"The order, the self-discipline, the pride that had been instilled in me by ROTC was a tremendous companion to my basic liberal arts education and prepared me well for my Army career, or for that matter, any career I might have chosen." Secretary of State Colin Powell, former Chairman, The Joint Chiefs of Staff.
If you are already committed to service with the United States Army Guard or Reserves, you should be excited to know that you can receive your degree and a commission as an Officer at the same time. If you qualify and you contract with Army ROTC, the ROTC contract takes precedent and you are protected from deployment until you receive your commission. You can choose to compete for Active Duty or remain in the Guard or Reserve.
Soldiers
Green to Gold Active Duty Option
Green To Gold is a program for Soldiers who are currently on active duty who demonstrate officer potential. The program allows enlisted Soldiers to earn an officer's commission and college degree (bachelors or masters) as full time students through Army ROTC.
There are three Green To Gold Options: Active Duty Option, Scholarship Option, and Non-Scholarship Option. Each has different eligibility requirements and benefits.
Basic requirements include: NON WAIVERABLE
ACTIVE DUTY OPTION - most competitive option, most benefits.
Soldier remains on Active Duty while going to school full time, retains all pay and allowances.
Competitive -- 200 openings available each year across the Army.
Applicants submit a packet to Cadet Command NLT 1 APR. Results are announced in early June.
Additional eligibility requirements:
SCHOLARSHIP OPTION - does not require any previous college credit. HS graduates or GED holders are eligible.
Soldier is discharged under Chapter 16-2 to attend school full time for 2, 3, or 4 years.
Scholarship pays full tuition, mandatory fees, $1200/year for books, and monthly stipend $300 - $500.
Competitive -- approx. 300 scholarships awarded each year across the Army.
Applicants submit a packet to Cadet Command NLT 1 APR (spring board) or 1 OCT (fall board).
Additional eligibility requirements:
NON-SCHOLARSHIP OPTION - not competitive; allows simultaneous participation in National Guard or Reserve.
Soldier is discharged under Chapter 16-2 to attend school full time.
Student is responsible for tuition, fees, etc.
This option is not competitive -- all soldiers that meet eligibility criteria are accepted. Application is submitted to and reviewed by the ROTC department of the college you wish to attend.
No deadline for application. May start school in fall or spring semester.
Additional eligibility requirements:
Stop by Thatcher Hall and see our Enrollment Officer, we can customize a plan to fit you and your needs today!
You may be eligible to contract as early as your sophomore year, if you are a member of the Reserve Components. Ask us about details, the laws and rules are constantly changing.