Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (AROTC): Army Science Program
University
of North Florida Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (UNF Army ROTC) is
a challenging program for student’s wishing to receive a commission as
an officer in the United States Army. Graduating students (called
“cadets”) who complete the UNF ROTC curriculum will receive a commission
as a Second Lieutenant (2LT) in the United States Army, and will have
the option of serving on active duty or in the United States Army
Reserve or Army National Guard. UNF ROTC is a four-year program
comprised of academic classes, leadership laboratory courses, and
physical training. Traditional cadets typically enroll in UNF ROTC as
freshmen, but there are many options for sophomores and even incoming
juniors to apply and complete the program.
UNF Army ROTC courses
fit into most UNF academic programs as electives and a military science
minor is offered at UNF and can be awarded upon successful completion
of the UNF ROTC program. Students normally take one course per semester
along with their other classes. Freshmen and sophomores (MS1’s and
MS2’s) begin with instruction in basic leadership and military skills
such as physical fitness, land navigation, and first aid. These classes
are considered electives just like any other at UNF, and during this
“try it and see” stage, there is no commitment required to enter the US
Army.
Junior cadets (MS-3’s) take advanced courses in tactics,
leadership, and management. At this stage, they formally commit to the
United States Army and compete at a national training course in events
such as land navigation, tactics and physical fitness. During their
senior (MS4) year, upper-classmen cadets receive advanced instruction in
leadership principles, advanced military skills, and management. They
also serve as student-level supervisors of all of the other UNF ROTC
cadets. Upon graduation from UNF, these outstanding men and women
receive a commission as an Army Second Lieutenant.
Financial Benefits
UNF Army ROTC offers several
opportunities for scholarships with full tuition/fees (or room and board
up to $10,000 per year). As a high school senior, students may compete
for a 4-year scholarship. Once on the campus as a UNF student, cadets
meeting the academic and physical standards may apply for a 3-year or
2-year Army ROTC Campus Based Scholarship. Each pays full tuition,
$1,200 / year for books, plus a monthly stipend for living expenses. The
monthly spending stipend is paid only during the ten months during
spring and fall when school is in session. Freshmen receive $300/month,
sophomores $350/month, juniors $450/month, and seniors receive
$500/month. UNF Army ROTC Cadets may also choose to serve in the Army
Reserve or National Guard “Simultaneous Membership Program” (SMP). As an
SMP participant, the cadet is paid the rank of SGT in the Army Reserve
or Florida National Guard unit and holds the duties and responsibilities
of an officer.
Obligation to the US Army
Introductory or basic courses let the
student “try out” the US Army without obligation. However, once a cadet
accepts a scholarship or enters the advanced courses, they make a
commitment to serve as an Army officer for 8 years upon graduation. Some
cadets request full-time active duty assignments and serve initial
tours of 3-4 years. Others elect to serve as part-time Army Reserve or
National Guard Officers for 6-8 years while they pursue their civilian
careers or advanced academic degrees.
What else does Army ROTC offer?
As an Army ROTC cadet, students have
numerous opportunities to perfect leadership and military skills, which
will serve them in the military and in the civilian world. During the
school year, cadets participate in one weekend field training exercise
or “FTX”. The FTX involves small-group leadership challenges and
adventure activities. After the junior year, cadets participate in a
five-week summer leadership camp (LDAC), followed by paid internship
opportunities (CTLT) at Army posts in the U.S., Germany, and Korea. Many
cadets also have summer opportunities for advanced military training
schools such as Airborne, Air Assault, Mountain & Northern Warfare
schools. Cadet social activities include an annual Military Ball along
with gatherings at local restaurants, and end of semester barbecue and
award ceremony.
How can Army ROTC benefit you?
Army ROTC will help you be successful
during college and after graduation. You will gain the confidence and
self-discipline necessary to succeed in college and impress employers
when you graduate. As you progress, you will gain skills and experiences
in leading activities, setting goals, managing people and resources,
and making decisions in demanding circumstances. Additionally, you will
earn opportunities for service-to-country as an officer, full-time on
active duty or part-time as you pursue a civilian career.
How do enroll into UNF ARMY ROTC?
Enrolling in UNF Army ROTC is as easy as
registering for any other UNF course. You may take any of the basic
courses (freshman and sophomore years) without obligation. As an
undergraduate or graduate student, you may qualify for advanced courses
as long as you have two years of full-time study remaining before
graduation. Students who enter ROTC after their sophomore year may
attend a four week paid summer training course (LTC), qualifying you to
enter the junior year of Army ROTC or elect to complete United States
Army Basic Training (BCT) to meet the prerequisite.
Jacksonville
University (JU), Florida State College of Jacksonville (FSCJ), and
Edward Waters College (EWC) students are also fully eligible to
participate in UNF ROTC. Students should consult their academic advisors
for enrollment information.
Prior Service Students
If you're a veteran or are currently
serving in the Army Reserve or National Guard, you may qualify to enter
directly into the advanced course when you become an academic junior at
the university. You may participate in ROTC without losing your
Montgomery GI Bill or tuition assistance benefits.
How to get more information on UNF ARMY ROTC
UNF Army ROTC is located in Building 9, Schultz Hall, Suite 1129. Contact UNF ARMY ROTC at (904) 620-3999.
