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FAQs

How is this different from ROTC at most colleges?

ROTC at Virginia Tech is the same as it is at other colleges except that ROTC students from Virginia Tech benefit from being in the progressive leadership program within a structured military lifestyle that the Corps of Cadets provides. This complements the leadership training offered by the ROTC programs. The result is an officer with a lot more practical leadership experience upon graduation.

How is this different from a traditional military college?

We are one of only two senior military colleges in the United States located within a major state university. You can have the close-knit experience you will find at a traditional military college at the same time you will experience all the opportunities a large, public university has to offer.

Do I have to wear a uniform all the time?

All cadets wear a Corps uniform whenever they attend classes, generally between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays. ROTC cadets will wear their service-specific uniform one day a week during the spring semester.

Can I play sports and be in the Corps?

Your first year is a transition year, but if you can play at the highest level at Virginia Tech — either varsity (NCAA) or club — you may participate your first semester.

We ask that everyone else take one semester to adjust to college academics. If you earn a 3.0 GPA or higher, you may add an extracurricular activity in the spring semester. Beginning you sophomore year, there are no restrictions on extracurricular activities if you can maintain your grades.

How many cadets are there?

For the 2022-2023 academic year, we have 1,200 cadets.

Do I have to be in ROTC and go in the military upon graduation?

No. We offer a very strong Citizen-Leader Track option for cadets not pursuing a military commission that provides great preparation for careers in the public or private sectors.

Can I intern or co-op and be in the Corps?

Citizen-Leader Track cadets are encouraged to take advantage of co-op or intern opportunities. However, cadets/midshipmen on ROTC scholarships may participate only with prior approval from their ROTC program.

I was not in JROTC in high school, can I still be in the Corps and ROTC?

Absolutely. About 25 percent of cadets participated in their JROTC units. We begin our training a week before the fall semester begins, so you will not be at a disadvantage if you did not participate in JROTC in high school.

How many women are in the Corps?

Approximately 21 percent. However, the university is approximately 43 percent women. Female cadets have held every leadership position in the Corps, including regimental commander. The Corps was one of the first senior military colleges to admit women to its program, even before the federal service academies. If you have concerns, we highly recommend participating in the Spend the Night program and talking with current female cadets to see for yourself.

Do I have to pay for my uniforms?

A uniform fee is assessed each academic year that will be about 25 percent of the total uniform costs and required alterations. This fee is established by the Tailor Shop and the Office of Budget and Financial Planning and covers more than the exact value of the uniforms but also the services of the Tailor Shop.

ROTC students who complete the fall semester and are in good standing will normally receive a commutation from the Department of Defense to cover a portion of the uniform fee. Citizen-Leader Track cadets in good standing for the entire academic year will qualify for an equivalent university credit that will cover a portion of the uniform fee. Any portion of the uniform fee that is not subsidized, in either manner, will be the responsibility of the cadet.

For fall 2022, the annual uniform fee will be approximately $1,150.

In the event a cadet leaves the Corps, at any point during the academic year, the annual uniform fee will be immediately billed and will be the cadet's responsibility. This applies even if they only spent one day in the Corps.

What color backpack may I bring?

The Corps regulations require a black backpack with no logo or only a small logo.

What furniture is included in the residence hall rooms?

Each cadet has a lofted bed, a desk, a chair, a wardrobe, an Ethernet port, and a sink.

When does New Cadet Week begin?

New Cadet Week will begin Thursday, 11 Aug. for Fall 2022.

What additional Corps fees should I expect?

  • $100 Corps Fee (to cover cadet-specific costs like your Guidon and other cadet activities).
  • Approximately $90 Early Meals Fee (to cover meals before the meal plan begins during New Cadet Week).
  • Approximately $1,150 Uniform Fee (billed each year you are in the Corps of Cadets).

These will be billed on your fall tuition bill.