3
3
0
I dediced to go back to school full time (I’m ARNG) for the fall term. I also enrolled in the Army ROTC that the university offers. Classes are set to begin in September. I wanted some advice on what to expect while in ROTC. I’ve already graduated Basic and AIT, and the instructor said that since I have, all I would need to take would be the advanced classes for two years, but welcomed me to attend some of the other intro classes to help out the guys there. He said I may be able to provide valuable insight to the way the Army operates and what’s expected of them once they sign.
Some of the things I was curious about is how it will work with me already being attached to my unit. One of the biggest worries I have is losing my bonus, will I get to keep it if I attend ROTC? Will I be required to sign a new contract? What are the classes like? What is the three week Leadership Camp during the summer? And will doing this effect my current MOS and reclassify me?
Thank you for any insight you can provide.
Some of the things I was curious about is how it will work with me already being attached to my unit. One of the biggest worries I have is losing my bonus, will I get to keep it if I attend ROTC? Will I be required to sign a new contract? What are the classes like? What is the three week Leadership Camp during the summer? And will doing this effect my current MOS and reclassify me?
Thank you for any insight you can provide.
Posted in these groups: California ARNG
ROTC
University of California – Santa Barbara
Army ROTC
ROTC Instructor
ROTC University of California – Santa Barbara Army ROTC ROTC Instructor
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
6
6
0
I am the Recruiting Operations Officer for an ROTC program and it is absolutely the best thing to sign up for the initial Military Science class. While policies allow Soldiers that have been through Army Basic Combat Training to skip up through the first 2 years, actually BCT and AIT do not prepare you to go into the MSIII year of the program. There is a completely different focus in training. If you do decide to commit to the program, you do sign a new contract with the Army and your military service obligation resets when you commission. In terms of your bonus, you need to talk to your recruiter to see if an ROTC contract voids that. What I have seen happen is that bonuses that have been paid out are not recouped but there are no future payments. Finally, you enlisted MOS has no bearing on what officer branch you access into. There are 17 basic branches + nursing that ROTC cadets access into upon graduation vs. 150 or so enlisted jobs. Let me know if you have other questions.
(6)
(0)
4
4
0
I didn't do Army ROTC but I want to touch on one point.
"He said I may be able to provide valuable insight to the way the Army operates and what expected of them once they sign."
You can absolutely do this, hit don't be THAT GUY. There's always one guy who can't learn how to adapt to a new situation. They can't separate ROTC from active duty. Don't be that guy that thinks everyone should be acting like they're active duty, and don't be that guy that acts better than everyone because you're prior.
"He said I may be able to provide valuable insight to the way the Army operates and what expected of them once they sign."
You can absolutely do this, hit don't be THAT GUY. There's always one guy who can't learn how to adapt to a new situation. They can't separate ROTC from active duty. Don't be that guy that thinks everyone should be acting like they're active duty, and don't be that guy that acts better than everyone because you're prior.
(4)
(0)
PV2 (Join to see)
Thank you, sir. I’ve always tried to not be that guy, I try to stay humble and teachable. I know I can gain a lot more when I’m open to new environments and situations. I’ll be willing to help if someone needs or asks for it, but I won’t be placing myself on a pedestal and thinking I know everything. I’m there to learn like everybody else.
(0)
(0)
4
4
0
Kyle, great question. Short answer- you will get out of it what you put in.
Long answer- if you are a member now of the NG there is a program that you will enroll in. I believe it is called SMP. These are two different functions and I don't see why you would necessarily loose a bonus. As for any training in the Army- since you have been thru basic and AIT your ROTC will be structured the same but it is focused on developing leaders. There are thousands of books on this. Pick up a copy of About Face and start reading. Best of luck.
Long answer- if you are a member now of the NG there is a program that you will enroll in. I believe it is called SMP. These are two different functions and I don't see why you would necessarily loose a bonus. As for any training in the Army- since you have been thru basic and AIT your ROTC will be structured the same but it is focused on developing leaders. There are thousands of books on this. Pick up a copy of About Face and start reading. Best of luck.
(4)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google