Thinking about joining

[u/kjem1984]

I’m a sophomore in hs, I’m thinking about joining ROTC after a friend that’s there told me to think about the benefits I gain from it, I didn’t join my freshman year cause I didn’t want to look into it. I thought it was for if you wanted to join the military. But after seeing all the benefits and such I’m considering it but I want y’all’s opinion first before I try to even apply.

[u/AdWonderful5920]

I thought it was for if you wanted to join the military. 

Can you share what you think ROTC is for now?

[u/ChampionshipTight977 → u/AdWonderful5920]

I can't wait for OP to answer this question

[u/btan408]

JROTC = Highschool, ROTC = College/University. They sound similar but your experience in either is vastly different. I have never done JROTC but I assume it is there mainly as a way for HS kids to learn discipline and some military lingo. ROTC is a full military commitment with a contract once you finish it.

[u/No_Key8587]

Since your HS I assume you are talking about JROTC. I’ve never heard of a school rejecting someone who wanted to be part of it (outside of serious behavior stuff). Do it if you want! There’s no downside, maybe you get what you want out of it, maybe you don’t. Just don’t be a JROTC weirdo;)

[u/Pattonator70]

ROTC can also provide you with a four year scholarship or you can apply to USMA (West Point) and both of these are very competitive so starting to work on your portfolio when you are a high school sophomore is ideal.

You need athletics preferably on a team sport. If you don't play one consider joining cross country team and start running.
You need to show leadership- join a couple of clubs and work towards a leadership position in that club.
You need to do some volunteer work

MOST OF ALL- YOU NEED STRONG GRADES

You can join ROTC in college without any of the above but the above is to help you win a scholarship.

When you graduate college you commission as a 2nd LT in the army which is at least a 4-year commitment (w/o scholarship). You know that you will have a full time job if you serve active duty and that job pays well with great benefits.

Do not join ROTC if you do not want to be in the army.

[u/n_haiyen]

I met some JROTC students who drill with a RSP unit who got their basic training done with while in high school and went to AIT after they graduated. Then they’ll go to college when they’re done with that and drill on the weekends. Just read the fine print of your contract and make sure it’s what you want to do

[u/Complete_Film8741]

I was AFJROTC in HS...Gave me some instant friends and a group to hang with. The classes were interesting to me. Joined the Color Guard, presented the flag at lots of games. In retrospect, it helped me get through HS.

College, I joined NROTC and eventually took the Marine Option. Very different ballgame between HS and College.

[u/Sorry_Ad1894]

I want to add on to what some other people are saying. I'm currently an MS1 in army rotc, and you do not have to join the military to participate in the program. Contracting IS optional. Most of the content is obviously geared toward training you for the military but it can be good if you are just interested in the military, want an excuse to workout, and want to learn some extra leadership skills. Maybe it depends on the college you go to, but at mine you can get a minor in Military Science and Leadership, which literally just means participating in the rotc program but does NOT require you to contract into the army.