Intro
Unlock a path to service and scholarship with the Army National Guard ROTC program. Discover the 5 ways to join, including high school scholarships, college ROTC programs, and enlisted commissioning routes. Learn about the benefits, requirements, and opportunities available to students and young adults seeking to serve their country while pursuing higher education.
Serving one's country is a noble pursuit, and for many, joining the Army National Guard ROTC ( Reserve Officers' Training Corps) is an excellent way to do so while also earning a college degree. The Army National Guard ROTC provides students with the opportunity to develop leadership skills, receive a scholarship, and prepare for a career in the military. If you're considering joining the Army National Guard ROTC, here are five ways to do so.
Understanding the Army National Guard ROTC
Before we dive into the ways to join the Army National Guard ROTC, it's essential to understand what the program entails. The Army National Guard ROTC is a four-year program that combines college coursework with military training. Students who participate in the program receive a scholarship, which covers the cost of tuition and fees, as well as a stipend for books and other expenses. In return, students commit to serving in the Army National Guard for a minimum of eight years after graduation.
Method 1: High School Students - Four-Year Scholarship
One way to join the Army National Guard ROTC is through a four-year scholarship. High school students who meet the eligibility requirements can apply for a scholarship, which covers the cost of tuition and fees for four years. To be eligible, students must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be between the ages of 17 and 26
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5
- Score a minimum of 920 on the SAT or 19 on the ACT
- Meet physical fitness standards
Students who receive a scholarship must commit to serving in the Army National Guard for eight years after graduation.
Application Process
The application process for a four-year scholarship is competitive and involves several steps. Students must:
- Submit an application through the Army National Guard ROTC website
- Provide transcripts and test scores
- Complete a physical fitness assessment
- Participate in an interview with an Army National Guard ROTC recruiter
Method 2: College Students - Two-Year Scholarship
College students who have already completed two years of college coursework can apply for a two-year scholarship. To be eligible, students must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be between the ages of 17 and 26
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5
- Score a minimum of 920 on the SAT or 19 on the ACT
- Meet physical fitness standards
Students who receive a two-year scholarship must commit to serving in the Army National Guard for six years after graduation.
Application Process
The application process for a two-year scholarship is similar to the four-year scholarship process. Students must:
- Submit an application through the Army National Guard ROTC website
- Provide transcripts and test scores
- Complete a physical fitness assessment
- Participate in an interview with an Army National Guard ROTC recruiter
Method 3: Army National Guard Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)
The Army National Guard Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) allows students to join the Army National Guard while simultaneously participating in the ROTC program. To be eligible, students must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be between the ages of 17 and 26
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5
- Score a minimum of 920 on the SAT or 19 on the ACT
- Meet physical fitness standards
Students who participate in the SMP program receive a scholarship, which covers the cost of tuition and fees, as well as a stipend for books and other expenses.
Application Process
The application process for the SMP program involves several steps. Students must:
- Submit an application through the Army National Guard ROTC website
- Provide transcripts and test scores
- Complete a physical fitness assessment
- Participate in an interview with an Army National Guard ROTC recruiter
Method 4: Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) Scholarship
The Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) scholarship is a type of scholarship that guarantees students a reserve component duty assignment after graduation. To be eligible, students must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be between the ages of 17 and 26
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5
- Score a minimum of 920 on the SAT or 19 on the ACT
- Meet physical fitness standards
Students who receive a GRFD scholarship must commit to serving in the Army National Guard for eight years after graduation.
Application Process
The application process for the GRFD scholarship involves several steps. Students must:
- Submit an application through the Army National Guard ROTC website
- Provide transcripts and test scores
- Complete a physical fitness assessment
- Participate in an interview with an Army National Guard ROTC recruiter
Method 5: Army National Guard ROTC Campus-Based Scholarship
The Army National Guard ROTC campus-based scholarship is a type of scholarship that is awarded to students who are already enrolled in an Army National Guard ROTC program. To be eligible, students must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be between the ages of 17 and 26
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5
- Score a minimum of 920 on the SAT or 19 on the ACT
- Meet physical fitness standards
Students who receive a campus-based scholarship must commit to serving in the Army National Guard for eight years after graduation.
Application Process
The application process for the campus-based scholarship involves several steps. Students must:
- Submit an application through the Army National Guard ROTC website
- Provide transcripts and test scores
- Complete a physical fitness assessment
- Participate in an interview with an Army National Guard ROTC recruiter
Army National Guard ROTC Image Gallery
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the different ways to join the Army National Guard ROTC. Whether you're a high school student, college student, or looking for a career change, the Army National Guard ROTC offers a unique opportunity to serve your country while earning a college degree.