FAQs

Who can join
ROTC is open to all college students, including graduate students, regardless of prior JROTC experience. No prior military experience is required.

The Reserve Officers' Training Corps is a college program at CSU that develops:

• Leadership skills
• Military training
• Students to become officers in the U.S. Military
• All while earning your degree

• Why should I join Army ROTC?
  Army ROTC offers leadership training, scholarship opportunities, career preparation, and a supportive network of peers and professionals. It equips you with skills for both military and civilian careers.
• What scholarships and financial benefits are available?
  ROTC scholarships can cover full tuition and fees, provide stipends for books and living expenses, and offer monthly allowances. All students can join ROTC without a scholarship, with no initial service obligation.
• What makes Army ROTC unique?
  The Army provides the widest range of career opportunities worldwide. Benefits include competitive salaries, free healthcare for full-time Soldiers, housing and food allowances, paid leave, and advanced degree options without debt.

• What does a typical week look like?
  ROTC involves leadership labs, physical training, and classes on military science and leadership. These commitments are designed to fit into a normal college schedule.
• Can I still enjoy a normal college experience?
  ROTC cadets are encouraged to join clubs, attend campus events, and participate in extracurricular activities while balancing their ROTC responsibilities.
• What kind of training will I receive?
  You’ll participate in hands-on leadership training, physical fitness development, and optional summer programs that enhance your military skills and career readiness.

• How does Army ROTC prepare me for my future?
  ROTC develops leadership, discipline, and practical experience that give you a competitive edge in the military and civilian job markets. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles.
• Will I have to serve in the Army after graduation?
  Participation in the Basic Course (the first two years) does not require a service obligation unless you receive a scholarship. Contracted cadets serve four years active duty or eight years part-time in the Reserves or National Guard.

• How do I apply for an Army ROTC scholarship?
  High school students can apply for the National Scholarship starting their junior year. Visit the Army ROTC Scholarships page or contact Chicago State University's ROTC department for guidance.
• Can I leave the program if it’s not for me?
  If you’re not under contract or receiving a scholarship, you can leave ROTC at any time with no obligation. Contracted students should discuss options with their ROTC advisor.
• Can I choose my college major?
  ROTC is open to students from all majors. We value diverse academic backgrounds for our officer corps.
• What are the fitness standards?
  Cadets must meet Army fitness standards and pass the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). Regular physical training is part of the program and helps prepare you to meet these requirements.

ROTC stands for Reserve Officers' Training Corps, a college program offered at Chicago State University that prepares students to become officers in the U.S. Military while they complete their degree.

Absolutely! Prior participation in JROTC is not a requirement for joining ROTC. Our program is designed to teach you everything you need to know to become a leader in the Army.

ROTC cadets benefit from leadership training, scholarship opportunities, career readiness upon graduation, and a network of peers and professionals. It's a unique opportunity to develop skills that will serve you in military and civilian careers.

Yes, ROTC offers scholarships that can cover full tuition, fees, and provide a stipend for books and living expenses. These scholarships are awarded based on merit and can greatly offset college costs.

ROTC cadets typically spend several hours a week in classes and leadership labs, plus additional time for physical training and field exercises. It's a manageable commitment that's designed to complement your academic schedule.

If you receive an ROTC scholarship or enter the ROTC Advanced Course, you're required to complete military service after graduation, which can be fulfilled through active duty, the Army Reserve, or the Army National Guard.

ROTC is open to students of all majors who are interested in developing leadership skills and serving their country. We value a diverse array of academic backgrounds in our officer corps.

ROTC provides leadership training, discipline, and practical experience that are highly valued in both military and civilian careers. It prepares you for leadership roles and gives you a competitive edge in the job market.

Yes, you can! While scholarships are a great benefit, all students can participate in ROTC classes during their first two years of college without any service obligation to the Army.

 You can apply for an ROTC scholarship through the Army ROTC website or by contacting the ROTC department at Chicago State University for guidance through the application process.

A typical week includes ROTC classes, leadership labs, physical fitness training, and personal development seminars. Cadets also engage in regular academic studies and may participate in extracurricular activities on campus through fraternities, sororities, and a variety of ROTC specialty teams like Ranger Challenge, Northern Warfare, and Ranger Buddies.

Yes, cadets can participate in advanced summer training programs and internships that offer leadership development and military skills enhancement. These opportunities provide valuable hands-on experience.

Absolutely. ROTC cadets are encouraged to enjoy all aspects of college life, including joining clubs, attending events, and participating in campus activities. ROTC commitments are balanced to fit your academic schedule.

Cadets have the opportunity to hold various leadership positions within the program, such as squad leader, platoon sergeant, or company commander, which are designed to build leadership and management skills.

Yes, apart from scholarships, ROTC cadets may receive a monthly stipend to help with living expenses and may qualify for other financial incentives based on their contract with the Army.

If you have not contracted with the Army or received an ROTC scholarship, you can leave the program with no obligation. If you're under contract, there may be obligations you need to fulfill, and it's best to discuss this with your ROTC advisor.

Yes, graduate students can join ROTC if they meet the program requirements and have enough time left in their studies to complete the program's requirements.

ROTC cadets must meet the Army's physical fitness standards, which include passing the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) or the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), depending on current Army requirements. Fitness training is an integral part of the ROTC program.