Are You a Candidate for ROTC?
Scores of incoming students are unaware that the military is a source of financial aid to the tune of about $1 billion each year. The military provides aid as payment for training or as reward for service, and is, by far, the largest source of college money that is not based on need.
Officer training candidates
Military financial aid is offered to officer candidates in the form of tuition assistance and monthly pay in return for the student's promise to serve as an officer in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps. Most of this money is awarded to high school seniors who go directly to college. The benefits consist primarily of reduced or free tuition and an allowance of $100 to $150 per month if the student is enrolled in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps or ROTC.
ROTC units are located on college campuses and provide military training for a few hours a week. By participating in ROTC, you can become an officer and be eligible for financial aid. The military trains you and pays you to learn at the same time. Through the ROTC program, you can become an officer in the Army, Air Force, or Navy. Students interested in the Marine Corps can participate in Naval ROTC. ROTC programs are not currently sponsored by the Coast Guard or Merchant Marine.
Life as an ROTC student
Each service branch that offers an ROTC program signs an agreement with several colleges to host a unit on their campuses.
Author: Alan Frost
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