photo essay about rotc

Photo essay: A day in the life of UC’s ROTC

Cadets from uc hop aboard military helicopters to begin weekend drill.

While many college students might spend the weekend catching up on work, class assignments or sleep, more than 40 members of the U.S. Army ROTC on Thursday climbed aboard military helicopters to begin a four-day drill at Fort Knox.

Two CH-47 Chinooks and one UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter landed at Cincinnati’s Lunken Airport to pick up University of Cincinnati students for the training exercise in Kentucky, where they joined ROTC students from five other area universities.

The Blackhawk touched down on the runway with a roar and taxied to the tarmac where its rotors blasted a hurricane of icy wind. Behind it, two leviathan dual-rotor Chinooks from the Ohio National Guard landed and pulled up alongside it.

A Blackhawk helicopter lands at Lunken Airport to pick up UC students who belong to the ROTC. Photo/Abby Hardesty/UC Marketing + Brand

After a safety briefing, the students climbed into the aircraft for the hourlong flight to Fort Knox.

About 4% of UC’s student body are veterans or dependents of veterans, but it’s a population that often goes unnoticed.

UC student John Malas. Photo/Abby Hardesty/UC Marketing + Brand

UC College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services student John Malas plans to enlist in the U.S. Army where he hopes to join the military police. He is studying criminal justice.

“Every cadet gets the choice of joining the national guard, the reserves or active duty,” Malas said. “I plan to join active duty.”

Lt. Col. Daniel Laakso, a professor of military science at UC, said the exercise helps identify leadership potential among the cadets. The drill involves exercises on navigation, marksmanship, rappelling and military operations, Laakso said.

“That’s really what we look for — does the cadet make good decisions and collaborate well?”

He enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard in 1999 and enrolled at Texas A&M University as a student veteran in 2000. Student veterans learn important skills that transfer to the classroom, he said.

“It forced me to develop good time-management skills and be disciplined,” he said. 

Virginia and Vern Rebsch stood outside the gates at Lunken Airport taking photos of their son Cameron as he lined up to board a Chinook. Cameron Rebsch is a student in UC’s Lindner College of Business.

“He was so excited about this,” she said. “We wanted to see it. I have never seen these helicopters up close before. It’s awesome.”

Featured image at top: UC ROTC students climb aboard a CH-47 Chinook helicopter to begin a four-day drill at Fort Knox. Photo/Abby Hardesty/UC Media + Brand

Students departed from Lunken Airport, Cincinnati's municipal airport. Photo/Abby Hardesty/UC Marketing + Brand

U.S. Army National Guard flight crews transported UC students to a four-day ROTC drill. Photo/Abby Hardesty/UC Marketing + Brand

A Blackhawk helicopter landed at Lunken Airport in Cincinnati to transport UC students to Fort Knox for a four-day ROTC drill. Photo/Abby Hardesty/UC Marketing + Brand

UC students queue up to board a CH-47 Chinook helicopter at Lunken Airport. Photo/Abby Hardesty/UC Marketing + Brand

Two CH-47 Chinook helicopters prepare to take UC students to Fort Knox for an ROTC drill. Photo/Abby Hardesty/UC Marketing + Brand

UC students prepare to board a CH-47 Chinook helicopter at Lunken Airport. Photo/Abby Hardesty/UC Marketing + Brand

UC students take their seats aboard a CH-47 Chinook helicopter that will take them to Fort Knox for their ROTC drill. Photo/Abby Hardesty/UC Marketing + Brand

A Blackhawk helicopter taxies to the tarmac after landing at Lunken Airport. Photo/Abby Hardesty/UC Marketing + Brand

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Frequently Asked Questions: ROTC

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View an FAQ that has been put together by our cadet ambassadors to help answer your questions.

General Questions

What is ROTC? Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is a college program that prepares students to become officers in the U.S. military while earning their degrees. ROTC is available for all five branches of the military: Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Marine Corps. Students who participate in ROTC undergo military training, leadership development, and academic coursework related to military science. Upon completion of the ROTC program and graduating with a bachelor’s degree, ROTC students are commissioned as officers in their respective military branches and may serve on Active Duty (full-time), the National Guard (part-time), or the Reserves (part-time). The goal of ROTC is to develop leaders who are well-versed in both military and civilian affairs, aligning with Stanford's mission of producing principled leaders contributing positively to society.

Why do Stanford students join ROTC? Students join ROTC at Stanford for diverse reasons, often tailored to their individual goals. Some seek the financial benefits of ROTC scholarships, while others want to join the military for a specific career (i.e. Air Force pilot, Army infantry officer, or Navy submariner). Many students like the combined experience of ROTC and college over attending service academies like West Point, the Naval Academy, or the Air Force Academy.

What is the service commitment after completing ROTC and graduating from Stanford? The service commitment after completing ROTC varies depending on the branch of the military, specific program, and assigned career:

• Army ROTC: An 8-year commitment is required in either Active-Duty or Reserve Component (National Guard or Reserves). Active Duty entails 4 years of service and 4 years in Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR), while National Guard or Reserves commitment is 6 years with an additional 2 years in IRR. There are also options to serve the 8 years part-time in the National Guard or Reserves.
• Navy & Marine Corps ROTC: Navy midshipmen are required to serve a minimum of 5 years of Active-Duty upon graduation. Marine Corps Option midshipmen are required to serve at least 4 years of Active-Duty Additional requirements may be required for specific job assignments.
• Air Force & Space Force ROTC: Both Air Force and Space Force cadets are required to serve 4 years of Active Duty. Pilots and some other flying-related career fields may have longer commitments.

What is the difference between Active Duty, National Guard, Reserves, and Inactive Reserve? 

• Active Duty (AD): Full-time service obligation. You are engaged in military service on a daily basis, often stationed on military bases or deployed.
• National Guard: Part-time service with a focus on state and community needs. In peacetime, you serve one weekend a month and two weeks per year, but you may be called to Active Duty during emergencies or for specific missions. 
• Reserves: Similar to National Guard, part-time service with a focus on supporting and augmenting Active Duty. In peacetime, you serve one weekend a month and two weeks per year, but you may be called to Active Duty during emergencies or for specific missions. 
• Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR): You are not actively participating in the military (no duty, drills, or training). However, you may be called back to Active Duty during national emergencies.

How many students at Stanford are in ROTC? Our numbers are small but mighty! As of AY 2023-2024, we have a total of 16 students: 7 Air Force, 2 Marine Corps, 2 Space Force, 4 Army, and 1 Navy.

Are ROTC scholarship selectees given any preferential treatment in the admission process? Can the unit help with getting into Stanford? No, the scholarship selection process is COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT of Stanford's admission process. If you get a scholarship, the host ROTC unit may be informed, but you must gain admittance through Stanford’s general admissions process. We cannot help you with getting into Stanford (sorry!).

Is ROTC the only way I can become an officer in the military? There are several pathways to become an officer in the military, each offering unique opportunities and requirements. The main options include:

• ROTC: ROTC programs are offered at many colleges and universities. Students participate in military training alongside their regular academic coursework. ROTC programs typically span four years and offer scholarships to eligible students.
• Officer Training School (OTS) or Officer Candidate School (OCS): OTS and OCS are designed for individuals who have already completed their undergraduate education or are enlisted members of the military seeking to become officers. OTS and OCS programs are typically shorter and more condensed than ROTC, ranging from a few weeks to several months depending on the branch of service. Admission to OTS/OCS can be highly competitive, and the wait for entry can be lengthy.
• Military Service Academies: Military academies, such as the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy, offer a four-year undergraduate education combined with military training. Student life at military academies is characterized by a highly disciplined and rigorous schedule, reminiscent of bootcamp training. Cadets undergo intensive physical training, military drills, and academic coursework in a demanding 24/7 environment.
• Direct Commissioning Programs: Some branches of the military offer direct commissioning programs for professionals with specialized skills or expertise, such as lawyers, doctors, and chaplains. These programs allow individuals to enter the military as officers without undergoing traditional officer training programs.
• Specialized Programs: Certain specialized programs, such as the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) and the Nurse Corps Officer Commissioning Program (NCOC), offer opportunities for individuals pursuing careers in healthcare to become officers in the military. These programs provide financial assistance for education in exchange for a commitment to serve as a healthcare provider in the military.

Why should I choose ROTC over other commissioning programs? Choosing ROTC offers several unique advantages over other commissioning programs. ROTC integrates military training with college or university education, allowing cadets to earn their degree while preparing for military service. Additionally, ROTC emphasizes leadership development through a mix of classroom instruction, practical training, and mentorship opportunities. Additionally, many Stanford ROTC students enter with partial or full-tuition ROTC scholarships, providing financial support for their college education. Unlike the military academies, ROTC offers flexibility in life as a college student and allows cadets to pursue specialized training opportunities tailored to their interests and career goals. Finally, the wait for Officer Training School or Officer Candidate School can be lengthy and highly competitive, whereas ROTC offers a more direct path to commissioning. 

Why should I choose Stanford ROTC over other schools with host units and/or the military academies? Participating in ROTC at Stanford offers unique opportunities due to its intersection with Silicon Valley and its long-standing relationship with the U.S. military. The university boasts a robust military presence on campus, providing access to various resources and initiatives, such as:

• Networking with National Security Affairs Fellows from the Hoover Institution
• Conducting policy research with the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation
• Participating in defense startup classes with Hacking for Defense . 
• Completing a thesis with the Honors Program in International Security Studies
• Taking specialized defense, national security, and international relations classes with the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies
• Completing a national security internship or fellowship through Stanford in Government
• Spending a quarter in Washington, D.C. taking classes and working through Stanford in Washington
• Staying connected with military-affiliated alumni with the Stanford Military Service Network

Stanford's appeal lies in its diverse community, attracting a multitude of individuals from various military backgrounds. Every year, the university welcomes 30-40 students from different ROTC programs, military academies, and Active Duty positions who pursue advanced degrees (master’s or PhD) or military fellowships at Stanford. Additionally, Stanford ROTC alumni have forged remarkable paths in their military careers, with former members becoming fighter pilots and test pilots, special forces commanders, flag officers (Generals and Admirals), and even congressional representatives. This alumni network exemplifies the caliber of leadership cultivated within Stanford ROTC.

ROTC Student Life

What is it like participating in ROTC at different universities? Stanford students in ROTC engage through cross-enrollment agreements with nearby universities hosting ROTC programs. This involves carpooling to UC Berkeley (Navy/Marine Corps), San Jose State (Air Force/Space Force), or Santa Clara University (Army) for weekly military training and classes. If scheduling conflicts arise, students are responsible for their own transportation to the host school. Stanford ROTC students enjoy equal opportunities as host-unit students, such as the ability to participate in endurance club, color guard, or any other ROTC-related activities. Check out the “Day in the Life” articles for a better idea of ROTC student life.

How do ROTC students commute to the host units? Typically, Stanford ROTC students carpool using cars, with many upperclassmen having their own personal vehicles. Because freshmen are not allowed to have cars on campus, freshmen usually carpool with the upperclassmen or rideshare to get to training. OMAC gives quarterly transportation cost reimbursements to offset gas/rideshare/ZipCar costs. Please see the ROTC Transportation Fund page for more information.

The commute to each of the host schools is very long, and I’m worried about building camaraderie with my host unit. Is ROTC worth it? Ultimately, the decision to join ROTC depends on your individual preferences and priorities. While the commute to host schools may be lengthy, many Stanford ROTC students appreciate the physical distance between their training unit and campus life. Contrary to common concerns, being a crosstown student has no impact on your ability to build camaraderie with your host unit. In fact, many Stanford ROTC students have risen to top leadership positions within their units, such as Cadet Wing Commander (AFROTC) and Battalion Commander (NROTC, AROTC). Many students nationwide revolve their college life around ROTC, but at Stanford, you have the flexibility to balance ROTC commitments with other aspects of your college experience. 

Can I participate in extracurricular activities such as sports teams, student groups, or Greek organizations at Stanford? Yes. Most of Stanford’s ROTC students are heavily involved in student life and have served as fraternity/sorority presidents, student organization leaders, or even NCAA Division 1 athletes. ROTC encourages participation in the school community. In our experience, scheduling conflicts rarely occur and are easily resolved.

Can I study abroad? Yes! Many Stanford ROTC students have successfully studied abroad through Stanford’s Bing Overseas Programs (BOSP) in locations like Florence, Madrid, and Berlin. Additionally, ROTC can fund certain study-abroad programs through Project GO . Early planning is crucial to ensure you can study abroad while graduating on-time; inform your ROTC advisor early if you are interested.

Can I pursue a coterminal master’s degree? Yes, pursuing a coterm is possible, though timeline requirements vary by branch. Depending on your major and the U.S. military's needs, you may be granted an extra year to extend your commissioning and graduation timeline to coterm in five years. However, this is not guaranteed; in most cases, you should plan on coterming in four years (conferring both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in four years).

Can I talk to a current Stanford ROTC student to learn more about life in ROTC? Yes! You can reach out to our dedicated student ambassadors for all ROTC branches. You can also follow our student-run Stanford ROTC Association (@stanfordrotc) on Instagram and DM to ask questions.

Benefits and Financial Aid

What are the ROTC scholarship benefits? Details vary by branch and by specific scholarships given, but ROTC scholarships often cover:

• Full or partial tuition expenses at Stanford
• Monthly stipends
• Book allowance for textbooks and other required academic materials

Please research specific branch scholarship benefits on their respective websites.

Does an ROTC scholarship cover room and board expenses at Stanford? Generally, no. Some ROTC scholarship recipients have the option of choosing to have their room and board paid for instead of tuition and fees, but the scholarship will not cover both. This depends on the specific scholarship and branch.

Are ROTC scholarship recipients eligible for financial aid? All questions regarding financial aid should be directed to Stanford’s financial aid office . According to the Higher Education Act, ROTC scholarships are not factored into determining the cost of attendance or expected family contributions for federal financial aid eligibility. ROTC scholarships should be treated as a veteran's benefit rather than a scholarship by schools.

Can I participate in ROTC at Stanford if I do not yet have a scholarship? Yes! Students may join any ROTC unit and apply to receive a scholarship for their specific branch before they enter junior year.

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A day in the life of ROTC first-years

The uniforms may be intimidating at first, but are these camo-clad students really that different from the rest of the Vanderbilt community? The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is a program offered at colleges around the nation that provides students preparation to become U.S. military officers while obtaining a college education. With such a rigorous program, this college experience may seem daunting to most students. 

To first-year Martayn Van de Wall, it’s an experience worth having. While being a first-year student majoring in economics, Van de Wall is an MS1, or first-year cadet, in Army ROTC.

“ROTC at its core will allow me to become an officer in the army, which is something I’ve always dreamed of being. It’s putting me on a good path throughout college, and it gives me a sense of purpose in my classes and in my life,” Van de Wall said.

 First-year Mae Winglass is another MS1 at Vanderbilt. While Winglass wasn’t involved in a similar program in high school, she has a grandfather who served in the Marine Corps and a sister who participated in Boston College’s ROTC. Both of these ties influenced Winglass in her decision to join ROTC, she said. Furthermore, Winglass was intrigued by the workforce exposure provided by the program, such as the ability to practice military skills and be introduced to the various military branches. 

“I knew that it would be really nice to have a job right out of college that would give me applicable experience and the army is a really good networking organization,” Winglass said .

So why Vanderbilt? Though Winglass was initially interested in programs at larger colleges, she was drawn to Vanderbilt’s community. She noted being impressed by the distinguished cadre, the officers responsible for training the unit, and motivated cadets on campus. During orientation, which began two days before move-in day, Winglass and her fellow cadets participated in activities such as canoe racing and paintball. In this setting, Winglass was able to connect with other ROTC members and ease into the training of the program. 

Similarly, Van de Wall said the small program threw him with a group of people much similar to a sports team.

“I think it provides a small community-type-feeling so you really get to know the other cadets well, and when I visited, you could feel that,” Van de Wall said. “With the people who guided me around, they gave me a good sense of what my experience was going to be like and definitely made me feel like a part of the program almost from the get go.”

According to Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Mount, Assistant Professor of Military Science, there are a total of 78 students in the ROTC program, with 13 Vanderbilt students in the MS1 class. Along with Vanderbilt students, the ROTC program in Nashville consists of students from Belmont University, Tennessee State University, Lipscomb University, Trevecca Nazarene University, Fisk University and Welch College. As all cadets train together on Vanderbilt’s campus, Mount views the variety of people involved as a great benefit to the program.

“They come from different backgrounds, different universities, different levels of scholastic achievement so they [the ROTC students] have a much more diverse opportunity to work with these other students,” Mount said. 

As a connected group of cadets, Van de Wall and Winglass complete rigorous training every week. For Winglass, physical training is from 5:50 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in which she exercises with fellow cadets for roughly an hour. Winglass also has a Leadership and Personal Development class that teaches her techniques such as land navigation, military customs and courtesies, map reading and various military hand signals. Following this class, Winglass attends a two to three-hour lab in which she practices her newly-acquired skills. Other techniques the cadets practice are first aid training, setting up bases, tactical maneuvering and learning army conduct codes. These activities are led and organized by senior (MS4) and junior (MS3) cadets as well as by cadre members. Despite being in a teaching position, the older ROTC members and cadre members are still approachable and personal, Wineglass said.

Van de Wall is also part of the Ranger Challenge Team, which is often described as the varsity sport of ROTC. This means Van de Wall has physical training throughout the whole week, with an additional two days of training on Tuesdays and Thursdays. While it’s a huge time commitment, Van de Wall said he definitely finds many advantages to the program.

“It inspires you to work hard, keeps you on a good schedule and teaches you a lot about time management and leadership,”  Van de Wall said. “We haven’t really gotten into leadership positions yet as MS1’s, but just going out and inspiring your fellow cadets to keep going despite having to get to bed early and wake up early while working with test schedules I think are the biggest pros, just the life skills that you learn.” 

Though Winglass admits the early mornings can be tough, she appreciates the structured schedule of her ROTC life. The program primarily trains cadets for a life in the military, but the ROTC also helps cadets plan their future in general. Mount noted that he often has interviews with his cadets in order to help them start looking forward to their futures. 

“I try to drive into these kids as freshmen and MS1s that the more planning you can do now for the future, the less surprise you’ll have in the future,” Mount said. “The decisions you are making today are either gonna open or close the doors of tomorrow.”

Winglass has also been introduced to a breadth of opportunities through the ROTC program, such as the Cultural Understanding and Leadership Program (CULP). CULP is an international program through which ROTC students can explore jobs and studies abroad. Winglass has also been able to meet ROTC members who are involved in a variety of clubs across campus, reassuring her that she’ll easily be able to have a world of interests outside of ROTC.

Looking forward, Winglass will serve either four years active duty or eight years reserve commitment post graduation. She is considering going into military intelligence or logistics. Van de Wall intends to also join active duty post-graduation, most interested in joining active duty and going into infantry and aviation. 

“I think it’s nice in that it’s like a sorority: it helps you meet people and it helps you meet older people as well as students in your own grade,” Winglass said. “I’ve obviously gotten to meet a lot of cool people, and I have learned some cool stuff. I get to run around in a uniform, and I’m going to get field training.”

So next time you’re in the crowd at a football game and those students in uniform go out onto the field to do push-ups, there’s a chance they are a fellow student in your class.

“We’re pretty much just like other students. I’ve had people thank me for my service which is just pretty funny because we haven’t really done anything yet other than workout. Hopefully one day I will earn that honor, but people should treat us like anything else like their classmates and putting extra work on the side,” Van de Wall said.

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Comments (1)

Thank you for the article. I would like to point out, though, that this article concentrated on Army ROTC. VU’s Navy ROTC has different a physical training schedule, I believe, and also has different lab class concentrations. Also the “officer” in the picture is part of Navy ROTC staff and looks to be a Staff or Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Corps; normally you wouldn’t refer to them as “officers”.

In any case, thank you for the article. Study hard, enjoy life.

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Photo Essay: ROTC Unarmed Exhibition Routine 4/1

Claire Wood , Reporter April 7, 2021

Bellevue West’s Silent Sentury drill team didn’t have a lot of chances to compete with their routines this year due to COVID. To allow the students of Bellevue West to see what exactly the drill team works for, they showcased their unarmed exhibition routine on April 1st during GPS.  

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Photo Essay: ROTC Northwoods Battalion cadets hold early April spring training at installation

Courtesy Photo | ROTC Northwoods Battalion cadets participate in a field training exercise April 6,... ... read more read more

Courtesy Photo | ROTC Northwoods Battalion cadets participate in a field training exercise April 6, 2019, at a range at Fort McCoy, Wis. Numerous cadets with the battalion completed field training at Fort McCoy from April 5-7. The battalion regularly comes to the installation for training opportunities. Though the battalion is centered at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, it also includes ROTC cadets at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and University of Wisconsin-River Falls. (Photo by Cadet Brady Bellin/ROTC Northwoods Battalion)   see less | View Image Page

FORT MCCOY, WI, UNITED STATES

Courtesy story, fort mccoy public affairs office   march 2024">     february 2024">     january 2024">     december 2023">     november 2023">  .

Photo Essay by Cadet Brady Bellin ROTC Northwoods Battalion ROTC Northwoods Battalion cadets participated in training April 5-7 at Fort McCoy, Wis. Numerous cadets with the battalion completed the training. The battalion regularly comes to the installation for training opportunities. Though the battalion is centered at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, it also includes ROTC cadets at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Fort McCoy has supported America’s armed forces since 1909. The post’s varied terrain, state-of-the-art ranges, new as well as renovated facilities, and extensive support infrastructure combine to provide military personnel with an environment in which to develop and sustain the skills necessary for mission success. Learn more about Fort McCoy online at www.mccoy.army.mil, on Facebook by searching “ftmccoy,” and on Twitter by searching “usagmccoy.”

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EWU Army ROTC

Eastern Washington University

10 Tips for a Successful Army ROTC National Scholarship Application

Each year between October through March is the ROTC National Scholarship season where high school seniors apply for ROTC scholarships through the GoArmy website .  The Eastern Washington University Army ROTC office helps dozens of applicants each year navigate the ROTC scholarship process.  Based on this experience we have some tips we recommend to all ROTC National Scholarship applicants to maximize their opportunity to be awarded an ROTC scholarship.

  1.  Submit Your Application Early :   The first scholarship board usually meets in October, the second board in January, and the third board in March.  Getting your application completed before the first board will increase your chances of receiving a scholarship because the application will be seen three times.  Additionally the first board is where a lot of four year scholarships are awarded from as well.  If you really want a four year scholarship get your application complete prior to the first board.  Key things that need to be done to have the scholarship ready for the first board is to upload your high school transcripts, upload your SAT or ACT scores, complete the physical fitness test, and conduct an interview.  Here at Eastern we can complete both the fitness test and interview for you.  Contact us at [email protected] to schedule.

  2.  List 5 or More Schools on Your Application :  Applicants need to be realistic when putting down universities on their application.  Putting down only Harvard and MIT on the ROTC application, but only having an 1150 on the SAT means you are probably not getting a scholarship for those universities.  However, if you list Harvard & MIT plus three or more other schools you could likely get admitted to with an 1150 SAT score will increase your chance of receiving a scholarship to a school other than Harvard or MIT.  A scholarship to your third of fourth school is better than no scholarship at all.  Each university’s ROTC office has a Recruiting Officer called a “ROO” that can assist with learning what the admissions requirements are for each university.

  3.  Find Out What Type of ROTC Program You Are Applying to :  Something to keep in mind is that not all ROTC programs are created equal.  If you are planning to attend a university that has a host ROTC program you are likely going to have more military cadre and resources to better prepare you for the challenges ahead in ROTC.  Other universities have ROTC programs that are extension or satellite campuses.  Extension programs may require their students to drive to the host program to take courses.  If going to an extension program find out how far you have to drive to do physical training and ROTC classes.  The amount of driving to do ROTC may influence your decision to attend that school.  Satellite campuses may have very limited cadre, as little as two full time ROTC instructors.  If going to a satellite campus find out how many instructors they have assigned.  At EWU Army ROTC we are a  fully staffed host program with a proven track record of getting Cadets ready to succeed in both ROTC and the Army.

  4.  Visit Multiple ROTC Programs :   The best way to figure out if an ROTC program is right for you is to visit it.  If possible try to visit multiple ROTC programs to compare and contrast them.  This will also help you determine if you are attending a host, extension, or satellite program.  If attending a host program make an appointment with the ROO and ask to meet with the Professor of Military Science (PMS) who is usually a Lieutenant Colonel in charge of the ROTC battalion.  Ask about how well the program scores at Advanced Camp?  How many first branch choices did the MS-IV class receive?  Ask about where they train at?  How many Cadets are on scholarship?  How does the program perform at Ranger Challenge competitions?  This should give you an idea of how well the ROTC program is performing.  Also bring your parents to the ROTC program to meet the ROO and PMS.  At EWU Army ROTC, our ROO and PMS always makes time to visit with parents.  We want you and your parents to be as comfortable as possible with your decision to dedicate four years of your life being part of our ROTC program.

5.  Ask What Other Scholarships Are Available :  Even if you do not receive an ROTC National Scholarship talk to the ROTC program you are interested in about other scholarship options.  They should be able to inform you about ROTC campus based scholarships, Minuteman Scholarships , and Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) Scholarships.  Some schools also have various academic and alumni scholarships that Cadets can apply for as well.  For example at EWU we have four Cadets on a fraternity sponsored Randy Van Turner ROTC Scholarship and another on the Chertok Memorial Scholarship which is an academic scholarship awarded through the College of Social Sciences.

6.  Train to Take Your Fitness Test:   Applicants that are not in the best of shape should spend a month training to improve their fitness prior to taking the fitness test.  ROTC scholarships are highly competitive and running a seven minute mile could be the difference between receiving a 4 year or 3 year scholarship.  If possible try and take the scholarship fitness test while visiting the ROTC program you are most interested in.  Fitness is a very important attribute of being an Army officer and preparing for the test and doing well on it will make a good first impression with the ROTC Cadre.

7.  Prepare for Your Interview:   The interview for the ROTC National Scholarship is very important since it is worth 200 points.  Additionally the interviewer who is usually a Professor of Military Science, will write an assessment of you that will be read by the scholarship board.  Making a good first impression is critical, show up on time and come dressed for success.  Don’t wear torn up jeans and t-shirts to an ROTC interview.  Business dress for both males and females is very appropriate for a scholarship interview.  Don’t be taking calls or answering texts on your phone during the interview.  Yes I have seen this happen!   Be prepared to answer simple questions like, “Tell me a little about yourself”.  Remember you are selling yourself to the PMS to write the best assessment possible of you to the scholarship board.  Be well prepared to answer questions and think on your feet.  Finally be prepared to ask the interviewer some questions at the end of the interview.  This further demonstrates how prepared you were for the interview.

8.  Spend Time Writing a Quality Essay:  On the ROTC application you will have the opportunity to write a little bit about yourself.  Make sure to spend the time to write a quality essay, personal statement, and achievements.  You especially should highlight why you want to be an Army officer.  Make sure you use proper grammar and don’t have misspellings.  Writing is an important skill for Army officers to have, so show the board you can write a quality narrative.  In the narrative make sure to highlight aspects about you that will make you stand out from the crowd.  Mentions things like if you ranked nationally in some event, how many hours you were per week at your job, any awards you have received, volunteer service, etc.

  9.  Play a Sport:   Points are awarded on the ROTC scholarship application for sports played.  Remember that Cadets in ROTC are scholar athletes, just like members of the university’s sports teams.  The Army wants its officers to be athletic.  If you know you plan to apply in the future for an ROTC Scholarship than find a sport to play in high school, preferably two of them.  Having all-conference and all-state sports honors on an ROTC application will really help the application stand apart from the crowd.

10.  Get Involved in Organizations:   On the scholarship interview there are points that can be awarded for being involved in school and community activities.  For example being elected to student government and being a member of the National Honor Society are worth points.  Being involved in Scouting or Civil Air Patrol are examples on community organizations that points can be awarded for.  Volunteering for local organizations are other great things to include on the application and mention during interviews.

Following these tips will help you be competitive for an ROTC scholarship.  However, these tips cannot overcome poor performance in the classroom.  Keeping a high GPA and scoring well on the SAT or ACT are very important for being competitive for an ROTC scholarship.  The Army is looking for Scholar, Athlete, Leaders so try to work towards meeting all three of these criteria in your application.  Good luck to everyone pursuing an ROTC scholarship and feel free to leave a comment or email us at [email protected] with any questions.

2 thoughts on “10 Tips for a Successful Army ROTC National Scholarship Application”

ROTC scholarship application question

This is the summer after my Junior year, I’m supposed to be starting the application right? The reason why I ask this, is the on the deadline section the boards still say 2018-2019.

2.For the school year it says 2020-2021, what does this refer to?

I’m basically looking for conformation I didn’t screw up the start of the application by being too early. Again, I’m going to my senior year starting in august, and I graduate 2020.

The 2020-2021 scholarship season is for current high school seniors that submitted ROTC applications. The 2020-2021 scholarship season is about to be over. Since you are a junior currently your first year in college would be the 2021-2022 academic year and thus this is the timeframe you will be competing for a scholarship for.

This summer you can start putting your application together. Make sure to take your ACT or SAT early to have time to take a retest if needed. This is something I have seen issues with applicants before with. Once you are good with your ACT or SAT, you will need to contact your nearest ROTC department to conduct the fitness test and interview. If you live in the Spokane region we can easily take care of this for you.

Please let me know if you have any other questions. Go Eags!

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18 Immersive Photo Essay Examples & Tips

By Tata Rossi 13 days ago, Professional photography

A photo essay tells a story or evokes emotion through a series of photographs. The essays allow you to be creative and fully explore an idea. Such essays exist in a variety of forms – from photos only to images with brief comments or written essays accompanied by shots. Choose a photo essay example that you can easily do based on your professional level and the equipment you use.

1. Protests

• View the “Resistance” photo essay by David Moore .

A great idea for photo essays for students is to shoot the protest to show its power. You can capture people with signs and banners to demonstrate what they are standing for. Besides, you can learn how to capture moving subjects. Use the best example of photo essay and don’t forget about angles, composition, and framing.

To create a photo essay , go up to the front and photograph the leader of the protesters walking forward. After that, go back to the end of the group to take pictures of families joining the protest. As a result, you will gain experience shooting big groups of people in motion.

2. Transformation

• View the “A Self-Portrait Every Day” photo essay by Noah Kalina .

This idea is all about capturing the way a person changes. You may take photos of a pregnant woman and then capture the same model with a child. By documenting the development of the child for several years, you can tell a great story in the form of a photo essay.

However, you can also create a photo essay about the transformation of different objects. For instance, you can create a time-lapse series to capture the history of a renovated building. While you will have to take a lot of similar photos to bring this idea to life, it will allow you to achieve an impressive result.

3. Local Event

• View the “Monday Marathon” photo essay by Quinn G. Perini .

Whether you are a resident of a large city or a small town, you can find an opportunity to visit a local event, like a marathon or a festival. This is a nice chance to follow modern photography trends and bring photo essay ideas to life.

You can capture the before-and-after stages of the event. Arrive earlier and take pictures of the preparation activities, then shoot the actual event starting with the official beginning.

Keep photographing even when the event is over and capture the cleaning up and disassembling processes.

4. Photowalk

• View the “Empty Campus” photo essay by Elise Trissel .

Explore the location where you live and find interesting objects to capture in the vicinity. Using the most interesting photo essay examples, you can decide how to make the best decisions. Don’t hurry and try to discover which angles you can use to capture the unique atmosphere of each place.

If you live in the city, you may capture architectural details, wide shots of busy streets, or just take photos of passersby and street signs. Think about the details that make every location unique. For instance, you can try capturing reflections to see how they allow you to see the city from an unusual angle. You can find reflections everywhere, so be sure to pay attention to mirrored buildings, puddles, and fountains.

5. Place Over Time

• View the “At Home in the Ozarks” photo essay by Kylee Cole .

If you want to document changes and show how the streets, buildings, and parks in your city change over time, select your favorite locations and start to visit them regularly to capture the way they look during different seasons.

• View the “Last Moments” photo essay by Ross Taylor .

You don’t necessarily have to focus on profound photo essay topics to evoke emotions. Capturing pets enjoying their worry-free and untroubled life seems like an easy but interesting activity.

Choose any animal – from a domestic bird to a dog, cat, or horse. For more emotional images, use such pet photography ideas when your pet is still a baby and recreate these shots when it is older or is in its final days.

7. Street Style

• View the Tribal Street Photography photo essay by Hans Eijkelboom .

People often express themselves with the help of clothes. The way passers-by on the streets are dressed may reflect the clothing style of a whole society. That’s why you can travel around the world and capture people’s outfits in various areas. When taking portrait photos in the streets, you can also include some of the surroundings to put them in the context.

You can ask people in the streets to pose for you or try to capture them in movement. Select a suitable location for taking photos and create a photo essay to document what kinds of people one can meet in this location. When doing urban photography , you should ask people for permission before taking photos of them. You can ask their contacts and send them your photos later.

8. Abandoned Building

• View the “Lost Collective” photo essay by Bret Pattman .

Old buildings are excellent architecture photography essay topics for students since you can capture a large number of elements. They allow you to imagine what a particular street looked like in the past. You may use a photo essay example for students as references.

Get approval before going in, but mind that such places are far from being totally safe. Bring various lenses: the macro lenses – for details and the wide-angle one – when you want to include many elements in one shot.

9. Alternative Lifestyles

• View the “Last Nomad Hippies” photo essay by Roberto Palomo .

Some people decide to lead a lifestyle that differs from the one generally accepted by society. Explore different areas and look for people with an unusual way of living. You can capture candid photos of regular people or take pictures of a person with an unusual hobby.

Take pictures of those, who reside in extraordinary conditions, representatives of various subcultures, or the LBGTQ community. These photo essay topics show other people that it is okay to go out of their comfort zone and run against the wind.

10. Social Issues

• View the “Juveniles in Prison” photo essay by Isadora Kosofsky .

The best photo essay examples for students are related to social issues, like unemployment, domestic violence, gender discrimination, and more. Address the topic carefully and look for a proper perspective.

Your shots may draw the people’s attention to a truly burning and relevant matter and have a stronger effect than any text.

11. Behind the Scenes

• View the “Follow Me” photo essay by Marius Masalar .

If you are going to visit an event, get ready to take some behind-the-scenes photos. For instance, you can document the preparations for a festival. Capture the work of the lead event planner and other professionals to tell the story of the festival from an unusual angle.

Alternatively, you can capture the events happening backstage during a drama production. Take pictures of actors and actresses when they are getting ready for the performance. Try capturing the emotions of the main lead and show how stage workers make final preparations. You can also document the work of designers and makeup professionals.

12. Landmarks

• View the “Volte-Face” photo essay by Oliver Curtis .

The pictures of landmarks are typically taken from a certain spot. One of the best photo essay ideas is to try shooting sights from various angles. You will also have an opportunity to improve your composition and your framing skills.

If you take a look at any pictorial essay example, you will see that the variety of perspectives is endless: through the streets, in the morning, afternoon, and evening, with a drone or including reflections.

    • View the “Family” photo essay by Olivia Moore .

You can capture the way family members interact with each other and demonstrate the strong connection they share. In some cases, it makes sense to focus on capturing candid photos when doing family photography .

However, you may also opt for a different approach and focus on more difficult social topics. For instance, if you want to examine the issue of immigration, you can take pictures of a family from another country. In addition, you may show how families cope with other social issues, including poverty or unequal access to healthcare.

14. A Day in the Life

• View the “A Day in the Life of Carlos Gaytan” photo essay by Sandy Noto .

One of the best photo essays concepts is related to a day in a person’s life. The main character can be any person – a relative, family member, teacher, writer, or policeman.

People are generally interested in finding out facts about the lives and daily routines of others. The life of every human is incredible, especially if you learn it in more detail. This idea is especially suitable for taking documentary photos. For instance, you can select any photo essay sample you like and then capture a portrait of a person with the tools they use for their work.

15. Education

• View the “School Day” photo essay by Nancy Borowick .

You can also take great photos in the classroom capturing the interactions of teachers and their students. Avoid distracting them, as it will be easier for you to take natural shots. Using a variety of settings, you can make your photo essay more engaging. For instance, you may visit chemistry labs, capture teachers during a break, and take photos in other locations.

• View the “Meals From the Motherland” photo essay by James Tran .

You can also focus on specific meals to create a professional photo essay about food. To make it more attention-grabbing, try using different food photography ideas .

For instance, you can take photos of popular meals, capture the meals made by a specific person, or document cooking traditions in different countries. When taking photos in a restaurant, pay attention to the surroundings as well to capture the unique atmosphere of a place.

17. Capture the Neighbors

• View the “Our Neighbors” photo essay by Jeanne Martin .

Regardless of the place where you live, you have to establish good relationships with your neighbors. People who live nearby can also be great models for professionals who specialize in portrait photography. To implement this idea, make sure to capture people at home or in front of their houses to include some of the surroundings in your photo essay.

You will discover many interesting facts about people who live nearby. Shooting a photo essay will allow you to learn them better and establish a strong connection with them. This way, you can create a sense of community and discover what holds its members together.

18. Climate Change

• View the “Effects of Climate Change” photo essay by Sanya Gupta .

It is possible to a variety of photo story ideas bring to life examining the impact of climate change. Travel to places most affected by climate change, for instance, glaciers or famous resorts.

Capture the way the continuous drought has influenced the environment, animals, and the inhabitants. As an alternative, take pictures of environmentalist protests or inexhaustible energy sources.

Photo Essay Tips for Students

Explore your topic . An in-depth exploration of the main topic of your photo essay will help you find the best ideas for conveying your message. You can also find some sources for inspiration and useful materials. This stage allows you to learn more about your subject and select the best way of organizing your photo essay.

Create a storyboard . Using a storyboard, you can better understand what shots you need to take and what order can help you to tell a story in the best way. It will also allow you to create the right mood.

Take as many pictures as you can . To create a compelling story, make sure to take a lot of photos. It will allow you to choose the best pictures for your photo essay. Besides, you will always have backup photos if some of your pictures get damaged.

Experiment with different techniques . By changing the angle and using a variety of editing techniques, you can transform the way your photos look. When taking photos, try using different angles to capture the subject in the best way. You can also try changing the distance from the model, using black-and-white film, or employing a range of developing methods.

Add text . While some photographers create photo essays without text, it can still help you bring your point across more clearly and make it easier for a viewer to understand what you imply. By providing extra information, such as some facts, you can change the perception of your image. If you don’t know how to write descriptions, you can hire a professional writer to perform this task.

Enhance your photos . To edit your pictures, make sure to use professional photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop. Using the available tools, you can improve and change your photos. They allow you to fix issues with lighting, adjust WB, make colors richer, crop your pics to improve the composition, and perform other tasks. In case you need to edit your photos in a consistent style, you can use Photoshop Actions or Lightroom Presets.

In some cases, your pictures may require more advanced editing. If you see that your skills are insufficient or if you don’t have enough time, you can outsource the task of enhancing your photos to the FixThePhoto team. They will professionally enhance your pictures for a budget price. Their prices start from $1.50 per photo.

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To streamline your workflow and quickly edit your essay photos like a pro, make sure to apply these actions to your photos. Even if you use a photo essay example when taking pictures, you can utilize these actions to give your images a professional feel, tweak colors, edit lighting, and improve the overall look of your pics.

In this bundle, you will find actions created by experienced professionals who used recent photo enhancement trends to create convenient editing tools. Here, you will find a collection of brushes, patterns, overlays, and other effects for editing your photos in a realistic way.

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ROTC/JROTC Outstanding Cadet Award

This high school level award fosters the principle of “citizen-soldier” as exemplified by the American Revolution’s Minuteman. JROTC Units are provided the SAR Bronze ROTC Medal by local chapters for presentation at the unit level.

Additionally, the JROTC Enhanced Program permits Outstanding Cadets to compete at the Chapter, State and National level. Selection criteria include demonstrated leadership potential, military bearing, and scholastic achievement. Each cadet applicant for the Enhanced Program must submit an original 500-700 word essay on a topic designated by the ROTC/JROTC & Services Academy Liaison Committee. In addition to meeting the same criteria as the SAR Bronze ROTC Medal Program, the cadet must be enrolled in the 3rd year of a 4 year JROTC Program, or 2nd year of a 3 year JROTC Program (must be a junior). The cadet must also be in the Top 10% of their JROTC Class and Top 25% of their High School Class. Recommendations must also be submitted by the Senior Military Instructor and the Principal.

This award seeks to recognize a remarkable cadet who will become a leader in their community and serve their country. Please help the SAR ensure that the spirit of the Minutemen who fought to defend our freedom is remembered. Donate today!

The JROTC Endowment Medal is designed to recognize those individuals who make significant financial contributions to the JROTC Endowment Fund or Service Academies Awards Fund. The medal can be given to anyone who supports the programs. In order to qualify for the award, individuals must donate $1,000 to the JROTC Endowment Fund or Service Academies Awards Fund. This donation may be given over a five-year period. Additional donations above $1,000, in increments of $1,000 will receive a bronze oak leaf cluster; a silver oak leaf cluster is presented for the sixth donation of $1,000.

The medal is suspended from a red and silver drape and is a round disk of bronze colored metal with the American Eagle logo on the obverse surrounded by the words “Sons of the American Revolution-Building Better Citizens” on the rim and JROTC and Leadership Excellence on the inner part with the eagle. The back lists Four Character Traits in the center and on the rim are the words “Our Purpose-Serving the Nation.” The medal is available in miniature. Distribution of the medal is through the ROTC/JROTC/Service Academies Committee.

Checks may be made payable to NSSAR with notation in the “For” line as ROTC/JROTC Endowment Fund or Service Academies Awards Fund. Or you may contribute by selecting Donate today!

Donors at $1,000 and up are honored at the Donor Awards Breakfast and will receive a certificate in recognition of their contribution.