• I want the scholarship, but I do not think I want to go on active duty.  What can I do?

You could apply for a Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) scholarship.  This scholarship has all the benefits of an active duty scholarship, however, your service to the Army would be in a local Army Reserve or National Guard unit where you reside.

• Do Military Science courses count toward graduation?

Absolutely. All ROTC grades are included in your GPA.

• I am already a sophomore or a graduate student.  Is it too late for me to enroll?

Not at all, you have two options.  First, you could “compress” the first two years of ROTC by taking both first and second-year classes in the second year.  If you cannot complete all the courses, we can send you to ROTC Leadership Training Course (LTC) in the summer between your second and third year.  This is a five-week summer training camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky that enables you to enter the Advance Course.  In addition,  upon completion of the ROTC Leadership Training Course you will also be eligible to compete for an ROTC scholarship if all eligibility and scholarship requirements are met.

• I want to get my Masters/Professional Degree before going on active duty.  Can I do that?

Yes.  During your senior year, you can request an education delay to continue your studies before going on active duty.  This is a competitive program and is normally granted only to those students pursuing a technical or professional degree such as law school or medical school.

• 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.

• Will I have to attend Basic Training (Boot Camp)?

No.  ROTC cadets do not attend Basic Training.  In fact, as an ROTC cadet you will not be “in the Army.”  You can participate in ROTC as a non-scholarship cadet your freshman and sophomore years without any military obligation.  This means if ROTC is not for you, you can withdraw without incurring a military service obligation.

• 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 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 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.