Becoming an Army officer
Army ROTC is one of the best leadership courses in the country and is part of your college curriculum. During classes and field training, you will learn firsthand what it takes to lead others and motivate groups as well as how to conduct missions as an officer in the Army.
Army ROTC is a program designed to allow college students to earn an officer's commission in the United States Army, Army National Guard or Army Reserve concurrently with their degree. Officers are commissioned in the grade of second lieutenant immediately upon completing ROTC and degree requirements.
What kind of jobs would I perform as an officer?
Officers are leaders. Typically, as a new lieutenant you will be responsible for leading a platoon of about 30 soldiers in one of the Army's 16 basic branches. If you are a nurse, you will care for soldiers and their families in one of the Army's many modern health care facilities. Find out more about the branches of the Army.
Which program is best for me?
- I am a current Western Michigan University student.
- I am interested in the Simultaneous Membership Program.
- I am interested in the Leaders Training Course.
- I am interested in nursing.
- I am a high school student planning to attend WMU.
- I am a current enlisted soldier on active duty in the Army.
- I am an enlisted soldier in the National Guard or Army Reserve.
Schedule a visit
You can contact the Scholarship and Enrollment Officer at (269) 387-8122 to schedule a visit. You can also look for the ROTC table at any WMU Open House, Admitted Student Event or orientation.
Army ROTC Discovery Day
We would like to provide you an opportunity to experience a day in the life of an Army cadet. During your Discovery Day visit you will be able to do the following:
- Participate in the Freshmen ROTC class
- Participate in Leadership Lab
- Talk to current ROTC cadets and meet your cadet mentor
- Talk to ROTC instructors
Discovery Days are done on Thursday afternoons when school is in session and you can expect to spend about 3 to 4 hours on campus.