FAQ - UNC Army ROTC

By enrolling in ROTC, are students joining the Army?

No. Students who enroll in ROTC don’t join the Army. They take an ROTC class for which they receive credit. It’s considered a college elective.

Is ROTC like “boot camp”?

No. ROTC cadets are full-time college students working to earn their degree. Army ROTC classes normally involve one elective class and one lab per semester. Although the classes involve hands-on fieldwork as well as classroom work, they are standard college classes that fit into a normal academic schedule. For Tar Heel Army ROTC cadets, academics come first.

What makes ROTC different from regular college management courses?

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 adventure training, down a river in a raft, or up a mountain wall.

Is there a military obligation during college?

During the first two years, ROTC cadets have no military obligation (or the first year for scholarship recipients). Upon contracting (accepting receipt of second year of a scholarship or when beginning the MSIII (junior) year), the cadet incurs an obligation to serve in the United States Army; that service can be either active or reserve duty. Different programs have different obligations. Service obligations range from three years to eight years.

What comprises the ROTC course?

The ROTC program is divided into phases: The Basic Course studies Army history, organization, and structure. The Advanced Course concentrates on tactical operations and military instruction, as well as advanced techniques of management, leadership, and command. The techniques and principles of leadership and management are stressed throughout. Click here for more information on the ROTC course curriculum.

Does Army ROTC offer scholarships?

Yes. Each year hundreds of students attending colleges nationwide receive ROTC scholarships. ROTC awards them to students studying science, engineering, nursing, business, and pretty much any other majors.

Army ROTC scholarships consist of:

Two-, three-, and four-year scholarship options based on the time remaining to complete your degree
Full-tuition scholarships
The option for room and board in place of tuition
Additional allowances for books and fees

Click here for more information on ROTC scholarships.

How much money does ROTC usually award and what does the money go towards?

Scholarships are awarded at different monetary levels. At some schools an ROTC scholarship is worth up to $80,000, which goes towards tuition and educational fees. All scholarship cadets receive $420/month living allowances during each school year. This allowance is also offered to all non-scholarship contracted Cadets enrolled in Army ROTC (2nd, 3rd, and 4th years)!

On what basis are scholarship winners chosen?

ROTC scholarships are awarded on merit, not based on financial need. Merit is exhibited in high school or college academic achievement and extracurricular activities, such as sports, student government or part-time work.

Can only scholarship winners enroll in ROTC?

No, anyone can enroll in ROTC. And regardless of whether you’re a scholarship winner or not, all ROTC books, supplies and equipment are furnished at not cost to you.

How often are Army ROTC scholarships awarded?

Scholarships are awarded once a year. Students apply by November 15 and selections are made continuously thru May 15. Four-year scholarship applications must be requested between March 1 and November 1. Also, once cadets are on campus, two-year and three-year scholarships are available.

How do I get an Army ROTC scholarship?

Visit http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/scholarships.html and follow the link in order to apply for ROTC scholarships. Click here for more details.

When should I apply for an Army ROTC scholarship to UNC-Chapel Hill?

First, you should apply for admission to UNC. Click here for UNC admissions deadlines. Go to http://www.unc.edu/myunc/, create an account, and begin your application. For more information regarding UNC admissions and deadlines visit: http://admissions.unc.edu.

After applying for admission to UNC, apply for your Army ROTC scholarship. 4-year Army ROTC scholarship deadlines is 15 November. If you want to apply for a 2-year or 3-year scholarship, contact the UNC Army ROTC recruiting officer immediately at (919) 962-7347. Click here for more information about the various Army ROTC scholarships available.

What should I do to prepare for UNC Army ROTC?

Bring the right attitude, confidence, commitment. Also, ROTC training can be physically demanding. Keep yourself physically fit. You can see the standards for the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) by visiting http://www.apft-standards.com/.

Where do I park when I visit UNC Army ROTC?

The UNC ROTC Armory is located at the corner of South Columbia St. and South Rd. on the UNC campus.

An official visitor’s pass is available for convenient parking in the N11 lot behind the Armory. To schedule an official visit, contact the UNC Recruiting Officer at (919) 962-7347.

Parking is available on Franklin St. which is located at the north end of the campus. There are number of parking decks and also metered parking along the street. See the map below for details. ($1.00/hr at all 2hr meters and off-street meters, $0.50/hr for all 4hr meters).

The Highway 54 Lot is located on Highway 54 one block east of Country Club Road. ($1.50/hr)

The Morehead Visitors lot is located on Franklin St. to the east of the sundial and just in front of Morehead Planetarium Building and the UNC Visitor Center. ($1.50/hr)

The Rams Head Parking Deck is located off of Ridge Rd. on the South part of campus. ($1.50/hr).

Maps of Parking in Chapel Hill

For parking on Campus, click HERE

For more information, use the UNC Department of Public Safety website: http://www.dps.unc.edu/Parking/visitor/visitor.cfm