Leadership starts here. The A-State ROTC Program prepares students to become confident,
capable leaders in the U.S. Army. With access to training, scholarships, and hands-on
experience, you'll build the skills needed to lead with integrity, both in service
and in life.
Leadership Starts Here
Our mission is to recruit, retain, educate, and develop senior ROTC cadets into officers
who will lead the Total Army in service to our nation, state, and communities. We
are a team of dedicated military and civilian professionals, working in partnership
with the university to shape adaptive and critical-thinking leaders prepared to thrive
in complex environments. We aim to inspire service as ethical and moral leaders at
every level, and the A-State Red Wolf Battalion and its alumni have no shortage of
outstanding individuals.
The dedication that A-State gives to the ROTC program definitely shows. We get the
right merchandise to represent our program, and at the football games, we're on the
sidelines [...] Everything's amazing about it.
Alianzo Williams
‘26, Exercise Science
Learn, Train, Belong
Learn, Train, Belong
Home of the Red Wolf Battalion
At A-State, you'll feel right at home with a dormitory dedicated exclusively to ROTC
cadets. Our facilities are top-tier, offering over 48,000 square feet of training
and classroom space. We feature the EST 2000 Engagement Skills Trainer, which simulates
firing M16 and M4 carbines for realistic marksmanship practice. Cadets also have access
to a Rappel Tower, Team Building and Leadership Development Courses, and a fully functional
indoor shooting range certified for national-level competitions. This university truly
loves its cadets, providing countless opportunities and strong support to help you
succeed, both in the program and beyond.
The ROTC program at A-State is structured across four years to effectively train future
officers of the United States Army. However, cadets with prior service who have completed
Basic Combat Training are only required to take junior- and senior-level courses.
Attendance requirements vary depending on the Military Science & Leadership course
you're enrolled in, but physical fitness training is held every morning.
Potential cadets pursuing a master’s degree or who have earned at least 57 credit
hours toward a bachelor’s degree will attend Basic Camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky, during
the summer before their junior year.
Cadets who complete Military Science & Leadership III will attend Advanced Camp at
Fort Knox in the summer between their junior and senior years.
Military Science & Leadership I
Freshman
This course is designed for freshmen cadets who haven’t attended Basic Training. Spanning
two semesters, it introduces key leadership principles, basic soldiering skills, Army
values, health and fitness, effective communication, and U.S. military customs and
courtesies. This course lays the foundation for your development as a future Army
officer and prepares you for success as you advance through the ROTC program.
RANK PROGRESSION
During the fall semester, you'll hold the rank of Cadet Trainee (C/Trainee). Based
on performance, GPA, and leadership evaluations, deserving cadets may be promoted
to:
Winter Semester: Cadet Private (C/PVT)
Spring Semester: Cadet Private First Class (C/PFC)
Military Science & Leadership II
Sophomore
This course is the sophomore-level class required for cadets who haven’t completed
Basic Training. Over two semesters, you’ll continue building a strong leadership foundation
while learning key skills such as team building, Army briefings, rank and structure,
map reading, and troop leading procedures. You’ll also be introduced to battle drills
and patrolling, preparing you to succeed at Basic Camp in Fort Knox, KY, before entering
the junior-level course.
RANK PROGRESSION
During the fall semester, you'll hold the rank of Cadet Corporal (C/CPL). Based on
performance, GPA, and leadership evaluations, deserving cadets may be promoted to:
Winter Semester: Cadet Sergeant (C/SGT)
Military Science & Leadership III
Junior
This course is a required step for all cadets on the path to commissioning as an Army
Officer. To enroll, you must have completed at least 60 credit hours. During this
year, cadets focus on tactical leadership, including patrolling and squad-level combat
operations. You’ll also strengthen your land navigation and map-reading skills and
become proficient in operations orders and the troop leading procedures. Additionally,
you will take on leadership roles at the platoon level, serving as Squad Leader, Platoon
Sergeant, Platoon Leader, or First Sergeant. The knowledge and experience gained in
this course are essential for success at Advanced Camp at Fort Knox.
RANK PROGRESSION
During this year, you will hold one of the following ranks:
Cadet Staff Sergeant (C/SSG)
Cadet Sergeant First Class (C/SFC)
Cadet First Sergeant (C/1SG)
Cadet Second Lieutenant (C/2LT)
Military Science & Leadership IV
Senior
This course is required for all cadets to commission as an Army Officer and serves
as the final step before earning the rank of Second Lieutenant (2LT). To enroll, you
must have completed at least 60 credit hours. During this year, you’ll focus on tactical
leadership and refine your skills in operations orders and troop leading procedures.
MSL IV cadets are assigned to either Command or Battalion Staff roles to gain leadership
experience and understand battalion-level operations. The Battalion Commander and
Staff Commander oversee training and coordinate key events.
RANK PROGRESSION
During this year, you will hold one of the following ranks:
Cadet Lieutenant Colonel (C/LTC)
Cadet Major (C/MAJ)
Cadet Captain (C/CPT)
Cadet Information & Resources
To ensure you can open, fill out, and save these documents:
Ensure that you have, at minimum, Adobe Acrobat Reader. This is a free program, and you should not purchase anything to access it.
Ensure that you save each form onto your computer.
Do not only digitally sign your document, you will need to physically fill out all forms.
Bring a digital copy of your forms alongside your physical copies, whether it be via
computer or flash drive.
NGB Form 594-1 - Simultaneous membership program agreement for Army National Guard Cadets
This must be submitted to us if you wish to do the SMP program with the USAR. This
isn't required if you are planning on becoming active duty Army officers.
DoD Forms - Department of Defense Forms Management Program
4-Year High School Scholarships
The high school Four-Year Scholarship is for high school students planning on attending
a four-year college program. This scholarship will pay for your entire college education.
REQUIREMENTS
Be a U.S. Citizen.
Be between the ages of 17 and 26.
Have a high school GPA of at least 2.50.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Score a minimum of 920 on the SAT (math/verbal), or 19 on the ACT (excluding the required
writing test scores).
Meet physical standards.
Agree to accept a commission and serve an eight-year commitment in the Army on active
duty, or in a Reserve Component (Army Reserve or National Guard).
TO APPLY
Create an account on My GoArmy, then log in with your information.
Fill out the scholarship application.
Although the deadline is January 10th, you should plan to apply at the beginning of your senior year.
If you submit your application online, it is not required to mail a hard-copy application
as well.
If you do mail your application physically, all updates are required to be postmarked
by February 28th.
For additional information, please contact your high school academic advisor or our
department directly: David Hastings dhastings@AState.edu 870-972-2116
2, 3, and 4-Year Scholarships
A-State Army ROTC provides 2, 3, or 4-year scholarships to college students seeking
commissions as Second Lieutenants in the Army (Active Duty, Army National Guard, or Army Reserve). These scholarships are offered to qualified students, and they cover 100% of tuition
and fees, up to $1,200 a year for books, and $420 a month in stipends to help with
living expenses.
For additional information, please contact: David Hastings dhastings@AState.edu 870-972-2116
Dedicated National Guard (DEDNG) Scholarships
There is no limit to the number of scholarships given out each year in every State
and U.S. territory. This scholarship covers the full tuition. Recipients also receive
up to $1,200 for books and are paid a monthly allowance of $420 for up to 10 months
of the year for each year. Graduate students can also apply if they have only two
years remaining until they graduate.
In addition to a monthly allowance, Soldiers can also receive the drill pay of a Sergeant,
approximately $250 per month, when participating in the Simultaneous Membership Program
(SMP).
For additional information, please contact: David Hastings dhastings@AState.edu 870-972-2116
This scholarship is similar to the DEDNG scholarship, but is mainly for students entering
their junior year of college with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Soldiers also must join
the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) of a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)
Unit on their campus. GRFD recipients are funded each year at full tuition and receive
$1,200 for books. Soldiers are given an ROTC allowance for 10 months of the year ($420
per month during their junior and senior years). As a member of the reserves, Soldiers
also receive drill pay.
For additional information, please contact: David Hastings dhastings@AState.edu 870-972-2116
Our Mission
Support A-State's ROTC program with our time, talents, and other resources;
Help recruit and mentor cadets for and on any of the school's satellite campuses;
Foster good relations among one another, the cadet battalion, and our university;
Encourage A-State to facilitate preparation of future U.S. Army officers for the Regular
Army, Army Reserve, and National Guard.
By enrolling in Arkansas State Army ROTC, are you joining the Army?
No. Students who enroll in A-State Army ROTC don't join the Army. They take an A-State
Military Science class for which they receive college credit. It is considered a college
elective.
Is A-STATE Army ROTC like "Boot Camp"?
No. A-State Army ROTC cadets go directly to college where they earn their degree.
What can students expect to learn by taking A-STATE Army ROTC?
Quite simply, Leadership and Management skills needed to become a U.S. Army officer,
Army Reserve or National Guard officer, or have a successful civilian career.
What makes A-STATE Army ROTC different from regular college management courses?
Students in A-State Army ROTC learn through a unique program that involves both classroom
and practical "live" situations. For instance, an A-State Army ROTC cadet might be
found leading classmates through adventure training, down a river in a raft, up a
mountain wall or through a confidence-building obstacle course.
Is there a military obligation during college?
During the first two years, A-State Army ROTC cadets have no military obligation (or
the first year in the case of scholarship awardees).
What is the A-STATE Army ROTC course comprised of?
A-State's Army ROTC program is divided into phases. The Basic Course studies Army
history, organization and structure. The techniques and principles of leadership and
management are stressed throughout. The Advanced Course concentrates on tactical operations
and military instruction, as well as advanced techniques of management, leadership,
and command.
Does A-STATE Army ROTC offer scholarships?
Yes. Each year students attending our affiliate programs—A-State Jonesboro and Beebe,
Harding University and Lyon College—are eligible to receive ROTC scholarships. Army
ROTC awards them to students studying science, engineer, nursing, business, as well
as a variety of other majors.
How much money does A-STATE Army ROTC usually award and what does the money go towards?
ROTC Scholarships are awarded at different monetary levels. Scholarships cover full
tuition and student fees. Additionally, scholarship awardees receive money for books,
as well as a monthly stipend.
On what basis are scholarship awardees chosen?
A-State Army ROTC scholarships are not based on financial need. Instead, they are
awarded on merit. Merit is exhibited in academic achievement and participation in
extracurricular activities such as sports, student government, or part-time work.
Can only scholarship winners enroll in A-STATE Army ROTC?
No. Anyone can enroll in the program. And, regardless of whether you are a scholarship
awardee or not, all A-State Army ROTC books, supplies and equipment are furnished
at no cost to you.
How often are A-STATE Army ROTC scholarships awarded?
Scholarships are awarded throughout the year to qualified students. High School students
generally receive their scholarship during their senior year. Green to Gold scholarships
are awarded by US Army Cadet Command. Nursing, Simultaneous Membership Program and
National Guard Tuition Waiver Program, as well as college-based 2, 3, and 4-year scholarships
are awarded continuously throughout the school year and summer to qualified cadets.
How do students benefit from A-STATE Army ROTC?
In college and after graduation, cadets find that the training and experience that
they have received are assets—whether pursuing an Army or civilian career. Employers
place high regard on self-discipline and the management and leadership skills that
A-State Army ROTC instructors stress. Plus, A-State Army ROTC looks great on a resume.
When cadets complete the A-State Army ROTC course, upon graduation, they become commissioned
officers in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard.
How do I apply for a scholarship from A-STATE Army ROTC?
The first thing you should do is to contact the Recruiting Operations Officer by calling
Mr. David Hastings at 870-972-2116 or emailing him at dhastings@astate.edu. He will be able to answer any questions you might have and will guide you in the
right direction on what steps you may need to take to apply for 2, 3, or 4-year scholarships.
You can also simply stop by and talk to any of us at the Military Science building
as well.
How do I join A-STATE Army ROTC?
Students at Arkansas State University Jonesboro, Harding University, Lyon College
and ASU-Beebe can register for Military Science courses and take them at both each
school. When you register for classes, register for the appropriate Military Science
course along with the Leadership Laboratory. A list of these courses can be found
in the course catalog.
How do I get started?
Incoming ROTC Students will first start by getting accepted to Arkansas State University.
Once you have been accepted, all that you have to do is enroll in the Military Science
freshman class (Fall or Spring) which includes a Leadership Lab (Fall or Spring).
We will provide all uniforms, books, and equipment needed to successfully complete
the course. Once you are in the program as an enrolled student, we can then explore
scholarship and other opportunities to help you become an Army officer. Two and three-year
scholarships do become available for currently enrolled students.
What extra-curricular opportunities does A-STATE Army ROTC offer?
There are numerous extra-curricular activities during the school year such as Ranger
Challenge, Color Guard, Intramural sports and Cadet Socials.
What summer training opportunities does A-STATE Army ROTC offer?
During the summer break, cadets can take part in Airborne School, Air Assault School,
Mountain Warfare, Northern Warfare, Leadership Training Course, Warrior Forge, Cadet
Troop Leadership Training, United Kingdom ROTC Exchange Program, Combat Divers Qualification
Course, Robin Sage, and the Nursing Student Training Program. Check out our Summer
Training link on our website pages.
What are my career field choices in the Army when I commission?
You can join a variety of career fields in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, or Army
National Guard to include Aviation, Armor, Adjutant General, Chemical, Engineer, Infantry,
Ordnance, Signal, Quartermaster, Transportation, Medical Service, Military Police,
Finance, Military Intelligence, Field Artillery, and Air Defense Artillery Corps and
the new Cyber branch.
I want to apply for a Green-to-Gold scholarship at A-STATE. What steps to I need to
take?
The most important thing you need to do is get accepted to Arkansas State University.
After acceptance, you need to inform your chain of command that you wish to turn in
a Green-to-Gold packet and start getting that packet together. Please contact us as
well. We would be glad to help.
Mypay - Your military pay can be tracked through this site. Your monthly stipend is paid
via direct deposit to your account, and your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) is
displayed here. SMP cadets can also track their drill pay here.
Department of Veteran's Affairs - Students using the MGIB will verify their monthly enrollment through this site.
Additional information about Veterans' Affairs can be viewed here also.
