Whether or not a military career is something students have in mind when they enroll at Tech, campus ROTC programs give them an opportunity to pursue that path.

The Army ROTC department is currently conducting interviews for spring 2017 enrollment.

The Army Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps (SROTC) program is a college scholarship program leading to a commission in the U.S. Army. The mission of the program is to produce commissioned officers in the quality, quantity, and academic disciplines necessary to meet Active Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard Component requirements.

“The people you meet are great, and the training opportunities are exciting,” said Jonah Schmidt, a mechanical engineering major and cadet who enrolled in Army ROTC his second semester of his freshman year.

Army ROTC students commit around three hours a week to physical training, two hours of military leadership courses, and three hours of leadership lab each week. The program also offers summer leadership development opportunities that provide specialized training and an once-in-a-lifetime experience. Schmidt has attended airborne school, where he jumped out of a plane five times, and participated in a cultural mission with the Republic of Georgia, where he honed skills in rock climbing, rappelling, knot tying, hiking, and other mountaineering techniques. Most summer opportunities are optional, and participation is selective.

Though ROTC participation is a time commitment, the program helps students manage their time and both their academic and ROTC goals, preparing them for careers both in the Army and beyond. Schmidt hopes to apply his experience and degree in the Army’s engineering branch after his graduation this December.

“Joining ROTC is a great way to serve your country," said Schmidt. "Also, there are a lot of benefits, such as scholarships, and it’s a good way to make friends."

Participants generally make an eight-year commitment (four active and four inactive) to the Army and can serve that commitment through Active Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard. Active duty lets students serve their country full time, while Reserves and Guard allow them to pursue another full-time career while still serving the Army one weekend per month. All participants enter the Army as a second lieutenant.

Scholarship opportunities are available for 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3-year terms. Students can also participate in the program without receiving a scholarship. Learn more at armyrotc.gatech.edu or by contacting Michael Ward, scholarship and enrollment officer, at michael.ward@rotc.gatech.edu or 404-894-3443.

Tech also offers Air Force and Naval ROTC program with scholarship opportunities. Learn more at rotc.gatech.edu.