Graduate From College as an Army Officer
Founded in 1916, Army ROTC has produced over half a million lieutenants for the U.S. Army. It remains the broadest path for men and women seeking to serve as officers. Army officers are prestigious leaders in one of the nation’s most respected institutions.
Benefits to Your Education
Army ROTC covers your tuition while you attend college and train to become an Army officer. Offered at more than 1,000 colleges and universities, you can get college experience with a guaranteed career after graduation as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard. Army officers are eligible for a pension after 20 years of service, allowing for early retirement.
Unlike traditional college programs, Army ROTC gives you a wide range of experiences while you work toward a degree. You'll combine classroom time with hands-on training — learning skills that will give you an edge when looking for a job. Whether planning a career in the Army or the corporate sector, Army ROTC is a smart elective.
As part of Army ROTC, you'll join a diverse group of individuals with broad interests — individuals who are presidents of their student governments, captains of their varsity sports teams, club presidents or members of the National Honor Society. You can try Army ROTC for up to two years as a college elective, with no obligation to continue.
Your studies will include leadership development, military skills and adventure training. Army ROTC courses prepare you for success in a competitive world — both in college and beyond.
Service as an officer will set you apart from others and provide a guaranteed career as an Army officer upon graduation. You’ll receive 100% tuition coverage, along with additional financial support for books and living costs. It's part of your college curriculum and includes training and one-of-a-kind experiences.
The program has produced two U.S. secretaries of state, numerous business and civic leaders and a female astronaut. Notable graduates of the program are Colin Powell, Sam Walton, Earl Graves, Lenny Wilkens and James Earl Jones.
For more information on Army ROTC and courses, please visit the following links:
Army ROTC briefings are held on campus at 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and you can schedule to attend a briefing on campus.
Army ROTC is hosting virtual information sessions on select Thursdays from 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Register for a virtual session.
The Department of War and Service Branches do not endorse any company or sponsor, or their products or services.
Eagle Battalion Army ROTC: Train to Lead
From early morning PT to tactical training and leadership development, this video shows Eagle Battalion pushes students to grow beyond their limits. Watch how cadets prepare to become Army officers — building discipline, earning scholarships and leading with purpose.
Learn More About Army ROTC
Scholar-Athlete Leader
The U.S. Army seeks individuals who are Scholar-Athlete Leaders (SALs) to serve as officers. They want students with strong academic records, physical fitness and leadership experience, whether in school or the community. SAL students show the mental and physical toughness, as well as the discipline, required for leadership in any environment. A bachelor’s degree is necessary to be commissioned as an officer. Since Army officers lead America's sons and daughters into combat, trust in your leadership abilities is crucial. Through the Army ROTC program, you'll gain hands-on experience and skills that are applicable to various careers. After graduation, you’ll become a commissioned officer, putting your leadership skills to the test daily and preparing for any career path in the business world.
If you’re motivated, the Eagle Battalion program has a place for you.
Color Guard
Historically, Drill & Ceremony (D&C) has enhanced the effectiveness and efficiency of the U.S. Army since as early as 1776. The Eagle Battalion’s Color Guard team helps cadets improve their sense of alertness, urgency and attention to detail through close-order drill movements. Color Guard represents the Military Science Department by honorably carrying the American, state and organizational flags through various ceremonies. Our color guard teams have been honored to present the colors at events such as Embry-Riddle and Stetson University graduations, MSIV commissioning ceremonies, veteran’s events, memorial services and sporting events.
Color Guard is an extracurricular activity offered here in Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University's Army ROTC program to support the ideals of patriotism, honor and respect for our nation and the U.S. flag. Participating in the Color Guard also provides leadership opportunities for cadets, helping them practice and gain confidence in commanding, moving groups and precision, all of which contribute to greater discipline.
Cadet Ranger Detachment (Ranger Challenge)
Ranger Challenge is an intercollegiate "extreme" sport that pits nine-member teams against each other in local, regional, national and international competitions. The sport requires physical and intellectual dexterity to accomplish all tasks. You will undergo extensive physical, weapons and hands-on skill training in preparation for competition with other ROTC battalions throughout the region at the national Sandhurst Competition.
Intramural Sports
The Department of Intramural and Recreational Sports at Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach offers a variety of activities to promote physical, mental and social well-being year-round. Students, faculty and staff can participate in team sports like flag football, volleyball, basketball and soccer, or compete individually in table tennis, disc golf and kickball. Cadets can also form their own teams to enhance leadership skills and foster the warrior mindset.
The Intramural and Recreational Sports Office is in the ICI Center in Room 102. For more information, visit the Intramural and Recreational Sports site, or contact Camille Jackson at 386-226-6431 or Camille.Jackson@erau.edu.
Race Volunteering and Speedway Run
As a cadet in the Eagle Battalion, you’ll live by the Army Values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. We take great pride in adhering to these values and incorporating them into events. In this battalion, you’ll have the unique opportunity to volunteer at races hosted by the Daytona International Speedway, getting close to the action while boosting morale and raising awareness for the Army ROTC program. This partnership helps fund exciting events for the Eagle Battalion and supports the Daytona Beach community, continuing our legacy of excellence.
Cadet Staff Assistants
If you prefer supporting the program behind the scenes, ask about becoming an assistant to one of our battalion cadet staff members. Our cadet staff works tirelessly to provide the best ROTC experience, and your help will ensure we maintain high standards.
Battalion S3: Assist with training, operations and event planning. The S3 manages all aspects of training and events, including leadership labs, field training exercises, fundraisers and more.
Responsibilities include:
- Plan and supervise cadet training.
- Help organize battalion events.
- Develop and execute plans.
- Publish calendars and track OPORDs.
Battalion S4: Support property accountability and supply management. This vital role ensures cadets have the necessary equipment for training and field exercises.
Responsibilities include:
- Assist in supply room operations and maintenance.
- Ensure proper documentation and accountability of equipment.
- Oversee equipment issues and organize the supply shop.
Battalion S5: Assist with public affairs and marketing to promote the battalion. Your work will highlight the Eagle Battalion’s accomplishments and attract potential students, parents and brigade leadership.
Responsibilities include:
- Promote Eagle Battalion achievements.
- Coordinate photos for the cadet board and plaques.
- Update social media channels with current photos and information.
Become a part of the team that helps drive the Eagle Battalion’s success and visibility!
From your first day, you'll maximize your potential and acquire the confidence, self-discipline, leadership and teamwork skills to help you in any path you choose.
While working in one of the many exciting job fields, you'll develop the physical and mental strengths needed for success. You can serve full-time in active duty or choose to train in your community in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard — ready to serve full-time if needed. You'll achieve personal growth through positive experiences and accomplish things you never thought possible.
Stability and the Perfect Steppingstone
ROTC is a people-oriented organization that develops essential leadership and management skills. It provides an opportunity to become a college-educated leader and manager, giving you a competitive edge in any career. Cadets learn what an Army officership is and are employed by an organization that offers competitive medical, dental, housing and retirement benefits. Upon retirement, Army officers continue to excel and have a great foundation and depth of experience from which they draw.
The experience gained as a U.S. Army cadet and officer gives you the confidence necessary to succeed in college and beyond.
Fly Army
The U.S. Army is an excellent place to fly for several reasons. First, the Army accepts all academic majors into the Aviation branch — no prior flight experience is required. There is a wide variety of fixed-wing aircraft to train and fly in. The current professor of military science (PMS) at Eagle Battalion is an aviator, LTC Reitano.
Gain flight time and hands-on experience in a dynamic environment while receiving excellent pay and full military benefits. As an Army aviator, you'll also develop valuable leadership skills. Second lieutenants will command a platoon of four helicopters, manage their crews and oversee necessary support equipment.
Learn more about U.S. Army Aviation.
Other Careers in the Army
ROTC graduates have access to 16 major Army branches, from becoming a paratrooper with the Infantry branch to designing and managing civil engineering projects with the Corps of Engineers.
Here is a list of a few of the major branches:
Operations Division
Maneuver
Maneuver Support
- Engineer (12)
- Military Police (31)
- Chemical (74)
Fires
- Field Artillery (13)
- Air Defense Artillery (14)
Operations Support Division
Signal
- Signal (25)
Military Intelligence
Cyber Branch
Force Sustainment Division
Company Grade Logistics
- Transportation (88)
- Ordnance (91)
- Quartermaster (92)
Soldier Support
- Adjutant General (42)
- Finance (36)
The Army ROTC program consists of a two-year Basic Course (freshmen and sophomores) and a two-year Advanced Course study (juniors, seniors or graduate students), including a five-week Cadet Summer Training Camp usually completed during the summer before the senior year.
Basic Course: Fundamentals of Leadership and Management
The ROTC Basic Course refers to first- and second-year courses (MILS 101, 101L, 102, 102L, 201, 201L, 202 and 202L) designed for beginning students who want to qualify for the Advanced Course. During these two years, students develop key communication skills to prepare them for managing teams and organizing activities.
Extracurricular activities, such as the Leadership Reaction Course, Confidence Course, rappelling, marksmanship and competitive orienteering, complement classroom learning. Students can also qualify for the Advanced Course by completing the Leaders Training Camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky, during the summer before their junior year, if they haven’t taken the eight Basic Course classes.
Advanced Course: Advanced Leadership & Management
The Advanced Course consists of eight courses: MILS 301, 301L, 302, 302L, 401, 401L, 402 and 402L. It’s open to students who have completed the Basic Course or earned placement credit for it through prior military training or completing the Army ROTC Basic Course.
The Advanced Course prepares students to become visionary leaders, with successful completion earning a commission as an officer in the U.S. Army. Students must complete all courses and a five-week Cadet Summer Training (CST) unless otherwise approved by the professor of military science. Contracted students competing for a commission in the Army receive a monthly stipend during the school year.
Army ROTC Scholarships at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University are worth $29,000 annually and cover college tuition and educational fees, as well as $1,200 per year for books. Contracted cadets (scholarship and non-scholarship) receive a monthly subsistence allowance: $300 for freshmen, $350 for sophomores, $450 for juniors and $500 for seniors. Scholarships do not cover flight fees.
Four-Year Scholarship
Incoming freshmen may qualify for a full-tuition scholarship to attend Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach.
High school seniors are encouraged to apply for the Army ROTC Four-Year Scholarship through the national selection process. If awarded a four-year or three-year Advanced Designee Scholarship while in high school, Embry-Riddle may offer "assurance" funding, including scholarships, need-based grants and awards that will activate when the scholarship goes into effect. University funding, combined with ROTC funding, cannot exceed the cost of education. This "assurance" is offered at the discretion of the university financial aid department, not Army ROTC.
On-campus scholarships are awarded after a student has enrolled in Army ROTC, applied for and qualified for the scholarship. These scholarships cover tuition and fees (excluding flight fees), a monthly stipend for 10 months and a book allowance each semester.
Two- and Three-Year Scholarships
If you missed the scholarship opportunity in high school, there are ROTC scholarship opportunities available on campus. Two- and three-year scholarships are awarded based strictly on merit to the most outstanding students who apply.
This program provides selected active-duty enlisted members of the Army an opportunity to complete their baccalaureate degree requirements and obtain a commission through participation in the ROTC scholarship program.
- Two-, Three-, Four-Year Green-to-Gold Scholarship
- Division Commander's Hip Pocket Scholarships
- Two-Year Green-to-Gold Non-Scholarship
- Two-Year Green-to-Gold Active-Duty Option
Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an Army ROTC scholarship, you must meet the following general eligibility requirements:
- Be a United States citizen.
- Be 17 years of age by Oct. 1 of your freshman year and under age 26 on June 30 of that year.
- Have no moral obligation or personal conviction that will prevent you from supporting and defending the Constitution of the U.S. against all enemies — foreign and domestic — or conscientiously bearing arms.
- Satisfactorily explain any record of arrest and/or civil conviction.
- Have a minimum high school GPA of 2.5.
- Receive a minimum 920 SAT score or a 19 ACT composite score.
- Agree to accept a commission in the U.S. Army.
- Meet required physical standards.
For a four-year scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a high school graduate or have an equivalent certificate before September of your college freshman year. If you’ve taken college courses, you must be considered a beginning freshman with four academic years remaining for a baccalaureate degree upon enrollment in the fall of your college freshman year.
- If you’re in an accelerated program, complete your senior year of high school and first year of college concurrently, with four academic years remaining in an approved baccalaureate degree program upon enrollment in the fall of the combined academic year.
- For college freshmen in a documented five-year program with four years remaining before graduation, you must submit verification from your university that your course of study is a five-year program and that you will have four full years remaining. Contact the Army professor of military science at your university for a copy of a planned academic program worksheet.
Your Commitment to ROTC
As an Army ROTC scholarship recipient, you must take an ROTC class, requiring a few hours of your time each week. Scholarship students lead essentially the same life as other college students.
You can pursue any course of study leading to a baccalaureate degree and participate in activities that don’t interfere with your ROTC requirements, which include prescribed Military Science courses, scheduled drill periods and completion of the ROTC Cadet Summer Training (CST) during the summers of your sophomore and junior years.
Upon graduation, you have an obligation to accept a commission and serve full-time in the active Army or part-time in either the Army National Guard or the U.S. Army Reserve.
Your Obligations:
- You must sign a contract with the Secretary of the Army. If you are 17 years of age when you enroll, your parents or guardian must also sign this contract. If you are 18 or older, only your signature is required. This contract contains a requirement to repay the United States government for all financial aid received if, after you begin your sophomore year, you fail to comply with the terms of the contract. This repayment may be monetary or in the form of enlisted service. The choice rests with the Army and not the scholarship cadet.
- You must enlist in the Army Reserve for a period of eight years. You must be 17 years of age by the time of enrollment to sign an enlistment contract.
- You must enroll in the university listed and pursue the academic discipline identified in your selection letter. As a nurse scholarship recipient, you must attend the Partnership in Nursing Education (PNE) school named in your announcement letter.
- Attend the ROTC CST in the summer of your sophomore and junior years.
- You must accept a commission as either an active Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard Officer upon completion of the required academic and ROTC courses.
- You must serve in the military for a combined period of eight years. This may be fulfilled by:
- Serving on active duty, if selected, for four years followed by service in the Army National Guard (ARNG) or United States Army Reserve (USAR) or the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR) for the remainder of the eight-year obligation.
- Serving eight years in an ARNG or USAR Troop Program Unit, which includes a three- to six-month active-duty period for initial training.
Processing Procedures
Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria to receive scholarship consideration. Unfortunately, all applicants cannot be selected as finalists. Those applicants advancing to further scholarship consideration after initial screening are scheduled for a personal interview and a medical examination.
Personal Interview
The interview is conducted by an Army officer who will ask you questions and will answer any questions you have about Army ROTC and the pursuit of an Army commission. Your information will be passed to the professors of military science (PMS) at the schools you listed on your application. Those PMSs will contact you. You will be interviewed over the phone or in person, depending on the distance involved. You must pay any cost for transportation, food and lodging for the interview.
Medical Examination
Individuals selected for an interview will be contacted and scheduled for a medical examination by the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DODMERB). You are responsible for your own transportation, food and lodging related to this examination. The results of the medical examination will be sent directly to you by DODMERB.
If you are unable to report for the examination as scheduled, you must notify DODMERB immediately. You will be rescheduled. Current height and weight requirements for a four-year scholarship and subsequent commissioning must be met.
All winners must be medically qualified to contract and receive scholarship benefits.
Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)
Individuals competing for an Army ROTC scholarship must pass the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) prior to receiving a scholarship offer. The ACFT will be administered during your interview visit.
Air Assault School
The Air Assault School at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, is an intense 10- to 14-day course designed to teach leaders the basics of Army helicopter missions. The course includes some classroom instruction but is primarily hands-on and performance-based. It consists of four phases: pathfinder operations, sling-load operations, rappelling and foot march. Air Assault School pushes you to your mental and physical limits.
Phase I — Combat Air Assault Operations
You will complete training exercises such as the obstacle course, a two-mile run, aircraft hand and arm signal training and medical evacuation procedures. You’ll also conduct Physical Training (PT), a four-mile road march and a combat air assault operation.
Phase II — Sling-Load Operations
The most challenging phase of Air Assault, you’ll learn to rig and inspect sling loads for Army helicopters and participate in live sling load operations. Exams will test your ability to identify discrepancies in sling loads and understand Pathfinder operations.
Phase III — Rappelling
During the rappelling phase, you’ll be tested on tying the Swiss seat, ramp, tower, skid rappelling and fast-roping techniques. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself going out in a helicopter. The final test for Air Assault is the 12-mile road march with full combat gear.
Qualifications
A cadet obtains a slot in Air Assault School by virtue of their performance during the school year. The battalion usually receives zero or one slot per year. Only the most qualified and motivated cadets will be selected to attend the course.
Minimum Entry Requirements
- Army Physical Fitness Test: Score of 260, with 80 points per event.
- Able to execute 10 pull-ups to standard.
- Complete an Army physical within 18 months of the class start date that clears the cadet for Airborne training.
Airborne School
The U.S. Army Airborne School, located at the U.S. Army Infantry Center in Fort Benning, Georgia, trains soldiers to become paratroopers. The course builds confidence through repetitive training to help students overcome the natural fear of jumping from an airplane. It also emphasizes physical fitness with rigorous and progressive physical training to meet the high standards of a paratrooper. Airborne School is reserved for the most highly motivated cadets.
Phase I — Ground Week
The week of 1,000 falls! You will learn how to properly exit an aircraft and perform a Parachute Landing Fall (PLF). Training includes the Lateral Drift Apparatus and the 34-foot tower.
Phase II — Tower Week
During Tower Week, you will train on the 34-foot tower to practice exits, deploy your reserve chute and refine PLFs using the Swing Landing Trainer. You may also experience the 250-foot tower, the closest simulation to jumping from an airplane.
Phase III — Jump Week
You will perform five jumps: three "Hollywood" jumps (no gear), one night jump and one day jump, both with full gear.
Qualifications
Cadets earn a slot in Airborne School based on their performance during the school year. The battalion usually receives eight to 10 slots per year, with the most qualified and motivated cadets selected.
Minimum Entry Requirements
- Army Physical Fitness Test: Score of 260, with 80 points per event.
- Able to execute 10 pullups to standard.
- Complete an Army physical within 18 months of the class start date, clearing the cadet for Airborne training.
Northern Warfare
Northern Warfare School, held during the summer at the Northern Warfare Training Center in Fort Greely, Alaska, teaches cadets with essential skills for movement in mountainous terrain and cold regions. Emphasis is on basic military mountaineering skills and river operations on the inland waterways.
Qualifications
Cadets earn a spot in Northern Warfare School based on their performance throughout the school year. The battalion usually receives zero to one slot per year. Only the most qualified and motivated cadets are selected to attend the course.
Minimum Entry Requirements
- Army Physical Fitness Test: Score of 260, with 80 points per event.
- A current Army physical within 18 months of the class start date clearing the cadet for Airborne training.
Mountain Warfare
This two-week course in Jericho, Vermont, develops leadership and technical skills for Army personnel performing mountaineering tasks in mountain environments. Students gain hands-on experience with tactics and techniques for mountain operations.
Combat Diver Qualification Course
The Special Forces Underwater Operations Combat Diver Course at U.S. Naval Air Station, Trumbo Point Annex, in Key West, Florida, is one of the Army’s toughest schools. If you make it through the OL-H, it’s not too difficult physically, but you must learn dive tables, physiology, tides, waves and currents, CPR and submarine lock-in/out.
Purpose
Identify and honor former cadets of the Eagle Battalion for accomplishments in their careers.
Eligibility
Nominees will be selected from three categories: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Army ROTC alumni (commissioned officers), staff and cadre of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Army ROTC and individuals who have provided significant support to the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Army ROTC program. Nominees must meet the following criteria:
- Made significant contributions to the community or society.
- Provided extraordinary service/support to the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Army ROTC program.
- Achieved national/state prominence.
- Gave their life in national defense or other recognized act of heroism.
- Attained prominence in military service, government, business, academia or other professional fields.
- Embody the characteristics of duty, honor and service to our country.
Recognition
Each inductee will be presented with a certificate, and the professor of military science will present each inductee with an Eagle Battalion coin at the Military Science Department’s Fall Awards Ceremony. Their names and photos will be displayed on an honoree plaque within the ROTC Center, a location to be determined by the Army ROTC cadre.
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Summer Internship Opportunities
Cadet Troop Leadership Training is a program offered to ROTC cadets after the completion of the Leadership Development and Assessment Course (CLC). CTLT is designed to teach them about life as an officer in the regular Army. Cadets are assigned to active-duty Army units as platoon leaders and execute the responsibilities of second lieutenants.
CTLT Internships provide MSL III cadets with an opportunity to apply specialized language, technical or research skills. Internships range from three to eight weeks long, and cadets receive an Officer Evaluation Report upon completion. To participate, cadets must meet application requirements, submit an application packet and receive approval. Only cadets approved by their professor of military science and meeting all application requirements at the time of application will be considered for internships. Internship applications are specific to each program offered, and submission timelines may vary.
Cadets assigned to units in the U.S. typically spend three weeks in CTLT, while those assigned to a unit in Germany, Italy or South Korea spend four weeks. They interact with officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs), gaining hands-on experience in unit operations and preparing for life as second lieutenants.
Qualifications:
- Have successfully completed CLC.
- Selected by the professor of military science. This selection is usually based upon an Order of Merit list.