What does the National Guard have to do with Penn State Army ROTC?

Many of our cadets in the program are currently in the National Guard. They receive benefits from the National Guard to help pay for their college education, and it also provides them spending money so they don't have to have a part time job while they're enrolled in college.

 

The National Guard and Penn State Army ROTC is Seeking Scholar, Athlete, Leaders

Penn State Army ROTC is seeking individuals that are competitive, hard working, problem solvers, team players, intelligent, have strong initiative, and tremendous leadership potential; people like you!

Penn State Army ROTC is a very flexible program focused on leadership training that is critical to the Army and coveted in the corporate world. ROTC is not as time consuming as you might think. In fact, ROTC encourages involvement in the many other extra-curricular activities that Penn State has to offer: such as student government; intramural and varsity athletics; the Blue Band, etc. We recognize and encourage the importance of a well-rounded college experience!

Army ROTC offers hundreds of scholarships each year. Scholarships pay for full tuition and university fees, provides $450 per semester for books, and up to $500 a month tax-free spending money! You would have a very good chance of receiving a 4, 3, or 2-year scholarship for your time at Penn State. There are also Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty scholarships available that provide the same benefits listed above plus extra money from Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) at $4,500 per year, the Montgomery GI Bill ($288 per month after the completion of Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training), the GI Bill Kicker ($350 per month for selected job skills), Sergeant Pay for monthly drills ($226 per month), except you join the U.S. Army Reserves or National Guard upon graduation... There is no Active Duty commitment, unless YOU opt for it!

Army ROTC offers opportunities to participate in the Ranger Club, Lion's Guard, Drill Team, Rifle Team, and the Color Guard at nationally televised events. Additionally, 20 cadets per year volunteer to attend such training as Airborne School, Air Assault, Northern Warfare Training, and Leadership training on active duty installations.

Academics are the number one priority in ROTC. There are over 200 cadets in our program and 60% of them earn over a 3.0 GPA. The program offers free tutorial assistance to all students enrolled. If you cannot earn a degree, we cannot commission you as an officer in the United States Army, Army Reserves, or Army National Guard. So your education is a primary concern for us and we will help you with any concerns you have.

Whether you decide on serving in the Active Army, the National Guard, or the Army Reserves, the skills you will learn in ROTC are invaluable.