FAQ
What is ROTC?
Army ROTC is one of the three ways to earn a commission to become an Officer in the United States Army. The other two methods are the US Military Academy at West Point, and Officer Candidate School. However, most Second Lieutenants (70%) commission through ROTC.
For ROTC, Cadets proceed through college as normal students, and once they graduate and complete the requirements of the program, they receive the gold bars of a Second Lieutenant, and become Officers. A typical week for a Cadet includes 3 days of Physical Training (PT), one day of Military Science Class, and one day of Leadership Lab, in which the lessons learned in class are then used practically in simulated exercises. To learn more about Cadet life, visit our Cadet Profile page.
There are also scholarships which Cadets can compete for. UChicago currently has 13 Cadets receiving full tuition, along with a monthly stipend and a book stipend. To learn more about scholarship opportunities, please contact our Company Recruitment Officer CDT Jonathan Merril at (703) 762-6410 or jrmerril@uchicago.edu or CPT Patrick O'Connell at patricko@uic.edu.
However, students who do not plan to commission or compete for scholarship are still welcome to participate in the program! It is one of the best opportunities to learn leadership skills that are invaluable for any career path.
Why should I participate in Army ROTC?
Military science courses can help students with personal and academic decision making while giving them the tools to exercise leadership in college life, even before graduating and becoming Officers. Physical training is a great opportunity to get active with other students and hone leadership over time.
What are ROTC Classes like? Will they interfere with other courses?
Physical training is held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 0700-0800 so it will not conflict with any classes! PT is planned and led by one of our Cadets every week and include running, circuits, and strength training. For added challenge students are welcome to see how they score on the Army Physical Fitness Test.
Military Science classes are taught by Active Duty Army Officers and Non-Commissioned officers on a variety of topics such as leadership techniques, military ethics, problem solving and decision making, and military tactics. Class times vary throughout the year, check our Facebook page or email armyrotc@lists.uchicago.edu for more info!
What other events do you have?
In addition to the classes on campus, we also organize a book club centered on the National War College's Reading List. Cadets and students will meet throughout the quarter to discuss military strategy and ethics discussed by top historical leaders.
Army ROTC also works on coordinating speaking events by hosting Army Officers for discussions.
I hear there are scholarships, how do I qualify for one?
If you're interested in having UChicago tuition paid for, plus a monthly stipend and book allowance, please contact Company Recruitment Officer CDT Jonathan Merril at (703) 762-6410 or jrmerril@uchicago.edu or CPT Patrick O'Connell at patricko@uic.edu.
How do I get started or find out more?
If you're interested in joining the RSO, come to any of our PT sessions or military science classes! If you'd like more info, contact armyrotc@lists.uchicago.edu.
What careers does the Army offer?
Law. Medicine. Civil Affairs. Intelligence. Cyber. No matter where your interests lie, the Army offers expert training in a wide range of careers: 120 in the Army Reserve and 150 in active Army. Whether you choose to explore a new career or strengthen their current one, hands-on experience will give them an edge. Click here for more information about possible branches for Army officers.