Why Should You Join ROTC? | Pros & Cons Explained

College degree + guaranteed job after graduation? Check out the ROTC Program.

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Main Air Force ROTC website:

Army ROTC Info:

Navy ROTC Info:

Prior-Enlisted Air Force ROTC Info:

Video Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:28 What is ROTC?
3:29 Time Commitments
5:25 Summer Opportunities
6:49 Job Selections
7:52 Scholarships
11:51 How to Apply
14:12 Is ROTC for You?
16:27 Conclusion

*Adheres to AFI 1-1, USAF Social Media Policy*
Views expressed in this video are my own and do not reflect those of the U.S. Air Force or Department of Defense.
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[bamaboy]

The best piece of advise one of my cadre members ever gave my class: “Don’t major in ROTC”. There were a ton of cadets in my grade year that were fantastic in ROTC, but they were neglecting their grades. They are not officers today because of this. Remember at the end of the day, you need your bachelors degree to earn your commission.

[scoopem]

I find out next Tuesday if I get the AFROTC Scholarship!!

Edit: I GOT IT!!!!

[aarontarpinian]

I’m currently in my Freshman year of AFROTC and currently loving it. This video is literally an exact description of ROTC. Great info for people who might want to apply.

[ohdaegi]

I was also ROTC in south korea and I'm discharged as lieutenant! always thx for america's sacrifice in the korea war. we go together!!

[mike.b.beltran]

My favorite and most encouraging 4 years in my 20 years in the Air Force was being part of the AFROTC Cadre. I enjoyed seeing high school kids become leaders. Had I known about this program, I would’ve pursued this route.

Thanks for sharing!

[tadeuszlufik]

ROTC was a commitment but it wont ruin your 'college experience' if you know how to balance priorities. Remember what it preps you for - a legit job with good benefits and a community out the door with people your age. Self sufficiency and a path to making $ and having pretty much everything else provided for you is a more than legitimate tradeoff. Different career field in the USAF incur different commitments after you graduate and you influence your own destiny starting with how well you do in ROTC. ROTC is a much more enjoyable balance than the Academy.

[Tangemans]

My son is finishing his freshman year in AFROTC and he has flourished. With COVID locking down campuses, it was a great way for him to make friends and become part of a team instead of sitting alone in a dorm room. He has to manage his time closely and balance ROTC with his other classes but I am so impressed with the positive impact it has had on him this past school year.

[kevinbergeman]

To expand on the ROTC video, you really should talk about the differences between the programs at the 6 Senior Military Colleges/Universities (Texas A&M, VMI, The Citadel, North Georgia, Virginia Tech, Norwich) and normal ROTC.

[SamEckholm]

2024 AFROTC Updates:
- All Field Training graduates are guaranteed a 2-yr scholarship.
- All 4-yr scholarships are now 100% tuition/fees, regardless of location.
- Any scholarship can be converted to a $10K/yr stipend for on-campus housing.
- Full-time graduate (Masters/PhD) students may participate in AFROTC.

If you have any more questions, feel free to drop them below. 👇🏼

[TheCmcyclist]

I finished ROTC decades ago for the Army. It was a great experience. I chose not to go active duty and resigned my commission before the second gulf war. Sadly 8 years of reserve duty was not as awesome as ROTC. But the training and friendships during ROTC classes, including basic, advanced courses and the subsequent officer basic course was well worth the experience.

[landenconner]

I was recently awarded a full-ride Army ROTC scholarship. Planning to major in biochemistry and extremely excited to see where the military takes me!

[meonlydanielle]

Additional info about changing majors or losing your scholarship, if you decide after your first year that you hate the AF or your major, then you are let go free and clear. If you start your second year (and accept that money), and then change your mind... you have to pay the AF back. I always recommend apply and give it a shot, but don't wait too long to decide.

[luisreyrivera]

Production was clean and information was worth a sub, I’m definitely checking out the scholarship options

[lucianolsda]

Due to you I’m actually considering joining the AAF and I’m not even American just because I feel like you create a great example that you don’t need to be a pilot or a soldier in Iraq, Thanks! And keep up the great work

[dangerdavedestroyerofdomai]

MTI: "We have the highest standards for PT"
Angry Cops: *dies

[AsianSensation]

As a USNA grad and a current NROTC Advisor, this was a solid breakdown for ROTC as a whole. Good video with great info!

If anyone is interested in checking out the ROTC program, I would highly recommend emailing the ROTC unit at the University of which you wish to attend and get in contact with their staff to assist with questions/concerns about the program. Each unit is going to be slightly different from one another for various reasons (size, location, resources, staff/student intent, etc). This is just one of my biggest recommendations.

[jacobaparicio]

I want to join Army ROTC but I'm a bit nervous because as a Highschool senior I am not the most physically fit person but I'm trying my hardest to beat the struggle and gett better and better every day.

[TCGICXC]

Very informative. I'm an ROTC grad, but later taught at the Air Force Academy for four years. Pros and cons to each program for sure.

[rileymcdonough]

Great content, I remember you were a guest discussing what I believe it was the F-35 to me and our CAP Fredericksburg squadron. You really helped me with understanding USAFA and I m now choosing which summer seminar date. Thank you keep up the great work.

[justinhogenauer]

Sam definitely did his hw on this vid. As a current AS300 AFROTC cadet on an in-college Type-2 scholarship, all his information is accurate to my experience. Great video!

Sam, Can you do a video on the AF Special Operations career fields? 🙏🏼👀