You’ve seen them in uniform around campus, participating in ceremonies or doing physical training drills first thing in the morning. Here’s what you need to know about Reserve Officer Training Corps, or ROTC, programs at the Capstone.
1. Leaders of character.
ROTC is the undergraduate path to becoming a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, Air Force or Space Force. In addition to their regular coursework, cadets engage in physical and leadership training and community service during their time at UA, and emerge prepared for Department of Defense careers, starting at the rank of second lieutenant. Upperclassman cadets build leadership skills by planning skills-building training for other cadets such as drilling and marching training, physical training exercises and war games.
2. New facility.
UA recently broke ground on a tailored skill enhancement facility for ROTC that will include a fitness center, a virtual war gaming center, digital rifle range and rappel tower. In addition to providing a dedicated space for physical fitness and rifle training, the center will enable virtual simulations, which will help improve military strategy and problem-solving skills in cadets. The facility will be completed in spring 2027.
3. Don’t be afraid to try.
UA students can take classes under the ROTC umbrella without committing to a career in the military. In fact, students in any course of study can benefit from the philosophical leadership skills taught in ROTC courses. And if a course does lead to interest in becoming a cadet, no family history of military service is necessary. Students can learn everything they need to know right here at UA.
4. Get paid to learn.
ROTC is committed to supporting cadets, helping college remain financially feasible for them. In the Air Force program, students in their junior and senior years qualify for an $18,000 per year scholarship. In the Army program, scholarship recipients receive money for tuition, fees and books, along with a $420 per month stipend.
5. Solid future? 100%.
UA ROTC is an investment in a successful future in the U.S. Army, Air Force or Space Force. At present, UA cadets who want to pursue careers as pilots post a 100% selection rate with the Air Force, while the national average is closer to 70%. Army cadets enjoy a 100% placement rate, with nearly immediate employment as second lieutenants. In addition to an exciting career ladder, the U.S. military offers benefits such as generous pension and healthcare plans.
Learn more about UA Air Force ROTC or Army ROTC.