General

Army ROTC has been a fixture on the Eastern Illinois University campus since 1981. Army ROTC is a college program that can pay for school while preparing you to be an officer in either the Active, Reserve, or National Guard component of the U.S. Army upon completion of your college degree. It provides standard college classes that focus on leadership, while also teaching basic military skills. Through Army ROTC, you will attain valuable training in leadership, time management, team building, and the keys for academic and life success. Army ROTC is beneficial to all students regardless of whether they decide to pursue a military or civilian career.

The Army ROTC program includes topics of study such as leadership development, military skills, and adventure training. This will take place both in the classroom and in the field, but you will maintain a normal academic schedule like all college students. Depending on when you enroll in Army ROTC, you will undergo most or all of the following courses.

Army ROTC Basic Course

The Basic Course takes place during your first two years in college as elective courses. It normally involves one elective class and lab each semester along with the requisite physical training and field training exercises, as well as the opportunity to attend a month-long summer camp, typically between your freshman and sophomore years. You will learn basic military skills, the fundamentals of leadership and start the groundwork toward becoming an Army leader. Anyone can take Army ROTC Basic Courses without a military commitment.

Army ROTC Advanced Course

The Advanced Course takes place during your last two years in college as elective courses. It normally includes one elective class and lab each semester in addition to the requisite physical training and field training exercises, plus a summer leadership camp. You will learn advanced military tactics and gain experience in team organization, planning and decision-making. To benefit from the leadership training in the Advanced Course, all Cadets must have completed either the Basic Course1 or have attended the Cadet Initial Entry Training-Lateral Entry summer training. Entering the Advanced Course requires a commitment to serve as an Officer in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, or National Guard after you graduate.

Cadet Initial Entry Training-Lateral Entry(CIET-LE)

The Lateral Entry Training Course is four weeks of intense classroom and field training held in the summer at Fort Knox, KY. This course is an accelerated version of the two years of leadership development training Cadets receive in the Basic Course. By transforming yourself through this rigorous training, you will qualify for enrollment in the Army ROTC Advanced Course on campus, provided you have two years of college remaining (undergraduate or graduate).

Cadet Leader Course (CLC)

Every Army ROTC Cadet who enters into the Advanced Course attends the Cadet Leader Course. It’s a four-week summer course to evaluate and train all advanced Army ROTC Cadets. This course normally takes place between your junior and senior years of college, and is conducted at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Additional Opportunities

Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)

The Simultaneous Membership Program allows you to attend Army ROTC and serve in the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard at the same time. It gives you an opportunity for additional training and experience. Cadets serve as Officer trainees in the Reserve or National Guard while completing college. You can earn Reserve/Guard pay and benefits in addition to your Army ROTC allowances.

Army Federal Scholarships

Army ROTC Cadets can apply for merit-based two-, three- and four-year scholarships, which pay full tuition and fees, include a separate allowance for books, and a monthly stipend of up to $5,000 a year. Federal scholarships require a commitment to serve as an Officer in the U.S. Army after you graduate. Applicants must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be between the ages of 17 and 26
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Score a minimum of 920 on the SAT (math/verbal) or 19 on the ACT (excluding the required writing test scores)
• Meet Army physical standards
• Agree to accept a commission and serve in the Army on Active Duty or in a Reserve Component (Army Reserve or Army National Guard)

Guaranteed Reserve Force Duty (GRFD) Scholarship

The GRFD scholarship is designed for cadets who are interested in obtaining a commission in the U.S. Army Reserves or National Guard with a guarantee for a reserve component assignment. Scholarships cover full tuition and mandatory fees, and range in length up to 3 years. Scholarship awardees also receive a book allowance and a monthly stipend. These Cadets also receive weekend drill and annual training pay as participants in the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP). GRFD scholarships require a commitment to serve as an Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve Component after you graduate. Applicants must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be between the ages of 17 and 26
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Score a minimum of 920 on the SAT (math/verbal) or 19 on the ACT (excluding the required writing test scores)
• Meet Army physical standards
• Be willing to participate in the SMP program with a Guard or Reserve unit
• Agree to accept a commission and serve in the Army in the Reserve Component (Army Reserve or Army National Guard)

Illinois State Tuition Waiver (ISTW)

Army ROTC Cadets can apply for merit-based Illinois State Tuition Waivers. The Illinois State Tuition Waivers cover full student tuition and are awarded each academic semester. The tuition waivers require no military commitment. Applicants must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:

• Be a US Citizen
• Be an Illinois Resident
• Be enrolled as a full-time student
• Be enrolled in at least one Military Science Course and KSR 1000
• Meet basic physical standards for first time applicants; enhanced physical standards for subsequent applicants
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 for first time applicants; 3.0 for subsequent applicants

Note:

1. Credit for the Army ROTC Basic Course may be granted for current or prior members of the United States Armed Services upon verification of Basic Combat Training (BCT) or equivalent.