Faqs
Is participating in ROTC the same as "joining" the military?
Not at all. ROTC is a series of elective college courses, which you can begin your freshman year with no military obligation. Taking a Military Science course is similar to taking any other class on campus.
When does my participation in ROTC begin to incur a military service obligation?
For most students it’s the start of your junior year of college. This is when you decide whether or not you want to pursue a commission in the Army. At this time you would sign a contract with the US Army. This applies to two-year scholarship students and all non-scholarship students in the program. A three-year or four-year scholarship winner becomes obligated at the start of their sophomore year.
How much time do I owe the Army if I complete ROTC and become an officer?
It depends on whether you receive an active duty or a reserve commission, and whether you are a recipient of a scholarship. See the table below for the duty obligations connected with each situation:
|
ACTIVE DUTY COMMISSION |
RESERVE
COMMISSION |
|
|
Scholarship Recipients |
4
years |
8
years |
|
Non-Scholarship
Recipients |
3
years |
6
years |
What scholarships are available to incoming freshmen or transfer students?
There are 4-year, 3-year and 2-year scholarships available to qualified students. As an incoming student you are eligible for any of the three scholarships but must be selected for it. For more information on applying for a scholarship, contact the Golden Knight Battalion Enrollment Officer at (315) 265-2180, or e-mail at armyrotc@clarkson.edu
Can only scholarship winners enroll in ROTC?
Anyone can enroll in ROTC. And regardless of whether you're a scholarship winner or not, all ROTC books, supplies and equipment are furnished at no cost to you.
Do I have to wear a military uniform while taking ROTC?
No, you may wear civilian attire to class on Tuesdays. However, during Thursday's lab time and any field training, uniforms are required. You will be issued the uniforms and equipment you need free of charge.
I heard that a huge Drill Sergeant shaves my head when I join ROTC. Is that true?
At ROTC we do not cut anyone's hair! You must however meet the Army appearance standards. That may mean for males shorter hair than you currently have, but nobody gets his (or her) head shaved. Females must wear their hair up off the collar of the uniform they are wearing.
I heard that ROTC students have to run every morning at 5:00 A.M... is that true?
No, it is not. All contracted cadets are required to attend 3 physical fitness sessions per week. These sessions are held on at both Clarkson and St Lawrence campuses on Mondays. Normal sessions are held from 6:00 to 7:15 a.m.. For non-contracted cadets the sessions are optional, but it is strongly encouraged that they attend. We do more than run during these sessions. Sports, aerobics, obstacle courses, and many other activities that are fun are incorporated into the fitness program.
How can I get more information on ROTC at the Golden Knight Battalion?
For more information on the ROTC program and scholarships available at the Golden Knight Battalion, contact the Golden Knight Battalion Enrollment Officer at (315) 265-2180 or e-mail him at armyrotc@clarkson.edu