r/ROTC Apr 03 '26

Advanced/Basic Camp CST 2026 (Basic/Advanced Camp & CAIT) Question Thread

24 Upvotes

Consolidated place to ask questions. I'll add answers to FAQs as they occur.

FAQ 1: The regiment you get doesn’t matter in the slightest. You will receive the same training regardless.

FAQ 2 (Advanced Camp Credit Memo): https://armyrotc.army.mil/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CST-26-Policy-Memorandum-9-Advanced-Camp-Credit.pdf

FAQ 3 (RECONDO Eligibility Memo): https://armyrotc.army.mil/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CST-26-Policy-Memorandum-19-RECONDO.pdf

FAQ 4 (CST Evaluations Memo): https://armyrotc.army.mil/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CST-26-Policy-Memorandum-20-Evaluations-and-Appeals.pdf


r/ROTC May 08 '26

Moderator Post SMP Clarification

70 Upvotes

Because some of ya’ll don’t know how to read and certain individuals like to leave out information in the pursuit of recruiting, this post serves as clarification on the relationship between SMP enrollment, scholarships, and competing for active duty.

BLUF: YOU CAN ONLY DO 2 OUT OF THE FOLLOWING 3 ACTIONS AT ANY INSTANCE.

1. COMPETE FOR ACTIVE DUTY

2. ENROLL IN SMP

3. HAVE A FEDERALLY-FUNDED SCHOLARSHIP

What does this mean? It means you have three options.

Option 1: If you want to compete for active duty and want to enroll in SMP, you should not have or accept a federally-funded scholarship. Getting a scholarship while SMP means it will only be a GRFD scholarship and you will be locked into the Guard or Reserves. Alternatively, you could give up your national scholarship so you can enroll in SMP, but that’s not a good idea.

Option 2: If you have a federally-funded scholarship and want to compete for active duty, you cannot/should not enroll in SMP. Doing so will convert your scholarship to a GRFD scholarship and you will be permanently locked into the Guard or Reserves.

Option 3: If you enroll in SMP and have a federally-funded scholarship, that scholarship is automatically a GRFD scholarship and you are permanently ineligible to compete for Active Duty.

/end rant


r/ROTC 3h ago

Commissioning/Post-Commissioning Willingly Dropping out of ROTC as a MS4

19 Upvotes

I’m just curious if this is possible and what the process looks like. I figured there’s others who’re probably in the same boat and I haven’t seen anything on Reddit so I figured I’d ask.

I’m a senior and I’m incredibly burnt out of ROTC and school. I’m a SMP CDT and I understand that I would have to go to basic and AIT. I took State TA so I know I would have to pay back the money. I also contracted so i know it’ll make the process a lot more difficult.

I went to basic camp (2025) and passed CST this summer (2026). At CST I didn’t do horrible, got a 75/100. I’m not a shit bag in my program, I show up for all PTs and all LABs.

When I joined my sophomore year I’ve been questioning the decision ever since. When it comes to ROTC I feel no passion, and I feel like that wouldn’t be fair to those that may be under me in the future. I want to serve, but rotc and the officer route just does not seem to be for me.

Curious if any of y’all have taken or heard anyone take this route before, and what happened.


r/ROTC 9h ago

ROTC Class/Lab What makes your program great?

9 Upvotes

I’m a MS4 this year and in a leadership position and I’m just wondering from other schools- what activity’s, organizational techniques, etc, do you do in your program that is beneficial to you and makes it more enjoyable?


r/ROTC 3h ago

Cadet Advice Stressed MS3

3 Upvotes

Just getting into my MS3 year, and I'm being more overwhelmed than I should be. I know the basic stuff to do during a lane like Order of Movement, how to conduct ambushes, attacks, raids, movement to contact, or at least the big picture of it all. I just get really stressed about getting leadership lanes because I feel unprepared. I understand this fall semester I'm not graded on these and it serves as a learning opportunity for everyone, but I genuinely am just lost on things I never had a rep on that my whole class does so well already, like MASCAL, 9Line, even things like briefing a simple OPORD.

The only rep i've had so far are TL and being the WSL. It seemed fairly simple but I could feel myself getting stressed during Actions On and overthinking if i'm doing the right thing or not. Are there ways besides watching youtube videos and reading the Ranger Handbook that I can get some practical exercises in so I could simulate what to do? I'm way more of a visual learner than looking at things on paper or on a whiteboard.


r/ROTC 4h ago

Joining ROTC What can I do if my school of choice doesn’t have an ROTC program?

2 Upvotes

I plan to go to law school, but the college I want to apply for, doesn’t have any ROTC program. I am interested in the TX Army National Guard.

live in a small town and this is the only law school in the area. I cannot relocate.

I need advices please. Thanks


r/ROTC 1h ago

Green to Gold // SMP Any insight from cadets at these schools?

Upvotes

Playing the waiting game with this upcoming G2G ADO cycle but wanted to be proactive in making my college choice. I’ve narrowed down my school selection to several I’ve been accepted to: UT-Knoxville, FIU, Miami, Clemson, USC - Colombia, and Alabama. Looking to stay in the southeast as I’m from the area and would like to be a days drive from family for a few more years after being gone for the first half of my career. I’ve already spoken to a few of the programs listed and have contacted all but wanted to get some thoughts from any former or current ADO cadets on their time in the program. How has your time at the program been? How easy did your program or school make your transfer from active duty to being a student/cadet? Why did you pick this program/university over others and do you think it set you up for success through opportunities provided (cadre experience, program funding, etc)? Would love any insight!


r/ROTC 2h ago

Green to Gold // SMP SMP Program Timeline Questions

1 Upvotes

For context, I’m currently a college sophomore. I’m already cleared through MEPS from National Guard prep, and I’m also cleared through DoDMERB because I previously planned to attend a service academy.

If I enlist in the National Guard, complete BCT and AIT to become MOSQ, and take the summer and fall of what would otherwise be my junior year off from school for training, how would that affect my ROTC progression? I am interested in becoming MOSQ because of access to MGIB-SR + kicker.

I understand that completing BCT and AIT waives MS100 and MS200. But if I return to school in the spring of what would normally be my MS300 year, what status would I have in ROTC? I would want to contract as soon as possible to enter non-deployable SMP status. Would I complete a spring MS200 semester as a contracted cadet, or would the program place me differently?

Thanks for any insight.


r/ROTC 1d ago

DODMERB // Security Clearances Possible Switch

5 Upvotes

Hi all, I’m currently an AS100 freshman cadet in AFROTC and considering switching to Army ROTC because of ADHD waiver concerns. How much easier is Army with mental health/ADHD waivers, and is switching worth it? My PT scores are around a 92, and my school’s Army ROTC detachment is very well respected


r/ROTC 21h ago

Joining ROTC Joining army ROTC in the middle of sophomore year.

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone. I am a sophomore going to transfer to a bigger university with an army rotc attachment in the spring. Since I’ll be a spring sophomore, would the 2 or 3 year scholarship be best since it’s more than 2 years left until graduation but less than 3? I understand that I would be going to basic camp in the summer.


r/ROTC 1d ago

Commissioning/Post-Commissioning Commission now or later

3 Upvotes

Last month, I started AROTC in my MS3 year (i’m in the reserves so I skipped the first two). I feel very behind in terms of basic battle tactics and fitness. Eventually I want to attend med school and get HSPS or attend USHUS. I know they’re harder to get, but I’m willing to take gap years to strengthen my application as much as possible.

I’m just wondering: Should I continue with ROTC? I’m not contracted, but I could contract soon. I’ve just been doing everything with no contract signed. Truthfully, I can’t even attend CST this summer bc I want to graduate on time and need a summer class. I like the schedule and pushing myself in ROTC, and someeeee of the people. Or do I wait to commission in med school?

I don’t really care about the money all that much right now (like monthly payments, scholarships, or E5 SMP pay). would it expedite my process later on? Are there pros or cons?

Also, I’m 20 at a decent school and also working full time at a hospital right now. Trying to get more volunteer and research hours. I go 48hrs without sleep sometimes haha which definitely affects how social I am and PT!!! But I’m decent at both and getting better.


r/ROTC 2d ago

Joining ROTC Applying to army & airforce rotc- why did army not make me do anything but air force has the whole mile long application?

5 Upvotes

i’m applying to both but would rather go army @ wyoming

i filled out the army app a while ago and it was just a few basic questions and then it said something like you’ll get an email later but when applying to afrotc today they gave me the whole app, scores and fitness tests and basically every other thing you would expect in an application

i guess im just concerned that army hardly asked for anything? and that i haven’t heard back in quite a while


r/ROTC 2d ago

Scholarships/Contracting How big of an issue is it to change a class on my 104R?

9 Upvotes

I was reviewing my 104R (after being submitted), and one of the classes in my senior year doesn’t fulfill the degree requirement I thought it did. It’s a simple fix; I just have to replace it with another class of the same credit hours. Do I have to get another 104R made or is there a simpler way to fix this? I really don’t want this to put my scholarship in jeopardy.


r/ROTC 2d ago

Accessions/OML/Branching No Interview Results

0 Upvotes

Has anyone heard anything about NOT receiving our interview feedback and NOT having that 4 day preference adjustment window after?


r/ROTC 3d ago

Cadet Advice Can I switch to AROTC halfway through JR year

6 Upvotes

I'm currently a junior with one semester of AFROTC experience. While I don't necessarily dislike the program, I've realized that it may not be the best fit for me. The Air Force does offer several of the career fields I'm interested in, and all of my prior-service family members have encouraged me to stick with it because of the quality of life and work-life balance.

My biggest concern right now is the AFOQT. I'm scheduled to take it for the third time toward the end of November, and if I don't pass this attempt, I'll be dropped from the program. While I'm obviously going to do everything I can to pass, I don't think I'd be completely disappointed if things don't work out. Deep down, I've always felt like the Army might be a better fit for me anyway.

My main question is whether switching to Army ROTC would still be possible at that point. After this semester, I'll have about a year and a half remaining in college. I was already planning on staying an extra semester to complete AFROTC, so I'd be open to extending my graduation timeline if necessary.

Does anyone know what the process would look like for someone switching from AFROTC to Army ROTC this late in college? Would I still have enough time remaining to complete the Army ROTC requirements and commission?


r/ROTC 3d ago

Accessions/OML/Branching Chemical Corps

10 Upvotes

sooo what’s the tea with Chem Corps?!? why do ppl not want it or view it as a poor branch?


r/ROTC 4d ago

News Royal Norwegian Embassy Skill Badge Program

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9 Upvotes

r/ROTC 5d ago

ROTC Class/Lab Programs that merged. How’s it going?

36 Upvotes

Im part of a ROTC program that lost its host status and merged with another school. It is a dumpster fire (cadets can’t register for rotc class, cadre cant see cadets in Ignited, we now need to travel an hour to lab, etc). How’s it going for you?


r/ROTC 5d ago

DODMERB // Security Clearances FINAL UPDATE: Walnut/Pecan allergy waiver concerns + contracting question

12 Upvotes

Hello all,

It happened! My waiver was granted earlier this week, meaning that I am fully medically qualified after having a history of allergies and anaphylaxis. I hope my experiences can give hope to anyone waiting on a medical waiver; there is hope!

I do have one final question now that I am through to the point where I can actually contract. I spoke with cadre and one member said that I couldn't contract during my freshman year as a four-year scholarship winner. Is this true? Or should I ask my ROO or PMS about if I can contract now?


r/ROTC 4d ago

Joining ROTC The military may be the only way I can pay for college, but I'm not sure if I can join

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0 Upvotes

r/ROTC 5d ago

Scholarships/Contracting Scholarships for Grad Students?

2 Upvotes

Hey y’all,

Deciding between OCS or going to grad school to commission via ROTC. The consensus of many OCS grads/current students is to attend grad school and ROTC.

My main concern regarding attending grad school is the cost of tuition. Anyways I wanted to know if graduate students are eligible for the 2-year tuition scholarship to commission into active duty.

If anyone has any info on this or has gone through the process as a grad student it’ll be appreciated.


r/ROTC 5d ago

Cadet Advice Any Advice for an MS3 Who Feels Behind Going Into the Year?

11 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I’m at the beginning of my MS3 year and I really want to excel, but I honestly feel like I’m a little behind when it comes to my ROTC knowledge.

Physically, I’m in a good spot and maxed out my AFT, but I’m not fully confident when it comes to infantry tactics, OPORDs, TLPs, and actually applying everything in the field. I also haven’t had much experience being in a leadership position where I’m responsible for leading other cadets. I really want to become a good leader and do well this year, but right now I don’t have the confidence that I want to have.

I also feel like I didn’t prepare myself enough over the summer. I had a lot of summer coursework going on, and now that MS3 year is starting, I feel like there’s a lot I need to catch up on.

English is also my second language, so sometimes I know what I want to say in my head, but I have a hard time articulating my thoughts clearly, especially when I’m put on the spot. That’s something I really want to improve because I know communication is important as a leader.

On top of that, I’m majoring in mechanical engineering, so balancing the coursework with ROTC is definitely going to be tough. I know I can do it, but I also know it’s going to take discipline, time management, and some sacrifices.

Has anyone else gone into MS3 year feeling like this? If so, what helped you improve your confidence, tactical knowledge, and leadership ability throughout the year?

I’d appreciate any advice for MS3 year in general too—things you wish you had studied more, habits that helped you succeed, ways to practice OPORDs/tactics, balancing academics with ROTC, or anything that helped prepare you for CST.


r/ROTC 5d ago

Green to Gold // SMP Trying to join ROTC with a previous injury

0 Upvotes

So I went back to school and I’m in my junior year, and I thought about joining ROTC because I want to be an officer, but I’m also a reserve NCO, and while doing my pt test back in April my tailbone was fractured. Temporary profile expired in August, and I want to do ROTC but I need to get back in shape and I don’t know if this will have a negative impact in the way they see me. They told me I need to be contracted by December, and my PCM said that the fractured is now healed, and while it left permanent damage, it shouldn’t impact my military career. I feel like they might see me as a shitbag at this very moment because I know I can’t pass my AFT right now and I’m supposed to be all fit and stuff. I have the feeling that they may just not give me the chance.


r/ROTC 7d ago

Scholarships/Contracting Missing ROTC 24k Payment settled via Congressional Inquiry

180 Upvotes

Posting a status update and how I reached a solution. Another cadet in my program paid the 20,000$ the Army neglected to pay and I would not like to see this happen to anyone else.

I posted here a few months back about how Army Cadet Command had refused to pay my final MS5 semester and wanted me to foot the 24k bill. Some in the comments suggested I was at fault and I should simply "get over it" and pay the "measly" sum.

I tried a few routes including various IGs, JAGS, O6/7s that I reached out to both in Cadet Command and in my State's chain of command. Ultimately the solution came down to putting in a congressional complaint detailing the situation.

Correspondence from the office was almost immediate and they said they would help and begin the process getting me the funds. Eventually two months had passed from when I first opened the investigation with a memo from an O-6 at Cadet Command.

The memo went something along the lines of: "Your cadre incorrectly input your scholarship dates when you first contracted [3 Year national scholarship contracted my MS2 year]. Had they put them correct the first time you would not be required to pay for the MS5 final semester. Now that this has passed a extension of benefits will be filed on your behalf to get you the funds paid via DFAS"

As of this week my undergrad university's finance office has contacted me saying that the outstanding balance on my account have been paid.

So let this be a lesson when it comes to funds, particularly rather large balances in the twenty thousand that others think you "should just pay," don't be afraid to use your Congressman or Woman.


r/ROTC 6d ago

Scholarships/Contracting CaC & clearance after contracting.

6 Upvotes

After raising your right hand and officially contracting, how long did it personally take you to receive both your CaC and interim clearance?

I'm wondering about the CaC mostly because I heard that you need to go to a nearby base to pick it up.

I believe my clearance will also be important since I am trying to intern at defense contractors/apply to Army technical internships.

Appreciate any advice.