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ROTC at VMI
Virginia Military Institute is a top-ranked public liberal arts college that boasts one of the leading Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs in the United States. The program challenges cadets to focus on strengthening both mind and body while pursuing ideals of discipline, honor, and respect.
All members of the Corps of Cadets are required to participate in one of the ROTC leadership programs for completion of their degree. VMI is among the very few colleges that offer ROTC options in five of the United States military services — Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force.
6 services + 4 years = Prepared Leaders
FAQs
As a senior military college, VMI’s ROTC program can provide military training at a higher level than programs at civilian colleges and universities. Cadets have access to active duty bases, field training exercises, and high-ranking military officials on post, a rich and valuable training ground for tomorrow’s officers.
Significant financial support is available through VMI’s ROTC program. Incoming scholarship cadets who maintain satisfactory academic and disciplinary standing may receive an annual stipend. ROTC Scholarships for Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force or Space Force are administered through the awarding military branch. Scholarships cover tuition and may also include allowances for books and fees and living expenses, and they offer opportunities to obtain leadership positions in the armed forces upon graduation.
Only those cadets who accept ROTC scholarships or contract as non-scholarship cadets are required to enter military service.
Two or three years of ROTC scholarship assistance may be available after the first or second year of enrollment at VMI. A two-year program is also available to students who transfer to VMI after their sophomore year.
In addition to the benefits of a military-style education and a cadetship focused on developing future leaders, a new scholarship opportunity further distinguishes the Institute amongst other colleges and universities offering ROTC programs
Successful completion of the ROTC program may lead to a commission as a second lieutenant in the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force or Space Force, or as an ensign in the Navy.
For those who choose not to commission, the combination of academic and practical course work of the program enables students to sharpen both mind and body and learn valuable leadership skills and principles that can be applied to any career. The VMI experience is a proven formula promoting early success for VMI graduates in whatever career they choose.
As officers in the military, graduates find themselves at an advantage because they have trained alongside other branches of the armed forces and have a deeper knowledge and affinity for working together.
VMI graduates also benefit from the support of a legendary network of alumni who recognize and appreciate the value of a degree from Virginia Military Institute.
Cadets who do not plan to commission will be enrolled in Army ROTC.
“VMI showed me the importance of daily leadership by example, and I’ve been able to directly transfer those lessons into action as a Marine officer.”—Lt. Col. George Hasseltine ’97, USMC, Retired
“Four years at VMI prepared me for the military through strong academics, camaraderie, and a vision of what I wanted to become as a leader and an officer in the U.S. Navy.”—Ryan Beatley ’04, Lt, U.S. Navy, Head of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division at Newport’s Waterfront Operations Branch in the Ranges, Engineering and Analysis Department.
“VMI’s Air Force ROTC program is challenging and rewarding. It provided me with a great foundation to begin my Air Force career.”—Gen. John Jumper ’66, USAF (Ret.), Former Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force
Explore Your Service Path:
* = Auxiliary University Program (AUP) ** = Non-Commissioning
VMI is not easy. When it gets really hard, remember that this is just a few pages in your amazing book of life — probably one significant chapter, but if you take the road less travelled, then it can pay off in ways and dividends that you can never imagine.
ARMY
The Blue Ridge Battalion: VMI’s Army ROTC commissions more officers than any ROTC program in the nation.
The U.S. Army, a key component of the U.S. armed forces, is made up of the best trained, most dedicated, most respected soldiers in the world — protecting America’s freedoms at home and abroad, securing our homeland, and defending democracy worldwide.
FAST FACTS
Commission Rank: Second Lieutenant
Careers: Seventeen specialties and varied careers paths
Scholarship Options:
- Four and three-year scholarships are available through the Army. Minuteman Scholarships are also available through the Army Reserve.
- Campus based scholarships available (three-year, two and 1/2 year, and two-year).
- 100% of tuition and fees (in and out of state) or room and board + $1200 annual book allowance + $910 annual uniform allowance +$420 monthly stipend.
NAVY
Naval ROTC provides the path to the unrestricted line warfare communities of Surface Warfare, Submarines, and Aviation; a select few may compete for special warfare (SEAL) or special operations (EOD).
The mission of the Navy ROTC program is to develop midshipmen mentally, morally, and physically and imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, loyalty, and the core values of honor, courage, and commitment. Regardless of specialty, cadets commissioned as officers help lead the most highly trained, best outfitted, and most powerful navy on earth.
FAST FACTS
Commission Rank: Ensign
Careers: Surface Warfare, Aviation, Submarines, Expeditionary (EOD), Special warfare (SEALs)
Scholarship Options:
- National four- & three-year scholarships available out of high school (for rising seniors).
- Three- and two-year Navy Sideload Scholarships also available. (Must apply within the NROTC.)
- Scholarships also include an allowance for books, uniforms, and a monthly living stipend.
MARINES
VMI Marine-option midshipmen consistently receive the highest honors upon graduation of Officer Candidates School.
Since 1775 the U.S. Marine Corps has been doing two things – making Marines and winning battles. The Marine Corps is known worldwide as the toughest fighting force. The Naval ROTC prepares Marine option midshipmen for Officer Candidates School and for future service as Marine Officers.
FAST FACTS
Commission Rank: Second Lieutenant
Careers: Options include more than 20 military occupational specialties that make up the four elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF).
Scholarship Options:
- National four- and three-year scholarships available out of high school (for rising seniors).
- Three- and two-year USMC Sideload Scholarships also available. (Must apply within the NROTC.)
- Scholarships also include an allowance for books, uniforms, and a monthly living stipend.
AIR FORCE AND SPACE FORCE
Air Force ROTC is the commissioning branch for both Air Force and Space Force as both branches are part of the Department of the Air Force.
The U.S. Air Force is renowned for its precision-targeting air power. That strength is based on technical training, pursuit of higher education, and professional military education. Air Force ROTC cadets have the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of activities designed to enhance leadership skills.
FAST FACTS
Commission Rank: Second Lieutenant
Careers: There are many career paths in both the Air Force and Space Force, including: pilot, combat systems officer, civil engineering, cyberspace operations, nuclear and missile operations, and various medical career specialties.
Scholarship Options:
- In-College Scholarships include: Type 1 - All tuition and auxiliary fees* and Type 2 - $18,000/yr towards tuition and auxiliary fees
- High School Scholarships include Type 1 & 2
COAST GUARD AUP
The Coast Guard Auxiliary University Program is designed to provide a continuous resource of well-trained officer candidates who will excel in the United States Coast Guard or a similar service agency, without the commitment of an ROTC.
Established in 2022, the Coast Guard AUP at VMI is the largest AUP in the country; beating all other Senior Military Colleges and Maritime Schools in size, training, and leadership opportunities.
FAST FACTS
Commission Rank: Ensign
Careers: A billet in the USCG could be in any of 30 specialties, spread across various career fields that translate directly into the private sector.
Special Programs and Benefits:
- Increased likelihood of being selected for a commission in the U.S. Coast Guard upon graduation.
- Opportunities to train with Coast Guard Auxiliary staff and Active-Duty Personnel while on Furlough.
- Real-world certifications through local Auxiliary units.
OTHER WAYS TO SERVE
VMI cadets are free to choose military or civilian career paths. The combination of academic and practical course work enables students to sharpen both mind and body while pursuing such timeless ideals as discipline, honor, and respect. Many agencies actively recruit those at VMI looking to serve their community or nation because of the caliber of individuals who complete a VMI cadetship.
United States Intelligence Community:
- United States Army Intelligence
- United States Marine Corps Intelligence
- United States Navy Intelligence
- United States Air Force Intelligence
- United States Space Force Intelligence
- United States Coast Guard Intelligence
- United States Department of State
- United States Intelligence Services
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Local Community:
- State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies
- Fire Departments
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
When you graduate from VMI, you can go anywhere you want to go. Whether you commission in the United States armed forces, the intelligence services, foreign service, or enter the business world, it is known that “Leaders of Character” come from VMI.
