ROTC FAQ - University of Houston
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FAQs:

Who can I talk to about joining ROTC?

When I sign up for ROTC am I in the Army?

What is Army ROTC?

What is my commitment after ROTC?

What Scholarships are Available?

What does this class count towards?

When can I join ROTC? 

How long does it take to commission?

Can I take ROTC as a graduate student?

What do you do in Army ROTC?

 

Who can I talk to about joining ROTC?

Our Admission officers are available M-F 0800-1600 at 713-743-3883 or 713-743-4954.

When I sign up for ROTC am I in the Army?

No, Army ROTC is a college class that allows you to decide whether or not you want to become an Army Officer.  Once you attend class you can decide for yourself if you would like to join the Army as an Officer after completing your education. 

What is Army ROTC?

Army ROTC is an elective curriculum you take along with your required college classes. It prepares you with the tools, training, and experiences that will help you succeed in any competitive environment. Along with great leadership training, Army ROTC can pay for your college tuition, too. You will have a normal college student experience like everyone else on campus, but when you graduate, you will be an Officer in the Army.

What is my commitment after ROTC?

Army ROTC students who receive an Army ROTC scholarship or enter the Army ROTC Advanced Course must agree to complete a period of service with the Army.

  • Scholarship winners have an 8-year commitment, but you can choose a combination of Active Duty (4 or 8 years) and Army National Guard and Reserve duty (8 years or your second 4 years after being active)
  • Selected Cadets may choose to serve part-time in the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career
  • Cadets who are already in the National Guard can choose to stay in the NG or go Active Duty

What Scholarships are Available?

We have several options including 4-year high school and on-campus scholarships as well as 2 and 3-year options for those who are not eligible as freshmen. There are also many options for Army National Guard Soldiers to be part of ROTC through the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP). Please contact the Admission Officer for more questions at 713-743-3883 or 713-743-4954.

What does this class count towards?

ROTC is an elective curriculum you take along with your required college classes; it specifically prepares you for becoming an officer in the U.S. Army by teaching you leadership skills, tactics, and Army systems.  

When and how can I join ROTC? 

You can join ROTC anytime in your Freshman, Sophmore, and Junior Year by signing up for the military science class in your school's course catalog.

How long does it take to commission?

Most students commission (join the Army as an Officer) upon completing their undergraduate or graduate studies.

Can I take ROTC as a graduate student?

Yes, you can.  Please contact the Admission Officer at 713-743-3883 or 713-743-4954.

What do you do in Army ROTC?

The Basic Course takes place during your first two years in college as elective courses. It involves one elective class and lab each semester. At the University of Houston you will have one hour of class once a week and as a sophomore, you'll have an hour class twice a week. Everyone participates in the Lab which is on Friday's from 7:30 am to 9:30 am. You will learn basic military skills, the fundamentals of leadership and start the groundwork toward becoming an Army leader. You can take Army ROTC Basic Courses without a military commitment.

The Freshman Year : Preparing for Success as an Army Officer

  • Introduction to Army Leadership
  • Army Customs and Traditions
  • Military Operations and Tactics
  • Goal Setting and Accomplishment
  • Health and Physical Fitness

The Sophomore Year : Innovative Team Leadership

  • Applied Leadership Theory
  • Communications
  • Principles of War
  • Military Operations and Tactics

The Advanced Course takes place during your last two years in college as elective courses. It includes one elective class and lab each semester, plus a summer leadership camp which is held at Ft. Knox Kentucky. As a junior and senior you have three hours of class per week plus lab. You will learn advanced military tactics and gain experience in team organization, planning, and decision-making. Entering the Advanced Course requires a commitment to serve as an Officer in the U.S. Army after you graduate.

Junior Year : Leading Small Tactical Units

  • Command and Staff Functions
  • Law of War
  • Weapons
  • Team Dynamics and Peer Leadership
  • Military Operations and Tactics

Senior Year : Applied Leadership Experience

  • Training the Force
  • Military Justice
  • Ethical Decision Making
  • Personnel Management
  • Cultural Awareness
  • Post and Installation Support
  • Military Operations and Tactics