ROTC – Frequently Asked Questions2023-03-10T09:31:43-06:00

Frequently Asked Questions

By enrolling in NSU Army ROTC, are you joining the Army?2023-03-10T09:21:27-06:00

No. Students who enroll in NSU Army ROTC don’t join the Army. They take NSU Army ROTC classes for which they receive college credit. They take the first 2 years as college electives.

Is NSU Army ROTC like “boot camp?”2023-03-10T09:22:46-06:00

No. NSU Army ROTC Cadets go directly to college where they earn their degree like all other students.

What can students expect to learn by taking NSU Army ROTC?2023-03-10T09:23:49-06:00

Quite simply, LEADERSHIP and management skills needed to become a U.S. Army officer or have a successful civilian career.

What makes NSU Army ROTC different from regular college management courses?2023-03-10T09:24:26-06:00

Students in NSU Army ROTC learn through a unique program that involves both classroom and “hands-on” situations. For instance, an NSU Army 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?2023-03-10T09:24:53-06:00

During the first two years, ROTC Cadets have no military obligation (or the first year in the case of scholarship winners).

What is the NSU Army ROTC program comprised of?2023-03-10T09:25:30-06:00

The NSU Army ROTC program is divided into phases: The Basic Course (which is the first 2 years of a 4 year program) studies Army history, organization and structure. The techniques and principles of leadership and management are stressed throughout. The Advanced Course (the last 2 years) concentrates on tactical operations and military instruction, as well as advanced techniques of management, leadership, and command.

Does NSU Army ROTC offer scholarships?2023-03-10T09:26:34-06:00

Each year, Northwestern State University students are eligible to receive ROTC scholarships. NSU Army ROTC awards them to students studying science, technology, engineering, nursing, business, as well as a variety of other majors.

How much money does NSU Army ROTC usually award and what does the money go towards?2023-03-10T09:27:00-06:00

Scholarships are awarded at different monetary levels. Scholarships cover tuition and student fees. Additionally, scholarship awardees receive money for books, as well as a monthly stipend.

On what basis are scholarship winners chosen?2023-03-10T09:27:30-06:00

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

Can only scholarship winners enroll in NSU Army ROTC?2023-03-10T09:27:54-06:00

No. Anyone can enroll in NSU Army ROTC for the first 2 years. And, regardless of whether you’re a scholarship winner or not, all NSU Army ROTC equipment and uniforms are furnished at no cost to you.

How often are NSU Army ROTC scholarships awarded?2023-03-10T09:28:15-06:00

Scholarships are awarded throughout the year to qualified students. High School students generally receive their scholarship during their senior year. Green to Gold Scholarships are now only awarded once a year. Nursing, Simultaneous Member Program (SMP), and college based 2-, 3-, and 4-year scholarships are awarded continuously throughout the school year to qualified Cadets.

How do students benefit from NSU Army ROTC?2023-03-10T09:28:48-06:00

In college and after graduation, Cadets find that the training and experience that they have received are assets – whether pursuing an Army or civilian career. Employers place high regard on the management and leadership skills that NSU Army ROTC instructors stress. Upon graduation, Cadets who complete the entire program become commissioned officers in the U.S. Army.

How do I apply for a scholarship from NSU Army ROTC?2023-03-10T09:29:06-06:00

The first thing that you need to do is to contact the Recruiting Operations Officer (ROO) by calling 318-357-6501 or by email at mcdowellr@nsula.edu. The ROO will answer any questions that you might have and will guide you in the right direction on what steps you need to take to apply for a 2-, 3-, or 4-year scholarship.

How do I join NSU Army ROTC?2023-03-10T09:29:30-06:00

Students at Northwestern State University register for Military Science (MSL) courses the same way as their other courses. Just be certain that when you register for MSL courses that you also register for the corequisite the Leadership Laboratory. All MSL courses are listed in the University’s course catalog, and they are described in further detail on this website’s courses page.

What extra curricular opportunities does NSU Army ROTC offer?2023-03-10T09:29:56-06:00

There are numerous extracurricular activities during the school year such as Ranger Challenge, Intramural Sports, Color Guard, and Cadet Socials. Additionally, we are working to bring back the Black Knights Drill Team.

What summer training opportunities does NSU Army ROTC offer?2023-03-10T09:30:26-06:00

During the summer break, Cadets can get a chance to take part in Airborne School, Air Assault School, Mountain Warfare, Cadet Leadership Course, Warrior Forge, Cadet Individual Entry Training, and the Nursing Student Training Program.

If I commission, what are my Army career field choices?2023-03-10T09:30:52-06:00

You can join a variety of career fields to include Aviation, Armor, Adjutant General, Chemical, Infantry, Ordnance, Signal, Quartermaster, Transportation, Medical Service, Military Police, Nursing, Finance, Military Intelligence, Field Artillery, and Air Defense Artillery, and Engineer Corps.

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