Catalog

Army ROTC

Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is available to Southern Virginia students through a partnership with the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, only six miles from Southern Virginia University. VMI’s ROTC program has one of the richest traditions in the nation, with one of the most notable officers of the 20th century coming from its ranks: General George C. Marshall.

Why Army ROTC?

Southern Virginia students who decide to take Army ROTC are welcomed into the Marshall New-Market Battalion at VMI where they have the opportunity to learn how to become better leaders in both the military and the business world. They will also have the unique experience of leading in physical training, planning social events, doing color guard at school events, and teaching tactics, techniques, and procedures of the U.S. Army.

Families of Southern Virginia students in the Army ROTC are welcome to attend social events and activities throughout the year. The program also gives each family a unique opportunity to learn about the Army’s support structure for the families of service members.

What to Expect from Army ROTC

During the first two years, students can expect one two-hour class per week. In their junior and senior years, they will have two classes each week: the first class is a one-hour lecture, the second a three-hour lab conducted mostly outdoors.

The first two years of ROTC are commitment-free if students are not on a ROTC scholarship. Uniforms and equipment are provided at no cost.

Students who complete ROTC are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the United States Army, United States Army Reserve, or the Army National Guard.

Career Opportunities and Financial Assistance

The Army provides many career opportunities, with graduates being assigned to one of 16 different career branches in the Army. While in school, students can also apply for competitive scholarships. Four-year scholarships are available for incoming freshman and three-year and two-year scholarships are available for those who are already attending Southern Virginia. These scholarships pay either full tuition or room and board if the tuition is already covered. They also provide $600 per semester for books and a monthly stipend ranging from $300 to $500 per month depending on the student’s year in school.

There are two types of scholarship available for students interested in ROTC at VMI: Active Duty and Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD). The Active Duty Scholarship requires an eight-year obligation, including four years of active duty and four years of service in the National Guard or Army Reserves. The GRFD scholarship is also an eight-year obligation to the National Guard or Army reserves but does not require active duty service. Soldiers must attend training one weekend per month and two weeks per year during the eight years to qualify for the GRFD scholarship. The Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) is also available, which provides students with National Guard pay and tuition assistance from the Virginia National Guard but ensures that cadets are non-deployable while in school.

Contact

If you are interested and would like to receive more information, contact the Southern Virginia Admissions office, or Mr. Thomas Atkinson at 540-464-7680.