VYPE: How many cadets are currently in the OSU ROTC program?
Oklahoma State Army ROTC has been averaging 125 or more students for the last few years. Those numbers make the Cowboy Battalion the largest Army ROTC in the state. Oklahoma State has not seen those type of enrollment numbers since the late 1980s. The programs continues to grow as students discover Oklahoma State Army ROTC as yet another option while in college. Army ROTC has been on the Oklahoma State campus for over 100 years.
VYPE: What scholarship opportunities are there for students considering the ROTC program?
High school students can apply for a National Army ROTC scholarship starting the summer prior to their high school senior year. Applying for a National Army ROTC scholarship is easy. Just visit GOARMY.COM/ROTC and go to the scholarship tab to start your scholarship application.
Applicants will have to upload their high school transcripts, proof of their ACT or SAT scores, take a short PFA (Physical Fitness Assessment), which can be conducted by a coach or PE instructor and then schedule a PMS (Professor of Military Science) interview at their nearest Senior Army ROTC program of their choice. Scholarship boards are held three times during the year. Scholarship opportunities also exist for students that are in the Oklahoma National Guard or US Army Reserves.
VYPE: What can an incoming cadet expect in his or her first year in ROTC?
The first year is of course the introductory period for freshman students. They will be taught how to read a map, participate in physical fitness events, drill and ceremony, as well as introductory tactical training, just to identify a few. Students are also taught time management skills, participating as a member of a team and an introduction to the types of Army officer branches.
VYPE: Can a college student join the ROTC at any time or is there a cutoff point?
Students should attempt to enter the OSU Army ROTC program during their freshman and sophomore years-the “Basic” phase of Army ROTC. Any student can enter the freshman year of Army ROTC to explore their options. Certain criteria must be met for those that desire to enter the “Advanced” phase of Army ROTC which begins their junior semester. Once students enter their freshman or sophomore years they will be provided all the details and requirements to advance to the junior and senior semesters.
VYPE: Do graduates typically go straight into the military?
Oklahoma State University Army ROTC is an officer producing program. Just like the United State Military Academy-West Point when an OSU student graduates they receive their commission as a second lieutenant into the US Army. All students that complete the OSU Army ROTC program have the option to commission into multiple components that include Active Duty, National Guard or Army Reserves.
VYPE: What is one misconception about ROTC?
The biggest misconception about OSU Army ROTC is that it demands and takes all your time up as a college student. That is simply not true. We have a myriad of students that participate in all types of activities on campus while simultaneously participating in Army ROTC. We currently have honors students, student athletes, and fraternity and sorority members just to mention a few. Oklahoma State University Army ROTC encourages students to participate in as many other activities they are interested in. This participation in multiple activities, organizations and events only make a stronger and more experienced officer for the future.
VYPE: Does your major matter when considering OSU ROTC?
For most officer branches the Army is non-specific for college majors. It is not unusual for a Mechanical Engineer major to choose to serve as an Infantry Officer or for a Political Science major to commission as an Aviation Officer and fly Blackhawk helicopters. The goal is to earn your degree as well as your commission as a student at Oklahoma State University and at that point your options in the US Army are wide and varied.
VYPE: If people want to learn more about the OSU ROTC program or reach you, where can they go?
Go to rotc.okstate.edu or call at 405-744-2055. You can also find us on Facebook at Oklahoma State University Army ROTC and on Twitter @OSUArmyROTC. Email at [email protected].
