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ROTC
Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is available to Southern Virginia University students through a partnership with the nearby Virginia Military Institute—which offers one of the leading programs in the nation.
About ROTC
Students in the Army ROTC become better leaders in both the military and the business world and have the unique experience of leading in physical training and teaching tactics, techniques, and procedures of the U.S. Army. VMI’s AROTC has produced more Army generals than any other ROTC program in the United States, and is designed to prepare qualified cadets for a military commission upon graduation.
The first two years of ROTC are commitment-free, however, every cadet must participate in four years for completion of their degree. VMI offers the option to choose from five branches of the U.S. Military for commissioning, and cadets who do not plan to commission will be enrolled in Army ROTC. Students who complete ROTC are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the United States Army (active duty), United States Army Reserve, or the Army National Guard.
Program Requirements
First and second-year cadets: One two-hour class per week
Third and fourth-year cadets: Two classes each week; a one-hour lecture and a three-hour lab conducted mostly outdoors.
Junior lab: Dedicated to prepare for cadet summer training
Cadet Summer Training: Held between junior and senior year, cadets put into practice all previously learned skills.
Senior Year: Class and lab dedicated for preparation as platoon leader.
Career Opportunities
- Science & Medicine
- Mechanics & Engineering
- Intelligence
- Space Operation Officer
- Intelligence Officer
- Ground forces
- Support & Logistics
- Aviation & Aerial defense
Scholarships
While in school, students can also apply for competitive scholarships. Four-year scholarships are available for incoming freshmen, 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 funds for books and a monthly stipend depending on the student’s year in school.
Additionally, there are the Active Duty and Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) scholarships available.
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.
Learn More about ROTC
If you are interested and would like to receive more information, contact the Southern Virginia Admissions office, or the VMI recruiting operation officer Mr. John Doran at 540-464-7680.