ROTC
Do You Want To Be A Leader?
If so, you can earn academic credit without any obligation to the Army by taking the ROTC class. New freshmen and existing students can take the 100 level courses for elective credit. Through the class, you’ll find out if ROTC is right for you and your options for becoming an Army officer after college.
Want to know more?
The University of Charleston works in consult with the West Virginia State University Yellow Jacket Battalion in offering ROTC courses leading to the commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.
Questions may be answered by the University’s Military Staff or by contacting:
Mr. Bill Kinsey
Enrollment Officer
WVSU ROTC
304-766-3295
william.r.kinsey.civ@army.mil
ROTC Basic Course Eligibility
- If you are a student at a university, then you can take any 100 or 200 level ROTC class.
ROTC “Contracting” Eligibility
If you want to “contract” with ROTC and become a U.S. Army Officer, then you must meet these criteria:
- Be enrolled full time AND have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (2.5 if applying for a scholarship)
- Will be younger than 30 at the time of commissioning
- Be a US Citizen
- Never used chemical substances or drugs
- Have good moral character (no record of criminal arrest or conviction)
- Meet Army tattoo policy
- Pass a medical exam
- Meet Army height and weight requirements
- Pass the Army Combat Fitness Test (take our physical fitness class and we can help you to succeed)
Q. By enrolling in ROTC are you joining the Army?
A. No. Students who enroll in ROTC don’t automatically join the Army. They take an ROTC class for which they receive credit. There is no obligation just for taking a 100 or 200 level ROTC class.
Q. Is ROTC a major?
A. No, ROTC classes are general electives. Our cadets study any major they want.
Q. When will I become obligated to the Army if I join ROTC?
A. Only when you sign a contract with ROTC. This can be as late as the beginning of the junior year of college.
Q. How much time does ROTC take up weekly?
A. ROTC classes each semester add up to 4 credit hours. Out-of-class requirements are minimal and most are voluntary.
Q. What can students expect to learn by taking ROTC?
A. Quite simply, the leadership and management skills needed to become a U.S. Army officer or have a successful civilian career. During the Basic Course (first two years), your studies will include basic leadership development, basic military skills, adventure training, and life skills. During the Advanced Course (last two years), your studies will include advanced leadership and management skills, planning, and Army ethics.
Q. What makes ROTC different from regular college management courses?
A. Students in ROTC learn through a unique program that involves both classroom and “live” situations. For instance, an ROTC cadet might be found leading classmates through rough terrain in the woods or through a team-building exercise on the campus grounds.
Q. On what basis are scholarship winners chosen?
A. ROTC scholarships are not based on financial need. Instead, they’re awarded on merit. Merit is exhibited in academic achievement and extracurricular activities, such as sports, student government or part-time work. There are a variety of scholarships, tuition and housing assistance available to students.
Q. Can only scholarship winners enroll in ROTC?
A. Almost any student can enroll in ROTC, regardless of whether you’re a scholarship winner or not.
Q. If I enroll in ROTC and see the program all the way through, do I have to go on active duty in the Army?
A. No. We have options that allow ROTC graduates to serve their obligation as officers in the Army National Guard or Army Reserves.
We’re looking for the best and brightest, those with good grades, athletic ability, and dedication.
ROTC scholarships pay tuition and fees OR room and board (up to $10,000 annually), plus $1,200 a year for books.