of good moral character
  • Be a citizen of the United States
  • Be under 35 years of age by December 31 of the year of your graduation
  • Be physically able to participate in the program of instruction
  • Meet other entrance requirements as determined by the departmental chair, current army regulations, and university policies
  • A student who does not meet all of the above requirements should consult with the Department of Military Science and Leadership to determine if waivers can be granted.

    Military Science I year (MSI)

    This year serves as the cadets' first introduction to the Army. Topics covered include military courtesy, military history, basic first aid, basic rifle marksmanship, basic hand grenade use, land navigation, rappelling, fundamentals of leadership, map orienteering, field training, and drill and ceremony.

    Military Science II year (MSII)

    The second year is an expansion of the topics taught in the first year of the program. Cadets are introduced to tactics, troop leading procedures, basics of operations orders, and ethics.

    Cadet Initial Entry Training

    The Cadet Initial Entry Training (CIET), formerly Leader's Training Course (LTC), is a four-week (28-day) introduction to Army life and leadership training of the ROTC, held at Fort Knox, KY each summer. The aim of this training is to motivate and qualify Cadets for entry into the Senior ROTC program. CIET is a summary version of the first two years of leadership development training that cadets receive at their university for the basic course. This course is designed for college students, typically between their sophomore and junior years, qualifying these cadets for enrollment in the Military Science III year and Advanced Course.

    Advanced Course

    Military Science III year (MSIII)

    The third year marks the beginning of the Advanced Course. This is where most cadets must contract with the Army to continue in the program. Cadets may be eligible for the Advanced Course if the following criteria are met:

  • The cadet has prior military service OR
  • The cadet has completed the first two years of the program (Basic Course) OR
  • The cadet has graduated the Leaders Training Course (formerly Basic Camp) at Ft. Knox, KY AND
  • The cadet has completed 54 credits (at least 60 preferred) of college coursework.
  • The course sequence in this year is mainly focused on the application of leadership and small-unit tactics. Cadets are assigned rotating leadership positions within the School Battalion and are evaluated on their performance and leadership abilities while in those positions. Third-year cadets practice briefing operations orders, executing small-unit tactics, leading and participating in physical training, and preparing for successful performance at the four week Cadet Leader Course during the summer following the third year. Under current regulations, attendance at the course is mandatory (in the past, Ranger School was offered as an alternative to select cadets).

    Leadership Development Program

    During the MSIII year and continuing through the Cadet Leaders Course (CLC), cadets are introduced to the Leadership Development Program (LDP). The LDP is a structured set of rotations where MSIII cadets are assigned to specific roles in an organization consisting of Companies, Platoons, and Squads. Some of the roles traditionally filled are that of a Company Commander, Company XO, First Sergeant, Platoon Leader, Platoon Sergeant, and Squad Leader.

    While filling these positions, the MSIII is evaluated according to the Army Leadership Requirements Model (ALRM) which centers on what a leader is (attributes) and what a leader does (competencies), outlined by the following model:

    The evaluation is usually given by an MS IV and is delivered in writing using a Developmental Counseling form, DA 4856. Cadets are counseled on their performance through the ALRM attributes and competencies. At the end of the MSIII school year, these counselings are collected and help determine a cadet's Order of Merit (OML) during branching.

    Cadet Leader Course

    The Cadet Leader Course (CLC) is a paid four-week leadership course conducted at Fort Knox, Kentucky each summer. It was formerly conducted at Fort Lewis, Washington, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Fort Riley, Kansas. Beginning in the summer of 2014, CLC was consolidated with CIET at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Typically, cadets attend CLC during the summer between their first and second years in the Advanced Course (junior and senior year of college). At CLC, cadets take on various leadership roles and are evaluated on their performance and leadership abilities in those positions. Cadets also participate in adventure training, to include: confidence and obstacle courses, rappelling, water safety, weapons firing, and patrolling. While at CLC, cadets take a series of standardized tests including the Cadet Development Assessment (CDA). The CDA assesses the state of a MSIII cadet's development in preparation for the MSIV year with a focus on mission-context problem solving. Cadets must attend and complete CLC to earn an Army commission.

    Military Science IV year (MSIV)

    This is the final year of the ROTC program and the main focus is towards preparing cadets to become successful lieutenants in the Army upon graduation and commissioning. Senior cadets apply for their branches (career fields). Senior cadets apply before end of their third year but have until mid September to make any changes before they are locked in. In early November, cadets are notified of which branch and status they were granted (e.g., Regular Army, Army Reserve, Army National Guard). For those cadets selected for the reserve component (Army Reserve or Army National Guard), they are responsible for locating a unit with which to serve. Cadets selected for active duty (Regular Army) are notified of their first duty assignment in the spring semester, typically in early April. Throughout their senior year, MSIV cadets are assigned cadet battalion staff positions and are responsible for evaluating MS III cadets, planning and coordinating training operations and missions. The primary purpose of the MSIV year is to learn how to manage and evaluate training in the field while learning officership in the classroom.

    Branch assignment for cadets

    Branch assignments are made according to the needs of the Army. Consideration is given to the cadet's area of academic specialty and their individual desires. Army policy is to assign graduating cadets to a branch and specialty code based on the following:

  • Army branch/specialty strength requirements.
  • Academic disciplines.
  • Personal preference.
  • Recommendation of the Professor of Military Science
  • Demonstrated performance and potential.
  • Prior military experience.
  • Other experience.
  • Lab

    Leadership labs place cadets in leadership positions, teach and provide practical experience in military drill and ceremonies, troop leading procedures, small unit tactical operations, rappelling, and water survival. Labs are held during the week and run for approximately two hours.

    Physical fitness training

    Physical fitness training builds physical conditioning, teamwork, and self-confidence. Physical fitness training sessions are scheduled for one-hour and the intensity, time and type of exercises varies. All ROTC students must complete the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) with at least the minimum (60%) in each of the three categories according to their age bracket (See Army Physical Fitness Test). Also each battalion may make its own standards. For example, a battalion may set a standard of scoring no less than 70% (10% more than the Army requires) in each category. Failure to reach the battalion standard may require increased physical fitness training on days of rest (commonly known as "incentive or remedial PT").

    College life

    ROTC cadets must train for the military at the same time that they complete their college degree. This entails numerous commitments during and outside the school year. Cadets are typically mandated to wear military uniforms to college classes one day per week, take military science as one of their regular course requirements, attend physical fitness training during the week, and participate in several field training exercises on weekends. The summers following cadets' sophomore and junior years typically involve training courses at Fort Knox, at a time when other students typically pursue internships or research opportunities.

    Cadre

    The cadre at each university consist of military personnel and civilian technical assistants who run the ROTC program. It is the cadre's job to teach and oversee the day-to-day operations of the ROTC program. Every Army ROTC program has a professor of military science, usually a lieutenant colonel; it is his/her job to instruct the MSIVs as they make the transition from cadet to second lieutenant.

    Scholarships

    The United States Army offers ROTC scholarships that assist students with financing their education.

    There are three types of Army ROTC scholarships available:

  • The four-year scholarship is designed for high school students planning on attending a four-year college program.
  • The three-year scholarship is available for students who have three academic years of college remaining.
  • The two-year scholarship is available for students who have two academic years of college remaining.
  • The Army ROTC scholarship entitles its recipients to full-tuition assistance, as well as a textbook/fee allowance and a monthly stipend to cover the student's living expenses. Typically, cadets receive tuition assistance. However, they also have the option to apply the scholarship to their 'room and board' expenses instead of school tuition.

    The Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) is an alternative route to receive military scholarship benefits. The program requires cadets to enlist in a reserve unit (Army Reserve or National Guard) while enrolled in ROTC. ROTC cadets on scholarship are not allowed to participate in SMP. SMP cadets are not required to complete Basic Combat Training (BCT) or Advanced Individual Training (AIT), but it is necessary to receive specific benefits. The benefits are as follows:

    Army Reserve benefits

  • Drill pay at E-5 or higher
  • Cadet rank
  • GI Bill
  • Tuition assistance
  • GI Bill Kicker (If qualified)
  • Once contracted, SMP cadets cannot be deployed. However, they are required to attend all drill events with their unit. This includes drill weekend and advanced training.

    Training options

    Cadets may compete for training opportunities conducted at active army schools. This training is usually conducted during the summer months but some allocations are available during the winter holidays. Cadets are selected to attend this training based on their overall standing within the program. Since the number of allocations are limited, selection for schools is competitive and based on factors including ROTC grades, academic grades, participation in ROTC activities, APFT scores and advisor recommendations.

    Air Assault School

    Cadets are trained in airmobile operations, including rappelling from helicopters, airmobile tactics and rigging air mobile cargo. This is a two-week course taught at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Upon successful completion, the cadet is awarded the Air Assault Badge.

    Airborne School

    Army airborne training is conducted for three weeks at Fort Benning, Georgia. Upon successful completion cadets are awarded the Parachutist Badge.

    Cadet Field Training (CFT)

    This is an 4-week program of instruction executed by the United States Military Academy to develop the leadership skills of sophomore cadets. Seven weeks of CFT will be at Camp Buckner, NY. CFT consists of basic skill level training ending with Maneuver Light Training during which the cadets train on how to defend and attack an opposing force.

    The Cadet Intern Program

    An initiative of ASA/MRA, allows cadets to work with Department of the Army (DA), the Office of the Chief of the Army Reserve (OCAR), National Guard Bureau (NGB), or the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) for 3 weeks.

    Cadet Troop Leadership Training

    Cadet Troop Leadership Training is an optional program for MSIII cadets during the summer following completion of LDAC. This three week CONUS or 4 week OCONUS program trains cadets in lieutenant positions with active army units. Assignments are available in nearly all branches and with units worldwide.

    Northern Warfare Training Course

    This is a three-week course covering tactical operations in a cold weather climate. The course is taught at Fort Greeley, Alaska. Cadets are trained in winter survival techniques, skiing, snowshoeing and cold weather patrolling.

    Mountain Warfare School

    This course is taught at the Ethan Allen Firing Range in Jericho, Vermont. It is taught in two phases, each lasting two weeks. The summer phase teaches and tests cadets on military mountaineering operations including rock climbing, rappelling and orienteering. The winter phase teaches and tests on similar tasks but in the winter environment. It includes ice climbing, cross-country skiing and cold weather operations.

    Activities and clubs

    Ranger Challenge

    Ranger Challenge is the varsity sport of Army ROTC. A Ranger Challenge team is made up of 9 people, 8 active participant and 1 reserved. They compete against other colleges throughout the nation in events such as: patrolling, weapons assembly, one-rope bridge, Army Physical Fitness Test, land navigation, and a ten kilometer road march. This is both a physically and mentally grueling competition.

    Color Guard

    Color Guard is responsible for posting the colors for ceremonial events (football games, dining ins and dining outs, military balls, and commencements), as well as cannon detail at football games, in order to show honor towards flag and country.

    Military ball

    These formal social events are designed to allow cadets to experience the type of social gathering and military etiquette they can expect as future commissioned officers. Cadets are encouraged to bring spouses/dates. Many dignitaries are invited, including the school president, certain university officials, and representatives of veterans' societies, parents and relatives.

    Brigades

    ROTC is composed of eight brigades which command 273 ROTC units, referred to as battalions (though these units are typically much smaller than regular army battalions.) The brigades command ROTC units throughout different regions of the country.

  • 1st Reserve Officers' Training Corps Brigade (Responsible for military colleges, i.e., Virginia Tech, Norwich, Virginia Military Institute, The Citadel, Texas A&M, and North Georgia College & State University)
  • 2nd Reserve Officers' Training Corps Brigade (CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, Germany, Italy)
  • 3rd Reserve Officers' Training Corps Brigade (IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, SD, WI)
  • 4th Reserve Officers' Training Corps Brigade (DC, DE, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV)
  • 5th Reserve Officers' Training Corps Brigade (AR, AZ, CO, NM, OK, TX, UT, WY)
  • 6th Reserve Officers' Training Corps Brigade (AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, PR, VI)
  • 7th Reserve Officers' Training Corps Brigade (IN, KY, MI, OH, TN)
  • 8th Reserve Officers' Training Corps Brigade (AK, AS, CA, GU, HI, ID, MP, MT, NV, OR, WA, Korea, Japan)
  • Cadet Creed

    The Creed is recited at all dress functions usually following the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

    Notable graduates

    In 1960, General George H. Decker became the first ROTC graduate named Chief of Staff of the Army. General Colin Powell was the first ROTC graduate named Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was a graduate of the City College of New York. He later served as the United States Secretary of State.

    Chiefs of staff of the Army or Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to graduate from Army ROTC include:

  • Chiefs of Staff of the Army
  • General of the Army George C. Marshall, Jr. (Virginia Military Institute)
  • General George H. Decker (Lafayette College)
  • General Fred Weyland (University of California, Berkeley)
  • General Gordon Sullivan (Norwich University)
  • General Peter Schoomaker (University of Wyoming)
  • General George Casey (Georgetown University)
  • Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
  • General Colin Powell (City College of New York)
  • General Hugh Shelton (North Carolina State University)
  • Other Notable Graduates*
  • Lou Holtz (Kent State)
  • Sam Walton (University of Missouri)
  • Earl Graves (Morgan State University)
  • James Earl Jones (University of Michigan)
  • Samuel Alito (Princeton)
  • Frank Wells (Pomona College)
  • Dean Rusk (Davidson College)
  • Nancy Currie (Ohio State)
  • Leon Panetta (Santa Clara University)
  • Darrell Issa (Kent State)
  • Douglas Clayton (Cornell University)
  • Ernest Frederick "Fritz" Hollings (The Citadel)
  • The Citadel holds the record among ROTC schools for the most general and flag officers produced, with 288 as of 2015. The University of Oregon has produced the highest number of general officers out of the civilian ROTC schools, with a total of 47. In 2015, the Citadel produced more Army officers than any other ROTC program.

    Awards

    There are three Department of the Army decorations authorized exclusively to cadets:

  • ROTC Medal for Heroism
  • Superior Cadet Decoration Award
  • Ranger Challenge Tab
  • Outside these, cadets are eligible for numerous U.S. Army awards and decorations, as well as awards and decorations sponsored by various military societies and organizations.

    References

    Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps Wikipedia