Living (and loving) Life
Whether or not you have previously considered the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program for college, it is worth taking a look at some of the reasons why it is a solid way to move through your college education.
Here are ten benefits of ROTC for a college student:
1 – Financial Aid
The prospect of paying the high price of college tuition can be daunting. With tuition costs constantly rising, don’t let it be the thing that prevents you from going to college. The ROTC offers a wide range of scholarships, some of them full rides, meaning money is one less thing for you to worry about.
2 – Leadership Training
The aim of the ROTC program is to create leaders out of its students. Whether you are looking for a lifelong military career, or a job somewhere else, they are invaluable skills to a future member of the country’s workforce.
3 – Transferrable skills
You will also learn a ton of skills that you might not as a regular college student. Endurance, discipline, and survival skills are just a few examples of the things that you can learn in the ROTC program that will transfer over to many other areas of your life.
4 – Military Fast Track
Having said that, if you are looking for a career in the military, the ROTC is the best route to take. Going to college and joining the ROTC will allow you to begin your career as an officer.
5 – Service
If you do get a scholarship, a few years of military service may be required, but this does not have to be fulltime. You can have a civilian career, while serving part time in the Reserves or National Guard.
6 – It’s Still College!
While in the ROTC you do not have to live in barracks or follow the “military lifestyle.” You can still be a part of your university and enjoy a regular college experience.
7 – Resume
Being a member of the ROTC program looks great on a resume and will greatly increase your chances of getting a job after college. Whether you are looking for a job in the military or elsewhere, employers will be impressed by you discipline and training.
8 – What an Accomplishment!
The ROTC program will really help you to push your personal limits. Every new task that you complete will be a milestone and a great achievement for you to enjoy.
9 – Teamwork and Brotherhood
There are few things as rewarding as working with others to accomplish a shared goal. You will find that the sense of camaraderie between you and fellow cadets will be one of the most memorable parts of your college experience.
10 – Physical Benefits
You will find that the physical benefits to being in the ROTC program are endless. Being in top physical form will help you to feel good about yourself, and instill in you good habits that will carry on for the rest of your life.
All of these benefits are things that you will feel not just during college, but throughout your whole life. Joining the ROTC is a big decision and should not be taken lightly, but once you make it, you will not regret it.
About the author: Chloe T. is a writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers is a site that can help you when you have decided that you want to enroll in online schools.
Credits: Photo courtesy of Jesse Gardner.