mtbthis:

Don't take this as anything I say personal or directed towards you as I say this to anyone who comes to this forum questioning a possible military career.

Please don't think about joining the military if you aren't truly looking to serve your country in the military. I know it sounds corny, but trust me when I say this, if you don't truly aspirations in serviving our country in possibly horrendous and terrible conditions, not to mention giving your life, then please reconsider. We need leaders in our military, and that is what ROTC delivers. If you aren't the type who wants to lead or to serve the country (even during sticky situations like an unpopular war -- we currently are in two right now), please don't join. However, if you are wanting to join the military, ROTC is an excellent way to get started.

Essentially, as others have said, you are a college student but one day a week you wear a uniform (even to your college classes) and you attend a military class and then a leadership laboratory (marching, physical training, exercise scenarios ... etc.). In the end, you will graduate college and entire service as an officer in the military.

The biggest question is, what do you want to do in the military? I assume since you are in this forum that you want to be a pilot. If this is the case, your commitment will be 8 years AFTER intial pilot training. So you can expect to serve up to 10 years before you can be released from your commitment -- something to think about. Then there is another big question, which service? UAVs are becoming a big player now, so actually becoming a pilot is getting harder. Regardless, the USAF has the most fixed wing positions. Second is the USN. Third, USMC. And last but not least, USA. DON'T forget about the Coast Guard. They have fix wing as well.

If your goal is not to be a pilot, I encourage you to look at the other profressions; medicine, law, computers, engineering. Being a doctor in the military is a very sweet deal and they are short of bodie ... especially the army.

Anyhow, there are some pitfalls you should be aware of about ROTC. Your performance in ROTC and college DIRECTLY determines how you are racked and stacked and what career you will have in the military. So you always need to do your very best and never give up. That way, you will get your first choice when you get to select what careers you want. Another pitfall, any type of law enforcement or drug problems will pretty much end your career before it starts. Don't even think about it.

Lastly, go to a college near you and ask the ROTC students themselves about the current situation in ROTC. They can tell you much more accurate and timely information. All you would need to do is call the ROTC office and ask to speak to a ROTC recruiter and explain to them you would like to speak to some students ... they will not have a problem with this. You can go there and meet one on one and see what it is to be in ROTC.

Good luck!!