RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS

The Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) was born when President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Defense Act of 1916. Since its inception, Army ROTC has provided leadership and military training at schools and universities across the country and has commissioned more than a half million Officers. It is the largest commissioning source in the American military.

Army ROTC has a total of 273 host programs with more than 1,100 partnership and affiliate schools across the country. It produces approximately 60 percent of the Second Lieutenants who join the active Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard. More than 40 percent of current Active Duty Army General Officers were commissioned through ROTC. Army ROTC provides Cadets with the character-building aspects of a diverse, self-disciplined civilian education with tough, centralized leadership development training.

Simultaneous Membership Program/Reserve Officer Training Corps

The Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) allows selected enlisted members of the Army National Guard to simultaneously participate in any Army ROTC program. Being an SMP allows you to earn your drill pay, which is paid at the rate of Sergeant (E5, or your current rank if higher), understudy with a unit officer, perform officer duties, contract as cadet, and earn the ROTC benefits.

Washington ROTC UNIVERSITIES

  • University of Washington – (206) 378-6414
  • Seattle University – (206) 296-1223
  • Pacific Lutheran University – (253) 535-7718
  • Central Washington University – (509) 963-3534
  • Washington State University – (509) 335-6608
  • Eastern Washington University – (509) 723-3810
  • Gonzaga University – (509) 863-8282


SMP/ROTC Benefits

  • Pay grade starting at E5 (higher if you’re at a higher pay grade)
  • State Tuition Assistance Program (STAP) up to $12,000 per year (reimbursed)
  • Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) up to $4,000 per year
  • Montgomery GI Bill Kicker adds $350 per month to your existing GI Bill benefit
  • Stipend between $420 per month depending on your school status (freshman through senior year)
  • Yearly book allowance of $1,200 per year to cover the cost of books
  • Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) Scholarship     
    • Pays full tuition or $10,000 Room and Board for two years
    • Same benefits above
    • Commission into the Reserve or National Guard
    • Pays full tuition or $10,000 Room and Board per year
    • Same benefits above
    • Commission into the National Guard
    • Pays full tuition or $10,000 Room and Board per year
    • Same benefits above
    • Commission into the National Guard
  • Dedicated Army National Guard (DEDNG) Scholarship: pay for up to 3 years of college unless a STEM major then
    up to 4
  • Minuteman Scholarship: The Adjutant General for Washington State can allocate up to 8 scholarship per year, each scholarship is 4 years.

Reserve Officer Training Corps

Guard Soldiers may be exempt from ROTC Basic Course (MS I & II) because of military training and experience. Instead, Guard Soldiers may qualify to enroll directly into Advanced ROTC (MS III & IV). During the school week, SMP Cadets participate in all ROTC classes, labs and field training exercises. On training weekends, SMP Cadets are mentored in their assigned unit. During these weekends, Cadets wear their ROTC designation and carry out duties of new 2LTs in a supervised, on-the-job training environment.


ATTEND COLLEGE

The next step is to be accepted and attend a college or university offering Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) courses.

Once this is accomplished:

1. Complete an SMP Agreement Contract before your Sophomore or Junior year

2. Take the contract to your school’s ROTC department and enroll in the ROTC Advanced Course (the Advanced Course averages seven hours per week; one 2 hour class, one 2 hour lab, and 3 hours of physical fitness)

3. Begin ROTC classes

4. Continue attending Guard unit training assemblies

ROTC Advanced Camp

After completion of Military Science III (Junior year), SMP Cadets attend a six week ROTC Advanced Camp at Fort Knox, KY instead of AT.


AFTER CAMP:

  • Return to school for Senior year
  • Enroll in and complete Military Science IV


GRADUATION

Once classes are complete, SMP Cadets can apply for graduation and receive their commission as Second Lieutenants (2LT) in the Army National Guard or United States Army.

Traditionally, ROTC consists of three phases: Basic Course, Advanced Course & Advanced Camp.


BASIC COURSE

Basic Course refers to freshman and sophomore level ROTC classes; Military Science (MS) I and II. These classes cover subjects like military history, traditions and organizations, and national defense. A strong emphasis on leadership development is prevalent the first two years. This offers a unique opportunity for students to gain hands on leadership skills while in college.

  • Basic Camp during one of your summer’s freshman or sophomore year
  • While not required it is highly encouraged to attend Basic Combat Training before University/College or during Freshman summer in order to qualify for 50% off tuition at State schools


ADVANCED COURSE

This final phase consists of the last two years of the ROTC program, MS III and IV. The curriculum focuses on preparation for the challenges of military leadership. To enter this course, you must have already completed one of the following:

  • Army Basic Combat Training
  • Basic Leadership Training Course
  • Complete MS I & II

During your Junior year, you will combine classroom instruction and practical application focusing on land navigation, military tactics and how to prepare and present operation orders. Your Senior year focuses on Cadet leadership positions, leadership challenges and preparation to become a 2LT. You will also be responsible for training and evaluating Cadets currently going through MS I, II, and III.


ADVANCED CAMP

This segment of a Cadet’s training provides one third of the evaluation for accession and branch selection at commissioning. Here you will train to Army standards, refine leadership skills, and evaluate officer potential. This phase is intentionally tough and stressful. The days are long with considerable night training. Throughout, a Cadet encounters physical and mental obstacles, challenging him/her as a person, Soldier, and leader. Training information:

  • Primarily conducted in small unit, tactical sessions
  • Sequenced in a logical, building block manner
  • Covers basic military skills for leading Soldiers in tactical environments
  • Forces Cadets to serve in positions of leadership from squad to company level
  • Serves as a basis to evaluate Cadets on their leadership, organization and teamwork abilities
  • Allows camp instructors ample opportunities to advise, coach and evaluate a Cadet’s potential.


Eligibility

  • A U.S. Citizen
  • Between the ages of 17-30 (must commission before turning 31)
  • Valid Chapter 2 MEPS Physical
  • Official University/College acceptance letter
  • 2.5 GPA
  • 1000 or higher SAT
  • 19 or higher ACT
  • GT score of 110 or higher
  • Attend Basic Combat Training or Basic Camp

OFFICER CANDIDATE SCHOOL

Officers are the Army’s leaders. They plan training and lead Soldiers all over the world. Rising through the ranks, commissioned officers become managers and problem solvers. They maintain a commitment to excellence, make critical decisions, lead every mission and guide Army Soldiers by the thousands. They take responsibility for the safety and freedom of Americans all over the world. Their training encourages the development of leadership and problem solving skills that make them sought after by civilian employers. And one place where they’re made is Officer Candidate School.

OCS is an intense leadership training ground. It’s physically and mentally challenging, and not everyone is cut out for it. But those who are accepted and make it through agree, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives. You’ve got options. Whether you're a first time soldier or have prior military service, OCS will transform you into an effective leader.

There are three options for attending OCS, as outlined below. After speaking with a recruiter, you’ll choose the best one for you based on your specific circumstances, such as your work and family commitments.


State OCS (Traditional)

Traditional OCS takes place at Camp Murray and Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA and is taught by the Regional Training Institute (RTI). Soldiers meet one weekend per month for 18 months plus one two week period each summer. You must be able to complete the course and receive your commission by your 42nd birthday. You must have a minimum of 90 semester hours or 120 quarter hours towards a post-secondary degree.


National Guard Accelerated OCS

Accelerated OCS takes place twice a year; once in June at Fort Meade, SD and once in January at Fort McClellan, AL. It is an intense saturation of training seven days a week for a total of eight weeks. You must be able to complete the course and receive your commission by your 42nd birthday. You must have a minimum of 90 semester hours or 120 quarter hours towards a post-secondary degree.


Prerequisites

Before starting the OCS application process, please take a moment to read the prerequisite list. This will help you avoid delays and problems when filing your application.

  • Must be a US Citizen prior to commissioning.
  • Must attend Officer Basic Course (OBC) within 18 months of commissioning.
  • Must have completed BCT and AIT or other military service equivalent. (AIT can be waived for those Soldiers enlisting into the Army National Guard for the OCS Option. Contact your local recruiter for details on the OCS Enlistment Option).
  • GT score of 110 or higher.
  • Must have 90 credit hours from an accredited College or University to enroll.
  • The minimum age for enrollment is 18 years.
  • The maximum age for enrollment is the age that will allow the applicant to complete the program prior to reaching age 42.
  • Must pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) upon entering the program and again prior to commissioning.
  • Must pass a Commissioning Physical prior to Phase I and within 24 months of commissioning.
  • Must meet the height weight standards in accordance with AR 600-9.


Federal OCS

  • This option takes place at Fort Benning, GA and is 14 weeks long, year round. You must be able to finish and accept a commission by your 34th birthday and you must have a Bachelor's degree.

SPECIALTY BRANCH

Specialty Branch Officers

ARMY MEDICAL DEPARTMENT (AMEDD)

There are many reasons to choose a career as a health care professional in the Michigan Army National Guard. Whether you are involved in direct patient care, research, disease prevention, or allied health fields the Army Medical Department (AMEDD) has an abundance of opportunities. The Army Healthcare Team is one of the largest comprehensive systems of health care in the country.

  • Medical Corps
  • Dental Corps
  • Specialist Corps (PA’s, Physical Therapists)
  • Nurse Corps
  • Medical Service Corps (Healthcare Admin, Flight, SW, CP)


AMEDD STUDENT/DENTAL STUDENT

Medical and Dental students in the Army National Guard are eligible for a direct commission. Qualifying for the program is easy: students must join the Army National Guard and be enrolled in good standing or have a firm unconditional written acceptance from an accredited professional school leading to a degree in allopathic medicine (MD), osteopathic medicine (DO), dentistry (DDS or DMD.


AMEDD INCENTIVES

  • Special Pay Accession Bonus (Initial) *
    • Medical Corps, Dental Corps, Psychiatrist
      • $25,000 per year
  • Special Pay Retention Bonus
      • $25,000 for a 2, 3, or 4 year contract
    • Physician Assistants, Clinical Psychologist and Social Workers
      • PA’s - $25,000 per year (2, 3, or 4 year)
      • CP’s - $20,000 per year (2, 3, or 4 year)
      • SW’s - $ 15,000 per year (2, 3, or 4 year)
    • Aeromedical Evacuation Pilot
      • $10,000 per year for 2, 3, or 4 year contract
  • Health Professional Loan Repayment (HPLRP) **
    • Medical and Dental Corps, Psychiatrist
      • $10,000 max payment per year
      • $250,000 lifetime cap
    • Physician Assistants, Clinical Psychologist and Social Workers
  • Ø Physician Assistants: $20,000 max payment per year; $60,000 lifetime cap
  • Ø Clinical Psychologists: $40,000 max payment per year; $250,000 max
  • Ø Social Workers: $25,000 max payment per year; $75,000 max
  • Medical and Dental Stipend Program (MDSSP)
    • Typically a 1 to 4 year contract
      • $2,39.60 per month
      • 1 year service obligation per 6 month period or part thereof
      • must be USAREC board approved for the stipend
      • available to medical and dental students
  • Specialized Training Assistance Program (STRAP)
    • Typically 1 to 4 year contract
      • $2,391.60 per month
      • 1 year service obligation per 6 month period or part thereof
      • must be USAREC board approved for the stipend
      • available to Medical Corps (MC) only


JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL (JAG)

Judge Advocates have provided professional legal service to the Army for over 200 years. Since that time the Corps has grown dramatically to meet the Army's increased need for legal expertise. Today, approximately 1500 attorneys serve on active duty while more than 3,000 Judge Advocates find rewarding part-time careers as members of the U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard. Service as an Army National Guard Judge Advocate is available to all qualified attorneys. Those who are selected have the opportunity to practice in areas as diverse as the field of law itself. For example, JAG Corps officers prosecute, defend, and judge, courts-martial, negotiate and review government contracts, act as counsel at administrative hearings, and provide legal advice in such specialized areas as international, regulatory, labor, patent and tax law while effectively maintaining their civilian careers.


APPOINTMENT ELIGIBILITY AND GRADE

In general, applicants must meet the following qualifications:

  • Must be at least 21 years old (for appointment as a first lieutenant you must be younger than 33), and for appointment to captain you must be younger than 39. Waivers for those exceeding age limitations are available in exceptional cases.
  • Must be a graduate of an ABA-approved law school
  • Be a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of state or federal court.
  • Be of good moral character and possess leadership qualities

Grade of rank at the time of appointment is determined by the number of years of service credit to which an individual is entitled. As a general rule, an approved applicant receives three years constructive credit for law school attendance; plus, any prior active or reserve commissioned service. Any time period is counted only once (i.e., three years of commissioned reserve service while attending law school entitles a person to only three years constructive service credit, not six years). Once the total credit is calculated, the entry grade is awarded as follows:

  • 3 or more but less than 7 years First Lieutenant
  • 7 or more but less than 14 years Captain
  • 14 or more but less than 21 years Major


PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS - The JAG Corps Program is multifaceted, with the degree of participation determined largely by the individual. Officers are originally assigned to a Monthly Unit Training Assembly (MUTA). Officers attend monthly training assemblies and perform two weeks of annual training a year. If mobilization occurs, they deploy with their unit and provide legal services commensurate with their duty positions.


SCHOOLING - An Army National Guard (ARNG) Judge Advocate (JA) will attend approximately sixteen and one-half weeks of initial military training. New ARNG JAs are required to complete the Judge Advocate Officer's Basic Course (JAOBC) and the Direct Commissioned Officer (DCO) Course within twelve months of commissioning as a condition of appointment.


CHAPLAIN CORPS

When you join the Army National Guard as a Chaplain, you will be a commissioned officer. Chaplains are the non-combative, spiritual leaders of the Army National Guard, providing emotional and religious support to Soldiers and their families. You'll perform religious ceremonies, offer guidance and help Soldiers adjust to their military lives and experiences.

Your initial training is the Chaplain Officer Basic Leadership Course; a three month program at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. This course teaches you to apply your civilian chaplain skills to the Army environment, prepares you physically and mentally to be an officer in the Guard, and covers the complexities of the First Amendment, freedom of expression, counseling, mentoring and leadership. This course can be completed in one block or several phases over a 24month period.

As a Chaplain, all religions and belief systems are welcome in the Guard. To serve as a Guard chaplain, your faith group must have a federally recognized endorsing agency that can issue an ecclesiastical endorsement for you. Typically, you will work with Soldiers from your own faith.

Additional things to know about becoming a Chaplain:

  • You must be a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalized, pass a physical exam, and be between 21 and 42 years old. There are several educational requirements as well—be sure to look over the complete list of requirements for Army National Guard chaplain candidates.
  • You don't have to wait until graduation to join the Army National Guard chaplaincy. As a chaplain candidate, you can train to be a Chaplain in the Guard while working toward your civilian theology Master's Degree. This lets you earn a paycheck while greatly adding to your education and experience.
  • Your rank will depend on your work experience and education level. Chaplains are officers in the Army National Guard and generally begin their career progression at the grade of 1LT (First Lieutenant). Advanced appointment as a CPT (Captain) may be possible under certain circumstances.

WARRANT OFFICERS

What is a Warrant Officer?

In 1985, the Department of the Army developed a clear and concise definition which encompasses all warrant officer specialties.

An officer appointed by warrant by the Secretary of the Army, based upon a sound level of technical and tactical competence. The warrant officer is the highly specialized expert and trainer who, by gaining progressive levels of expertise and leadership, operates, maintains, administers, and manages the Army's equipment, support activities, or technical systems for an entire career.

Specialized training prepares you to be a technical and tactical expert in your concentration and an effective leader, instructor and advisor to both subordinates and commanders who depend on you. With over 40 different tech warrant specialties, you will likely have options to select from based on your MOS. Whichever warrant officer career direction you choose, you'll be on a path to higher rank, increased responsibility and authority, and greater pay and benefits.


Eligibility Requirements

If you are currently an E5 or higher in the Army National Guard, a USAR Soldier, a transitioning active component Soldier, or a current or former Warrant Officer, you might just be the person we're looking for. There are also some basic requirements you must meet as determined by the Army National Guard.

Applicants must:

  • Be between the ages of 18 and 46 (additional restrictions may apply to specific MOSs)
  • Score 110 or above on the General Aptitude Area Test
  • Be a High School Graduate or pass the General Education Development test (GED)
  • Be a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization
  • Be able to successfully pass all events on the Army Physical Fitness Test and meet height/weight standards
  • Be able to pass FINAL Secret or Top Secret Security Clearance (Interim clearances will not satisfy requirement)
  • Meet certain mandatory technical qualifications for your specific MOS
  • Have 12 months remaining on your enlistment contract


Regulations

Army Regulation 135-100, Appointment of Commissioned & Warrant Officers of the Army.

DA Pamphlet 611-21, Military Occupational Classification and Structure

NGR 600-101, (Warrant Officers) Federal Recognition and Related Personnel Actions

DA Pamphlet 600-11, Warrant Officer Professional Development & Utilization.

Contact Us:

Ng.wa.waarng.list.rrb-osm@mail.mil

ROTC/OCS/Component Transfer:

253-512-1400

253-512-1408

509-532-2707

Specialty Branch: 253-912-3142 or 253-912-3135

Warrant Officer Programs: 253-512-3145