Lumberjack cadets make great leaders

Looking to build your leadership skills? Interested in a career in the military? The Army ROTC is a strong option for Lumberjacks looking to get more out of their college experience.  

As a cadet in SFA’s ROTC, you’ll take classes and participate in field training activities that will help you develop tactical and leadership skills needed for a successful future, whether you choose to pursue a career in the military or in the civilian business world.  

SFA’s proximity to the East Texas Piney Woods provides a rugged real-world environment for hiking and adventure training. Join the new marksmanship unit and hone your skills with real rifles, or join other cadets in the Cannon Crew. The Cannon Crew fires "Ol’ Cotton," a 75mm cannon, at football games and other events. 

Getting started

Students interested in becoming cadets will need to take Army ROTC as an elective along with all required college classes. 

Army ROTC provides you a minor in military science. Students in ROTC will attend military science and leadership classes and participate in weekly leadership labs, which provide opportunities to practice common military tasks and drills. Physical training is another major aspect of the program.

Summer opportunities

ROTC Basic Camp

Students who join ROTC without all four semesters as a freshman to a sophomore can get caught up on credits and knowledge by attending Army ROTC Basic Camp. 

ROTC Basic Camp provides an active, hands-on experience and prepares students to become stronger leaders for their junior year. ROTC Basic Camp is a four-week summer course at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Army ROTC Basic Camp is NOT Basic Training. Basic Camp does not involve a commitment of service to the Army unless an Army ROTC scholarship was received. 

Learn more about ROTC Basic Camp.

Advanced Camp for Cadet Summer Training

Typically between their junior and senior year, Army ROTC cadets attend the Advanced Camp for Cadet Summer Training. This is a four-week summer course held at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Advanced Camp for Cadet Summer Training is a program that evaluates all ROTC cadets across the nation. Attendance is a requirement for commissioning. 

Learn more about Advanced Camp for Cadet Summer Training.

Paid summer training opportunities

During summer vacation, select Army ROTC Cadets have the opportunity to experience the active duty Army by volunteering for paid training programs at various training locations across the United States.

Learn more about these training opportunities by contacting SFA ROTC at rotc@sfasu.edu.

  • Air Assault School
  • Airborne School
  • Army Mountain Warfare School
  • Cadet Troop Leadership Training
  • Northern Warfare School
  • Nurse Summer Training Program
  • Survival, Resistance, Evasion and Escape

 

Making the commitment

Cadets who wish to pursue a career as an Army officer must demonstrate progress toward contracting standards, which include requirements under the scholar, athlete, leader model.  Contact an enrollment advisor at rotc@sfasu.edu for details.

Upon completion of the Army ROTC program, graduates will be commissioned as second lieutenants in the United States Army and will embark on specialized training in their first Army branch. Selected cadets may choose to serve as a full-time active duty member or part-time in the United States Army Reserve or United States Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career.

As a commissioned officer in the United States Army, you will be a leader, manager, problem solver, planner and influencer. Your job will be designated by your Army branch, which can set you up for a successful career within the Army. Learn more about available Army careers and specialties.

If I enroll in ROTC, am I joining the Army? 

ROTC is an elective. Any student can enroll in lower-division military science courses. While some Lumberjacks who participate in ROTC do choose to enter the military after college, many others opt for careers in law enforcement, business, engineering or teaching.

Cadets who choose to pursue a military career must meet contracting requirements and complete the Army ROTC advance course, which comprises upper-division military science courses, as well as advance camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Contact an enrollment advisor at rotc@sfasu.edu for details.

After cadets complete college, they can enter the United States Army, United States Army Reserve or United States Army National Guard as second lieutenants. From there, they can pursue additional specialized training and post-graduate educational opportunities that lead to advanced leadership positions. 

Undergraduate programs and requirements 

Minor in military science

Army ROTC is an elective curriculum taken along with your required college classes. The military science minor focuses on leadership, military law, and organization and logistics.

To earn a minor in military science, you’ll need to complete 20 credit hours of courses covering topics such as leadership skills, and military organization and functions. Students must maintain a C average in military science to satisfy minor requirements for graduation.

To learn more about the requirements of this program, please see the Undergraduate Bulletin or discuss with your advisor.