The only college course that is specifically designed to teach and develop:

      ...and place you on the fast track to success in whatever career you choose.

 Army ROTC is an elective course you take in college alongside your prescribed major course of study.     At most Chicago Area Universities, courses are worth 1 semester credit.   The Universities will normally accept up to six ROTC credits hours as electives.   It is not a major in itself!  The classes meets once a week for class and once every other week for a two hour Leadership Lab. 

ROTC is designed to develop and enhance the leadership and management skills of today's students.  While in ROTC, students lead the life of a normal college student but have the added bonus of training in communication, time management and personnel organization. Upon graduation, you earn a commission as a second lieutenant, an officer in the United States Army.

Giving ROTC a try is as easy as registering for any other course. If you are an incoming first year student, simply add Military Science (MLS 101) to your list of courses when you register for your courses.  If you cannot find the course number or if you have other issues registering, please feel free to contact any of my Campus-based cadre.  Each individual is very knowledgeable of your school and its registration system.

 

How is ROTC different from enlisting as a private?

• ROTC is the most common way for a college student to receive a commission into the officer corps of the Army.  A person cannot just enlist to become an officer.  While all individuals who wish to serve their country  must meet the basic educational and physical requirements, officers must also possess a baccalaureate degree, and some preparatory instruction in small unit leadership, planning, and management.  College students enrolled in these Military Science courses assume the rank of Cadet and are trained in the fundamentals of military leadership.   
  
• Officers are the leaders of the Army.  In addition to leading, they  direct and provide vision and structure to the Army. 
  

How long must I be a cadet before I can accept a commission?  ROTC is fundamentally a  four year progression system, but the Army realizes that there are many circumstances so they have devised many other lateral entry programs.  Depending on your particular circumstances, you could feasibly be commissioned in as few as 2 years (4 semesters).  To learn more about your eligibility contact CPT Sarah Slattery at (312) 413-2357 or e-mail her at slattery@uic.edu

Do I have to go to Army Basic Training?    No.  However, some individuals with less than three years of school may have to attend the Leadership Training Course in lieu of taking all the basic course requirements.  The basic course is essentially the freshman and sophomore military science courses.  When a student has completed all of his basic course requirements, or has attended Leadership Training Course and is academically aligned as a Junior, they then become advanced program cadets.  The advanced course program is the junior and senior year.