Reserve Officers' Training Corps Programs

Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps

The purpose of the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps program at Drexel University is to provide this nation with leaders of character for our Army, Army Reserve, and National Guard. ROTC training is also intended to foster ideals of patriotism; promote an understanding of the role of the citizen-soldier; stimulate interest in a military career; and develop character, self-discipline, and leadership ability. Army ROTC is a college elective, and enrollment does not require military service.

Students can apply for on-campus 4-year, 3-year and 2-year scholarships here at Drexel. As of January 1, 2006, all Army ROTC scholarships at Drexel cover full tuition and fees. Additionally, as of September 1, 2006, Army ROTC scholarship winners also will receive free room (in dorm of choice on campus) and a 25% discount on Drexel’s meal plan. These additional incentives total in excess of $7500 annually. For example, a 3-year Army ROTC scholarship at Drexel, including these incentives plus monthly stipend and quarterly textbook stipend is worth over $135,000 over 4-years. In order to be offered a scholarship, students must meet certain physical fitness and academic requirements.

Students who satisfactorily complete ROTC course requirements are commissioned as second lieutenants in the United States Army, Army Reserve, or National Guard. Drexel graduates who receive their commission through ROTC may apply for a commission in any branch of the Army for which they are qualified.

The military science program is divided into the basic course and the advanced course. The basic course normally coincides with the student’s first two years of college. The purpose of the course is threefold: to develop certain military skills, to give the student sufficient information to decide whether to continue in the advanced course, and to allow the instructors an opportunity to evaluate the student’s potential to become an officer. It consists of four or five military science courses and weekly attendance at Leadership Laboratories each term the cadet is in school. Except for scholarship cadets, no military obligation is incurred by students participating in these courses. Basic course credit may be granted to students who successfully complete a five-week leader’s training course at Fort Knox, Kentucky, between the sophomore and junior years. Veterans may also receive credit for the basic course. The advanced course is designed to prepare students for commissioned service. The first year of instruction (first two years for co-op students) is directed toward preparation for the32-day National Advanced Leadership Camp at Fort Lewis, Washington. The final year is devoted to preparation for acceptance of a commission.

To be admitted to the advanced course, a student must have credit for the two-year basic course, must volunteer, must be selected by the professor of military science, and must successfully complete the required screening and physical tests.

Enlisted Army Reservists and National Guardsmen may apply for the Simultaneous Membership program, which permits them to serve as officer trainees with their units and receive commissions upon completion of the ROTC advanced course. Veterans’ benefits are not affected by entry into this program, in most cases.

Airborne training, helicopter air assault training, mountain warfare, Northern Warfare training, and Cadet Troop Leadership Training with a Regular Army unit are available to interested cadets.

Twice per school year, cadets are required to participate in a field training exercise. These exercises are usually two to three days in duration and are conducted at Fort Dix, New Jersey, or Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. The field training exercises give students a chance to put into practice skills learned in the classroom and during Leadership Laboratories.

Uniforms—worn during Leadership Laboratory periods and field training exercises—are issued free of charge to all students enrolled in ROTC. Students are responsible for maintaining the uniforms and returning them prior to going on co-op.

A student does not have to be enrolled in ROTC to apply for scholarships. Further information on the scholarships and Army ROTC is available from the Department of Military Science at 215-590-8808.