<p>I understand that for the National ROTC 4-year scholarship, you are allowed to "try it out" for one year before you have to commit to the active duty and reserve service after college.</p>
<p>However, since I am past the deadline for the national scholarship, I am likely to going to receive the "campus" ROTC scholarship which I'm aware is usually only 3- or 2-year scholarships. Do I have an immediate obligation or do I have freshman year to try this out and decide whether it is for me?</p>
<p>I know for the 2 year scholarship your obligation is immediate and I am pretty sure for the 3 yr scholarship as well.</p>
<p>I believe the Campus based ROTC scholarships are only 3 or 2 year scholarships (you may get a 4 year if you are in a 5 yr program). The vast majority of those will have taken the ROTC class as an elective to “try it out” and then competed for a scholarship.</p>
<p>If you are a rising college freshman and interested in the Army and ROTC then you are free to schedule ROTC class and be involved in the Battalion. Most labs are optional, depending on the school and passing the APFT is not required.<br>
You can actually take ROTC for 2 years (4 semesters) as an elective with no obligation. Without a scholarship the obligation kicks in when you attend LDAC after your sophomore year.</p>