Hero Min

Army ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) is an excellent path to college for those seeking to develop leadership qualities like poise, physical stamina, and self discipline. Although these are traits that can build success in any career, the Army invests in eligible candidates because it gains officers with diverse educational backgrounds and experiences.

Simultaneously, ROTC graduates have the opportunity to use their experience in leadership positions, enabling the Army to relate to the diversity of our ever-changing society.

ROTC will prepare you to receive a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Upon graduation, the new 2LT could serve as a full-time active duty officer or a part-time leader in the U.S. Army Reserve or National Guard.

Degrees Offered

Majors/Minors

  • Military Science and Leadership Minor
Home of the Comet Battalion

ROTC provides extensive leadership and management opportunities found in few other courses on campus.

Capital University ROTC

Capital University is the home of a Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program. Since the program started in 2001, the Comet Battalion has commissioned highly qualified students (Cadets) to serve as Army Lieutenants in every capacity in the United States Army. These Lieutenants voluntarily inherit the prestigious honor of defending the US Constitution and leading American Soldiers. You can participate in our program for the first two years without any commitment. Our cadets receive tremendous benefits once committed and ‘contracted’. Some young leaders choose the path towards active duty while others choose to serve in the National Guard or Army Reserves. The Army has an incredible array of benefits for everyone. 

The 4-year program

The Army ROTC program is offered in addition to your regular college classes and allows you to pursue almost any major you choose. The first two years of Army ROTC course electives are the Basic Course, followed by the two final years of the Advanced course. Cadets attend Advanced Camp the summer between junior and senior year, a 35-day training event designed to develop a cadet’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills and test their leadership abilities.

Below is a sample schedule of what to look forward to:

  FRESHMAN SOPHOMORE JUNIOR SENIOR
Fall Introduction to the Army (2 cr.) Leadership and Decision Making (3 cr.) Training Management and Warfighting Functions (3 cr.) The Army Officer (3 cr.)
Spring Foundation of Agile and Adaptive Leadership (2 cr.) Army Doctrine and Team Development (3 cr.) Applied Leadership in Small Unit Operations (3 cr.) Company Grade Leadership (3 cr.)
Summer     Cadet Leadership Course / Advanced Camp
or Army ROTC Nursing
 

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps offers merit based scholarships to Capital University students who are eligible and desire to serve in the US Army as a commissioned officer.
 
There are many different avenues to applying for and receiving financial assistance depending on where you are in your academic journey.

The ROTC Scholarship covers either tuition and fees or room and board. Room and board option pays out $10,000 per year tax free. There are other benefits such as:

  • $1200 annual book stipend
  • $420 monthly allowance during the school year (up to 10 months per year)

Through Army ROTC you can also enlist into either the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard while simultaneously becoming a cadet and working towards commissioning as an officer. We call this the Simultaneous Membership Program or SMP for short. You enlist and go to basic training and often advance training to become trained and qualified at a specific military job.

Cadets not wishing to take either the scholarship or join the Simultaneous Membership Program can still contract as a cadet. Even without accepting a scholarship, contracted cadets still receive the monthly $420 per month stipend.

For more information on scholarships and aid available, please explore the list below.

Scholarship Information for...

Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions and Recruiting

Students who want to join the Army ROTC Comet Battalion must first be accepted to Capital University or one of our many cross-town schools, including Columbus State Community College, Denison University, Franklin University, Ohio Dominican University, Ohio Wesleyan University or Otterbein University.

To get started, begin your application to Capital University today!

Already accepted at Capital University and wish to join our team?

Capital University Army ROTC’s recruiting staff are always available to provide information and guidance. Once accepted to Capital or one of our Cross-Town Schools, you may apply to join Capital University Army ROTC. Call 614-787-3808 or stop by the Army ROTC office at 583 Sheridan Avenue, Columbus, OH 43209 and talk to our recruiter about joining the program!<

Need more information? Fill out our ROTC Interest Form and someone will reach out!

Transferring To Capital University?

Transfer students are always welcome to join the Army ROTC Comet Battalion. In order to qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You will need a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) for all previous college work.
  • If you have fewer than 30 semester college credit hours, we’ll also use your high school information in making admission decisions.
  • You must also be in good academic and social standing at the last institution you attended.

 

 

About the Comet Battalion

Ranger Challenge

The Brigade Ranger Challenge is the Army ROTC Varsity Sport. Teams form early in the semester and train rigorously, gearing up for an intense competition that's all about pushing limits, both physically and mentally. It's not your average competition. Teams come together early in the semester and work really hard to get ready. The Ranger Challenge team goes up against other colleges, doing tough physical and mental challenges. It's not just about being fit, it's also about being a strong team. The team trains together and builds tight friendships. The Ranger Challenge is more than a contest, it's a way for these cadets to show off their skills and teamwork.

Cadets participating in tug of war

Color guard presents at a Capital football game

Color Guard

The Comet Battalion Honor Guard takes on the important duty of presenting the colors at various events throughout the academic year, including football and basketball games and special occasions. As a prominent element of the Comet Battalion, the Color Guard operates under the responsibility of upholding an exceptional standard of appearance and conduct, especially when in the public eye. Cadets within the Color Guard not only present the colors with precision but also learn and practice drill and ceremony to prepare for their significant role.

Community Outreach

The Comet Battalion actively engages in community outreach opportunities, providing avenues for our members to contribute meaningfully and make a positive impact. From participating in recruiting events to organizing our annual 5K, Suits for Heroes, Campus Move-In, and various other community service initiatives, we believe in giving back to the community that surrounds us.

Students volunteer for the Delaware Suicide Prevention Coalition