Army ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) is a college program that develops leadership, discipline, and teamwork while preparing you to become a U.S. Army officer. You’ll take regular college classes, attend leadership labs, and participate in physical training — all while working toward your degree. When you graduate, you can commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Active Duty Army, Army Reserve, or National Guard.

No.
You can take the first two years of ROTC (the Basic Course) with no military obligation unless you accept a scholarship or sign a contract. Many students take ROTC simply to build leadership skills and explore military opportunities before deciding to commit.

Army ROTC offers 2-, 3-, and 4-year scholarships that can cover:

• Full tuition and fees or room and board ($12,000/year)
• A $420 monthly living stipend during the school year
• A $1,200 annual book allowance

Scholarships are based on academic performance, physical fitness, and leadership potential. Some are available for incoming freshmen, and others can be earned once you’re already enrolled at Chadron State.

You must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be between 17–26 years old
• Have at least a 2.5 GPA
• Meet Army fitness and medical standards
• Agree to serve as a commissioned officer after graduation (if you contract)
• Attend college full time (usually 12 or more credit hours) with at least 50% of credits in person
• No domestic violence convictions
• Tattoos that conform to AR 670-1 standards

Yes — you can major in any field offered at Chadron State College.
ROTC classes fit easily into most degree plans, whether you’re studying Education, Criminal Justice, Exercise Science, Rangeland, Business, or Pre-Med. Your academic advisor and the ROTC cadre can help you plan your schedule.

ROTC is a college-level leadership course, not a full-time commitment.
Expect about:

• 3 hours per week in class
• 2 hours per week in leadership lab
• 3–5 hours per week of physical training

You’ll also participate in a few weekend field training exercises (FTXs) each semester to apply what you’ve learned.

You’ll build physical fitness, leadership, and military skills through:

• Morning physical training (PT)
• Land navigation and field exercises
• Small-unit tactics and problem-solving
• Summer training opportunities (like Advanced Camp at Fort Knox)

Everything is focused on building your confidence, resilience, and ability to lead others.

Cadets train 3–5 mornings per week, focusing on:

• Running, rucking, and endurance
• Strength and mobility
• Army Fitness Test (AFT) events
• Team competitions and tactical fitness

Training emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and readiness for Advanced Camp.

• Active Duty: Full-time service in the U.S. Army after college.
• Army Reserve: Serve part-time (one weekend per month and two weeks per year) while pursuing a civilian career.
• Army National Guard: Similar to the Reserve, but you serve your state and can be activated for state or federal missions.

Your assignment depends on your performance, preferences, and Army needs.

Yes — that’s called the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP).
You serve as a soldier in a Guard or Reserve unit while training as an ROTC cadet. You earn both pay and ROTC benefits, gaining valuable experience and seniority.

After completing ROTC and earning your degree, you’ll commission as a Second Lieutenant in one of three components:

• Active Duty: Full-time Army service
• Army Reserve: Part-time service while pursuing a civilian career
• Army National Guard: Serve your state and country part-time

Where you serve depends on your performance, career goals, and Army needs.
You’ll then begin your Army career as a leader in your chosen branch, such as Infantry, Aviation, Medical Service Corps, Military Intelligence, or Engineering.

Absolutely.
ROTC cadets are active across campus — in athletics, student government, and community service. With good time management, you can balance ROTC with your academic and extracurricular life. In fact, the War Eagles Club is one that many ROTC cadets are members of on campus!

If you are not yet contracted, you can leave the program with no obligation.
Once you contract (usually after your sophomore year or when accepting a scholarship), you commit to completing the program and serving as an officer.

It’s simple:

1. Contact the ROTC office to schedule a visit or learn more.
2. Enroll in the introductory ROTC class (MSL 101 or 102) — it counts for college credit.
3. Join us for a PT session or leadership lab to see what ROTC is really like!

Contact Us:
Army ROTC, Chadron State College
Email: ahunt@csc.edu or bpage@csc.edu
Phone: 308-432-6030
Office: Chadron State College, Crites Hall, Office 003/007