Join Army ROTC
Army ROTC gives Texas Tech students the opportunity to develop leadership skills, complete military science training and prepare to commission as officers in the United States Army while earning their degree.
Students can enter the Red Raider Battalion at different points in their education. Options are available for high school students preparing for college, current Texas Tech students, transfer students, graduate students and students with previous military experience.
Taking introductory Army ROTC courses does not automatically mean joining the Army. A military service obligation generally begins when a student contracts into Army ROTC or accepts certain Army-funded benefits.
Ways to Join Army ROTC
The best pathway into Army ROTC depends on where you are in your education and whether you have previous military training or service.
High School Students
Students planning to attend Texas Tech can begin Army ROTC after enrolling at the university. High school students interested in ROTC should contact the Red Raider Battalion early to learn how the program fits into the college admissions and enrollment process.
Current Texas Tech Students
Current students can begin introductory Military Science coursework while completing their Texas Tech degree. Students who decide to pursue commissioning can work with Army ROTC cadre to determine the appropriate contracting and training pathway.
Transfer Students
Transfer students may still be able to complete Army ROTC depending on how much time remains before graduation. The Battalion can review your academic timeline and determine what coursework or training may be required.
Graduate Students
Graduate students may be able to participate if they have enough remaining time in their degree program to complete Army ROTC commissioning requirements.
Late-Start Students
Students who begin Army ROTC after their first two years of college may have alternative entry options, including Army ROTC Basic Camp or other approved training that allows them to enter the advanced portion of the program.
Current or Prior-Service Soldiers
Students with previous military training or current service may qualify for alternative entry options or credit toward portions of the Army ROTC curriculum.
Students interested specifically in Army ROTC scholarships, financial benefits, Army National Guard participation or the Simultaneous Membership Program should review the dedicated funding and service-options page.
Scholarships, Financial Benefits & National Guard
Eligibility & Contracting Requirements
Students may take introductory Army ROTC courses before deciding whether to pursue commissioning. Students who contract into the program must meet Army academic, physical, medical and administrative requirements.
General Eligibility
Contracting requirements may include:
- Meeting applicable U.S. citizenship requirements
- Meeting Army age requirements for commissioning
- Maintaining required academic standing
- Meeting Army medical qualification standards
- Meeting Army physical fitness requirements
- Maintaining appropriate personal and professional conduct
- Completing required Military Science coursework and training
Academic Planning
Army ROTC is completed alongside a student's academic degree. Students should work with both their academic advisor and Army ROTC cadre to ensure ROTC requirements fit within their graduation plan.
Students who join later in college may need additional planning to complete the required Military Science coursework and summer training before graduation.
How Army ROTC Works
The Army ROTC curriculum is generally divided into a Basic Course and an Advanced Course. Cadets progress through Military Science coursework while taking on increasing levels of leadership responsibility.
Basic Course
The Basic Course introduces students to Army leadership, military customs, teamwork, physical readiness and foundational military skills.
It generally corresponds with the first two years of Army ROTC coursework.
Advanced Course
The Advanced Course focuses on leadership, planning, tactics, officership and preparation for commissioned service.
Students entering the Advanced Course must meet Army ROTC requirements and complete any required prerequisite training.
What to Expect as a Cadet
Army ROTC is more than a classroom program. Cadets combine academic coursework with practical leadership development, physical training and field experience.
Military Science Courses
Cadets take Military Science courses that progress from introductory leadership and Army fundamentals to advanced planning, leadership and officership.
Leadership Lab
Leadership labs provide hands-on opportunities to practice decision-making, teamwork, military skills and leadership in a practical environment.
Physical Training
Cadets participate in structured physical training designed to build fitness, resilience and readiness for Army requirements.
Field & Summer Training
Field exercises and Army ROTC summer training give cadets opportunities to apply leadership and military skills outside the classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does taking Army ROTC mean I am joining the Army?
No. Students may take introductory Army ROTC courses without automatically creating a military service obligation. Contracted cadets and students who accept certain Army-funded benefits have different requirements.
Do I need military experience before joining?
No. Army ROTC is designed to teach students military fundamentals and leadership skills throughout the program. Previous military experience is not required.
Can I join after my first year of college?
Yes. Students can enter Army ROTC at several points in their college career. The appropriate pathway depends on how much time remains before graduation and whether additional training is required.
Can transfer students participate?
Yes. Transfer students should contact Army ROTC as early as possible so cadre can review their academic timeline and determine whether commissioning requirements can be completed before graduation.
Can graduate students join Army ROTC?
Possibly. Graduate students must have enough remaining academic time to complete Army ROTC coursework, training and commissioning requirements.
Do I have to major in Military Science?
No. Army ROTC cadets complete majors across Texas Tech University while taking Military Science coursework in addition to their degree requirements.
Will Army ROTC interfere with my college experience?
Army ROTC requires additional coursework, training and leadership responsibilities, but cadets remain Texas Tech students and participate in academic, campus and extracurricular activities across the university.
What happens after graduation?
Cadets who successfully complete their academic degree and Army ROTC commissioning requirements may commission as second lieutenants in the United States Army.
Commissioning opportunities may include Active Duty, the Army National Guard or the U.S. Army Reserve depending on the cadet's pathway and Army requirements.
Ready to Get Started?
The best first step is to contact the Red Raider Battalion. Army ROTC staff can review your academic timeline, explain available entry pathways and help you understand what is required to participate.
Contact Army ROTC
Texas Tech University Army ROTC
Weeks Hall
2508 15th Street
Box 45003
Lubbock, TX 79409
Phone: 1 (806) 834-5018
Before You Contact Us
It may be helpful to know:
- Your current or intended Texas Tech major
- Your expected graduation date
- How many college credit hours you have completed
- Whether you have previous military experience
- Whether you are interested in Active Duty, the Army National Guard or Army Reserve
- Whether you are interested in Army ROTC scholarships or other financial benefits
Interested in Scholarships or National Guard Options?
Army ROTC scholarships, financial benefits and National Guard participation have their own eligibility requirements and service commitments. Review those options separately before making decisions about contracting or funding.
Army ROTC
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Address
BOX 45003, 2508 15th street, Weeks Hall, Lubbock, TX 79409-5003 -
Phone
806-834-5018