Learn what each branch has to offer you

By Christina Couch

Ready to take it to the next level? Choose wisely. Once students are under contract for military duty, there's no changing departments. Here's a breakdown of the ROTC branches and what to expect from each.

Air Force

During the first two years, Air Force ROTCs must enroll in and complete one hour of in-class study and two of military lab per week. Those advancing into the Professional Officer Course must pass an entry exam and complete a month-long summer field course at an assigned Air Force Base.

Upon completion, cadets are expected to conduct leadership labs in addition to taking upper-level courses. Post-grad careers range from pilot to food service management, with most cadets incurring four years of active military service. Pilots have a ten-year commitment and those in Air Battle Management or navigation have six.

Navy

Navy ROTCs choose between a Navy, Marine, or nursing track and are required to complete naval science classes in addition to upper-level math and science courses.

For Navy personnel, one year of calculus, physics, grammar, and computer science must be fulfilled in addition to a pre-entry physical training program. Students complete a four- to six-week field training session each summer and are eligible for scholarships to cover five years of study. Postgraduate military obligation includes eight years of service, four of which must be active duty.

Army

ROTC Army personnel begin with a two-year introduction the U.S. Army called Basic Course. During this time, students learn fundamental military procedure, organization, and tactics. After completing Basic, a summer Leaders Training Course held in Fort Knox, Kentucky, gives cadets intense, hands-on field, weapons, and physical training as well as constructive criticism from Army instructors.

The last two years of college are spent in ROTC Advanced Study, where cadets learn about warfare, military justice, and higher functions of the Army. Grads typically put in four years of active duty (three of those without scholarships), or select cadets may opt to serve part-time Reserve Duty while pursuing an outside career.

Christina Couch is a freelance writer based in Richmond, Virginia. She is the author of Virginia's Complete College Resource (Palari Publishing, 2007). Her byline can also be found on Aol.com, Msn.com, Yahoo! Finance, and the Christian Science Monitor. She can be contacted at couchcs@gmail.com.

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