ROTC stands for Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. It’s a college elective offered at numerous universities in Arkansas and across the country, and it’s designed to train men and women to serve as officers in the U.S. military. The Army, Navy and Air Force ROTC programs allow students to go to school first — with help from Uncle Sam if a scholarship is involved — rather than joining the military and taking classes later.

Students who enroll in ROTC work toward their degree while taking military science courses and participating in military labs, drills and training in addition to their regular curriculum.

You can apply for ROTC scholarships in high school or college. They are based on merit, not need, so you most meet the following requirements to be eligible: be a U.S. citizen, be between the ages of 17 and 26, have a high school GPA of at least 2.5, have a high school diploma and meet physical standards. Students also agree to serve as an officer in the military — usually a four-year term — after graduating. However, the length, value and terms of ROTC scholarships vary by military service.

For more information, check out the Web site for each branch’s ROTC: www.Armyrotc.com, /www.Navy.com/nrotc, www.Afrotc.com or www.Todaysmilitary.com.

Army National Guard

The Army National Guard is a great way for anyone 17 and older to earn money and either go to school or keep a full-time job. All you have to do is serve one weekend per month and go to summer training. The National Guard will pay you for it, and you can receive some great benefits for school or free job training that could help you move up in the workplace. If you have already been to college and have a degree, you can apply for an officer position.

High School Benefits

• Earn extra money and receive training
• Summer training that pays up to $1,200 per month

College Benefits
Sign a six-year contract and get:

• 100 percent tuition paid for at any state school
• Monthly stipend

Career Benefits
Sign a four-year contract and get:

• Beneficial job training
• Guaranteed full-time job in the Army (optional)

And after my contract is up? You are finished, but be aware that re-enlistment bonuses reach up to $15,000.

For more information, go to arguard.org.