Info for College Students Interested in Army ROTC
You don't have to sign-up for Army ROTC in high school in order to participate in the program. College students can also enroll in the program as an elective course.
Am I joining the military if I sign up for the freshman or sophomore classes?
No. There is no military commitment for freshmen or sophomore students. You can enroll in the classes as an elective. There is a military commitment if you decide to continue with the Army ROTC program at Kent State University after your sophomore year or if you accept a scholarship with a military service obligation. Cadets frequently refer to the commitment as "contracting".
Do I have to go to boot camp to participate in Army ROTC at Kent State University?
No. You do not have to go to boot camp if you sign up for the ROTC classes. You can go to boot camp if you enlist in the Army Reserves of Army National Guard. However, you are not required to do so.
Can Army ROTC at Kent State University help me pay for college?
There are several scholarship and financial aid opportunities available. Visit the scholarship page for more information. You can also contact Mr. Bill Terry, Enrollment and Scholarship Officer. His office is located in Terrace Hall on the Kent State University main campus. Email bterry@kent.edu or call 330-672-8209 to schedule an appointment.
What kind of training will I receive?
Army ROTC cadets at Kent State University receive a variety of classroom and laboratory instruction. Cadets participate in physical training combat water survival training, basic rifle marksmanship, map reading, land navigation, and many other training events.
What kind of activities can I participate in as a cadet at Kent state University?
Army ROTC cadets at Kent State University compete on the Ranger Challenge team, color guard, and formal events such as Dining-In and Military Ball. The Ranger Challenge team is considered the varsity sport of the Army ROTC. Ranger Challenge cadets receive additional training in military tactics, marksmanship, map reading, land navigation, orienteering, weapons assembly and disassembly, the proper usage of hand grenades, and physical training. The Dining-In allows the cadets and cadre to strengthen the battalion's unity and unwind. The Military Ball is a more formal event and includes dinner, dancing, and a guest speaker. Additional activities are held throughout the year.
What material is covered in the Army ROTC program at Kent State University?
The basic course emphasizes subjects of value to students regardless of their career aspirations. These courses are offered to all undergraduates and are counted towards your degree as electives. Students enrolled in those lower-division courses are introduced to the role of the military in our society, the fundamentals and dynamics of leadership and management, and the practical application of these fundamentals. There is no military obligation for attending the basic courses.
What can the Army ROTC offer a nursing student?
If nursing is your professional goal, there is no better place to begin your career that in Army ROTC. Army ROTC offers you a unique opportunity to gain practical experience while you receive financial assistance for college. As a ROTC nursing student, you will be able to combine college electives in military science and invaluable nurse summer training experience with your regular nursing program. You will develop your professional skills while you learn meaningful things about yourself and what your can accomplish. Upon completion of the program and meeting all prerequisites, you will receive a commission as an officer in the Army Nurse Corps, ready to take on the challenges of your profession. You will find that your Army ROTC experience has taken you a long way toward realizing your professional goals.
If I want to enroll or ask additional questions, who should I talk to?
You can contact Mr. Bill Terry, Enrollment and Scholarship Officer. His office is located in The Michael Schwartz Center on the university's Kent campus. You can email bterry@kent.edu or call him at 330-672-8209.