WHAT IS ROTC?
The Army Reserve Officer Training Corps strives to be the premier leader development program in the world. Our program of instruction has been refined over 90 years to impart to college students the skills it will take to lead others and to defend the freedoms we enjoy as American citizens.
Army ROTC produces officers -- 75% of all Army officers. Founded in 1916, Army ROTC has produced more than 500,000 lieutenants for America’s Army. An Army officer is a prestigious professional who serves as a leader of the most respected institution in America. (2002 National Survey)
In addition, Army ROTC is a college elective you can try out for up to two years with no obligation. Unlike traditional college programs, Army ROTC gives you a wide range of experiences while you work toward a degree. You'll combine classroom time with hands-on experience, learning skills that are sure to give you an edge over your peers when it comes time to look for a job. Whether you're planning a career in the Army or the corporate world, Army ROTC is a smart elective course to take.
As part of Army ROTC, you'll be in the company of a diverse group of individuals with broad interests. Past and present members include men and women who were presidents of their student governments, captains of their varsity sports teams, club presidents, or members of the National Honor Society.
Many prominent Americans got their start through Army ROTC. The program has produced two U.S. Secretaries of State, innumerable business and civic leaders and a female astronaut. Among the more famous graduates of the program are Colin Powell, Sam Walton, George Marshall, Lou Holtz and James Earl Jones.
ROTC at IU
Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) at Indiana University is a world-class leadership development program that offers challenging, hands-on training to build confidence and character while developing leadership skills for future success. Students can participate in IU Army ROTC obligation-free for the first two years. Those who decide to make a commitment are further groomed for military service as an Army officer, receiving a Second Lieutenant's commission upon graduation. Qualified students willing to make the commitment are eligible for scholarships and other monies to help pay for college.
The United States Military is the most respected institution in America (Harris Poll), and military officers are the third most respected profession, ranking just behind doctors and scientists (Harris Poll). There is no greater sacred trust bestowed upon a U.S. citizen than that which is conferred upon military officers.
Indiana University Army ROTC is the 5th oldest program of its kind in the nation, dating back to 1840 here at IU Bloomingon (for more on the history of IU's ROTC program, click here). In 2007 IU Army ROTC was the best program in 9th ROTC Brigade (which has command authority of all senior Army ROTC programs in Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, and part of Illinois). IU Army ROTC has met and exceeded its assigned US Army commission requirement for the past 5 years, placing it in the top 10% in Western Region (which covers half of the United States).
In Fall 2007, IU Army ROTC brought in 19 freshmen scholarship cadets, with an average SAT of 1200. For Fall 2008, IU Army ROTC has 28 freshmen scholarship cadets inbound, with an average SAT of 1240 and an average high school g.p.a. of 3.5. Approximately half of our 110 total cadet population are Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) cadets, who attend IU full-time, serve in a Guard or Reserve unit, and participate in IU Army ROTC.
Stop by anytime at the Army ROTC building, located at 814 E. Third Street, for a tour. For more information visit www.indiana.edu/~rotc or contact Major Todd L. Tinius at (812) 855-9568 or (812) 855-ROTC (email ttinius@indiana.edu). Set yourself apart from the herd and see what IU Army ROTC can do to help you develop life skills for future success.
