Army ROTC is an elective curriculum you take alongside required college classes for your chosen degree. It gives you the tools, training and experiences that will help you succeed in any competitive environment. Along with great leadership training, Army ROTC can pay for your college tuition. Because Army ROTC is an elective, you can participate during your first year and sophomore year without any obligation to join the U.S. Army. You will have a college experience like everyone else on campus. If you decide to contract, then you will be commissioned as an officer in the Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard upon graduation.