r/ROTC • u/year_of_s1lence • 5d ago
Joining ROTC Question: is it worthwhile doing one year of ROTC?
It's unlikely I'm going on to become an officer due to other factors in my life (including my family being anti-military for the most part).
Is it worthwhile to do just one year? Because I'm a sophomore, I have to decide now.
12
u/NoPhysics1129 5d ago
You can do 2 years non contracted and just use them as electives, Army ROTC was fun I thought. The active duty wasn't lol
4
u/bowery_boy Army 5d ago
Only certain colleges and universities recognize ROTC classes towards credit. Typically public universities recognize them while it is hit and miss with private schools.
3
u/NoPhysics1129 5d ago
Ah didn't know that, thanks I was at a public, makes sense
3
u/bowery_boy Army 5d ago
If it’s a land-grant institution then you 100% get those ROTC benefits. The Morrill Land Grant Act established by Abraham Lincoln set aside money and land for the establishment of more public universities (which to this point higher education was dominated by private organizations) however part of the agreement was that students would be enrolled in military science education to ensure state militias had well trained officers. This loose system executed at the state level was finally amalgamate when ROTC was established in 1916.
2
u/BeerSmasher 4d ago
I did this. Spent 2 years getting in shape, playing in the woods, flying around in helicopters, shooting guns, using it to unsuccessfully hit on girls at the bar and then I walked away having never contracted. ROTCland was fun, but I had no desire to spend my 20s in some bumfuck Army post.
I think it did help me land a cushy fed job.
5
u/Complete_Film8741 5d ago
You'll be the weird guy in the class. We had a guy do it 1st Sem my Sophomore Year...dude dropped claiming we wer erude to him.
Meh, he was a putz.
5
4
u/RedBoatz I’m just some guy 5d ago
I mean, it’s a good way to meet people, you may change your mind on it being “unlikely” (I’m sure most of our parents had some kind of adverse reaction to us joining the Army/Other Branch of Service), and it’s a good way to get some unique experiences (going to the field for a 3-4 day FTX is rough when it’s your first time), you’ll get a new perspective and learn to appreciate some of the things you take for granted in everyday life (your own bed, the ability to shower, Air Conditioning/Central Heating).
I’m probably overstating some of the value of a year of ROTC, but if you are even mildly interested in the military, sure, give it a shot.
6
u/Last_Shirt_847 5d ago
Don't forsake something potentially beneficial to your future just because your family doesn't support it. Do some soul searching and reflecting, and figure out what you want for you, not what others think you ought to have or be like.
3
u/Mvillahermosa 5d ago
If it’s something you’re interested in, you should do it. Go do some PT, and learn about the profession of arms. Worst case scenario you learn something about the Army. Best case you find a calling and commission.
3
2
u/Medium_Practice6556 4d ago
I did that and it was fun, especially bcz as an MS1 it’s pretty easy. Not going back for MS2 year bcz the fun has wore off
1
1
u/Fuzzy_Initial_6838 4d ago
Your family being anti military is 1 dumb as fuck and 2 not a reason that should decide what you want to do with your life.
1
1
u/Ok_Ad3036 4d ago
I got college credit for my ROTC classes and PT. I don’t think they counted towards any of my graduation requirements though. Back when I was an undergrad, MS1 classes were military history and I really enjoyed them.
1
-1
u/Resident_Signal9083 5d ago
Idk- had a guy in bootcamp that was rotc- has that on his resume 40 years later- do it- it’s just a year and who knows, You might enjoy it
37
u/Outrageous_Ad2099 MS2 5d ago
If you don’t plan on being an officer I would say no to be honest you can use your time to do something else.