Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)

Elective military education program at a college or university that leads to a commission as an officer in the U.S. armed forces. Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs are offered by the Army, the Air Force, and the Navy (including the Marine Corps). ROTC is one of the three programs of commissioned officers in the military, along with the service academies and officer candidate schools.

Established in 1916, ROTC was created as a way to expand the pool of candidates for the military officer corps beyond the students at the sometimes-clannish service academies. The ROTC program also brought the military and its officers to high schools and colleges throughout the country, a move that developed and cemented ties with local communities. As of 2004, ROTC programs existed on more than 1,000 campuses in the United States and accounted for 60% of all officers in the U.S. armed forces.

For its members at colleges or universities, ROTC provides tuition, fees, and a small stipend, as well as uniforms and military gear. Cadets are organized into military units in which they have the opportunity to exercise leadership skills as they move through the four-year program. Experienced military officers and noncommissioned officers serve as mentors and guides to ROTC cadets. ROTC cadets also participate in supplementary activities, including rappelling, learning to pilot planes, and attending military schools such as Airborne and Ranger training.

Military training in ROTC occurs year-round, but summer is when most tactical training takes place. [Page 630]Spread over two summers, this tactical training includes a basic session covering soldier training and tasks and an advanced session emphasizing leadership training and skills. Depending on the needs of the military, graduates of ROTC can serve in active-duty units or be assigned to reserve duty.