No. Students who enroll in Ohio University Army ROTC don't join the Army. They take an Ohio University Army ROTC class for which they receive college credit. It's considered a college elective.
No. Ohio University Army ROTC cadets go directly to college where they earn their degree. As an SMP cadet, you will go to basic training as part of your obligation to the Army Reserve or Ohio Army National Guard, but boot camp is not a requirement for being a part of Ohio University Army ROTC.
Quite simply, leadership and management skills needed to become a U.S. Army officer or have a successful civilian career.
Students in Ohio University Army ROTC learn through a unique program that involves both classroom and "live" situations. For instance, an Ohio University Army ROTC cadet might be found leading classmates through adventure training, down a rappel wall, or in military tactical training. All graduating Cadets are able to earn a minor in military science while at Ohio University.
During the first two years, ROTC cadets have no military obligation (or the first year in the case of scholarship winners).
Yes. Ohio University Cadets are eligible to receive “campus based” ROTC scholarships. Ohio University Army ROTC awards them to high-achieving students primarily studying science and engineering, but for extremely high achieving students in other majors, we may also be able to offer them, as well.
Scholarships are awarded at different monetary levels. Scholarships cover all tuition and fees. Additionally, scholarship awardees receive money for books, and a monthly stipend. Cadets participating in the SMP Program receive 100% of tuition and fees (if a Soldier in the Ohio Army National Guard) OR $3,500/year along with a full student loan repayment plan (if a soldier in the U.S. Army Reserve). Additionally, ALL fully participating cadets (both scholarship recipients and SMP members) receive a full housing grant from Ohio University.
Ohio University Army ROTC scholarships are based on merit, rather than financial need. Merit is exhibited in academic achievement and extracurricular activities, such as sports, student government or part-time work.
Scholarship cadets receive a full scholarship from U.S. Army Cadet Command. They are only required to go to Cadet Initial Entry Training (CIET) after their freshman year of college. SMP Cadets receive their tuition benefits from the Ohio Army National Guard or the U.S. Army Reserve. They attend basic training (usually in the summer between high school and freshman year or between freshman and sophomore year) and also attend monthly drill (one weekend per month). During school, all cadets are treated exactly the same and are all eligible for additional training (Airborne, Air Assault, CULP, CTLT, etc) and additional incentive awards for high achievement. Also, both SMP and Scholarship cadets (as well as non-scholarship cadets) all have the same opportunity to serve on active duty after graduation. One does not need a scholarship to serve on active duty. Commissioning as an active duty officer is based solely on one’s academic, physical, and leadership achievements while a cadet in the Bobcat Battalion.
No. Anyone can enroll in Ohio University Army ROTC. And regardless of whether you're a scholarship winner or not, all Ohio University Army ROTC books, supplies and equipment are furnished at no cost to you.
Scholarships are awarded throughout the year to qualified students. High school students apply for four-year scholarship during their senior year. Green to Gold Scholarships are awarded twice a year by the Army. Ohio University campus-based two-year, three-year, and three-and-a-half-year scholarships are also awarded to extremely qualified cadets throughout the school year, based primarily on GPA, physical fitness, and major.
In college and after graduation, cadets find that the training and experience that they have received are assets - whether pursuing an Army or civilian career. Employers place the highest regard on the management and leadership skills that Ohio University Army ROTC instructors stress. When cadets complete the Ohio University Army ROTC course, upon graduation, they become commissioned officers in the U.S. Army.
The first thing that you need to do is to contact the Recruiting Operations Officer. Our recruiter will be able to answer any questions that you might have and will guide you in the right direction on what steps you need to take to be a member of the Bobcat Battalion.
Simply register for classes, register for the appropriate military science course along with the leadership laboratory. A list and description of these courses can be found in the Ohio University course catalog.
There are numerous extracurricular activities during the school year such as the German Proficiency Badge competition, the Norweigian Foot March competition, and Best Ranger. The Bobcat Battalion also has Color Guard and Cannon Crew that stands ready to celebrate each Bobcat touchdown at every home game.
During the summer break, cadets can volunteer to attend Airborne School, Air Assault School, Mountain Warfare, Northern Warfare, Cultural Understanding and Language Program (CULP), and Cadet Troop Leadership Training.
You can join a variety of career fields to include Aviation, Armor, Adjutant General (Human Resources), Chemical, Infantry, Ordnance, Signal, Quartermaster, Transportation, Medical Service, Military Police, Nursing, Finance, Military Intelligence, Field Artillery, Cyber, Air Defense Artillery, and Engineer Corps.
The most important thing that you need to do is get accepted Ohio University. After you are accepted, you need to inform your chain of command that you wish to turn in a Green to Gold packet and start getting your paperwork together.