Army ROTC (Reserve Officer’s Training Corps) is a college course designed to provide students with the necessary skills and leadership training to become officers in the United States Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard.  The mission of ROTC is to develop the future officer leadership of the U.S. Army, and to motivate young people to become better citizens.  This includes recruiting, training, evaluating, selecting, and commissioning quality people for military service in the Army.  Nearly 70 percent of the commissioned officers in the U.S. Army are products of ROTC.  As the largest single source of Army officers, the ROTC program fulfills a vital role in providing mature young men and women for leadership and management positions in an increasingly technical Army.  In addition to their normal studies, students take prescribed military science courses, participate in scheduled leadership laboratories, and attend the five-week ROTC Leadership Development and Assessment Coures (LDAC), normally in the summer between their third and fourth year of college (The Army also pays you $700 to attend).  Upon successful completion of military science and baccalaureate degree requirements, the student will be commissioned as an officer in the United States Army.

Army ROTC is an elective course that provides a combination of academics and important hands-on training. You will be offered physical and mental challenges geared to help you succeed in college and beyond. You will learn teamwork and be given responsibilities like teaching younger cadets the same skills you have learned. You will also get paid while becoming a leader. All cadets contracted to become Army Officer earn $3500 - $5,000 a year while enrolled in ROTC.

The U.S. Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program is offered by the Military Science Department at McDaniel College. Graduates of the program are commissioned as Army officers with the rank of Second Lieutenant upon graduation from college. ROTC graduates typically serve four years active duty with the U.S. Army. Cadets can apply for service with the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard in lieu of active duty service.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I participate in physical fitness training or PT?
PT takes place three days a week, on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 6:30 – 7:30 AM. These workouts are composed of various exercises including the basics of sit-ups, push-ups, and running to improve and maintain the physical fitness level of our cadets. Each cadet is required to maintain his or her physical fitness on their own, with Physical Fitness tests administered by cadre once a month.

What is SMP?

SMP stands for simultaneous membership program. If you are a junior, contracted as an MSIII and a member of an Army National Guard or Army Reserve unit, you may participate in this program. This program allows you to gain valuable experience in your unit as a “Third Lieutenant” working with junior officers. You are advanced to the pay grade of Cadet / E5 and authorized to wear your cadet rank in the unit. Cadets on Guarantee Reserve Force Duty (GRFD) and Army Reserve (USAR / Maryland Army National Guard (MDANG) scholarship winners are required to participate in this program.

What extra activities can I participate in?

There are many opportunities for our cadets to “show their stuff”, such as participating in the drill team or competing for a spot on the Ranger Challenge Team and other events. Other students and faculty alike appreciate the pride and precision of these cadets. These activities as well as others count towards your grade and help improve the chances of receiving the branch you wish upon commissioning.

What will I learn in ROTC?

You will learn the management and leadership skills necessary to be successful in any career, including the military. ROTC differs from typical management-type courses in that you will learn and perform hands-on type leadership in a variety of situations. Previous activities in which cadets have practiced their leadership skills include challenging obstacle courses, paintball, Land Navigation, Battle Drills, and other adventure training.

By enrolling in ROTC, are you joining the Army?

No. Students who enroll in ROTC don't join the Army. They take an ROTC class for which they receive credit. It's considered a college elective.

Is ROTC like "boot camp"?

No. ROTC cadets go directly to college where they earn their degree.

What can students expect to learn by taking ROTC?

Quite simply, leadership and management skills needed to become a U.S. Army officer or have a successful civilian career.

How are ROTC cadets received/acted towards on campus?

Here at the McDaniel College, there is a very positive reaction towards ROTC cadets. Cadets, even when in uniform, are treated with respect and the same as any other student on campus.

What makes ROTC different from regular college management courses?

Students in ROTC learn through a unique program that involves both classroom and "live" situations. For instance, an ROTC cadet might be found leading classmates through adventure training, down a river in a raft, or up a mountain wall.

Is there a military obligation during college?

During the first two years, ROTC cadets have no military obligation (or the first year in the case of scholarship winners).

What is the ROTC course comprised of?
The ROTC program is divided into phases: The Basic Course studies Army history, organization and structure. The techniques and principles of leadership and management are stressed throughout. The Advanced Course concentrates on tactical operations and military instruction, as well as advanced techniques of management, leadership, and command.