International Student to Join ROTC in Uni of Richmond.

Student Lounge International Students
1

<p>I'm a 18-year-old student from Malaysia who has completed high school education, and University of Richmond is currently of my top options for furthering my studies in the USA for the fall 2012 intake. I really hope I as an international student can major in the Military Studies & Leadership course offered in the university.</p>

<p>The problem now is that this course seems to be intertwined with the ROTC program of the United States, and are catered mainly to US citizens only. Well, I'm not a US citizen, I don't have any dual citizenship, yet I really want to study this course AND major in it, because I'm actually passionate in the field of military science and strategies, and I'm delighted to discover that such a course is offered in Uni of Richmond. Can someone tell me what do I have to do? I've checked a few sources on the Internet, including here on Yahoo! Answers, that said international students are indeed eligible for ROTC, but they didn't leave a clear answer as to whether I'll have to serve in the US Army upon graduation, or citizenship issues as well. So I'm still confused.</p>

<p>One more thing about ROTC; this program grants full scholarships to successful or prospective applicants. Assuming that I don't need or want the scholarship, and I can submit proof that my parents/guardians can pay the necessary expenses covered, what do I do to tell the relevant authorities?</p>

<p>And to cite a paragraph from the Uni of Richmond's undergraduate catalog on the Military Science & Leadership courses..."Military science and leadership classes may be taken by all University students. Class enrollment in the military leadership classes carries no U.S. Army commitment and there is no obligation to enroll for successive course offerings. College and/or commissioning credit may be awarded for prior military service, attendance at the ROTC Leader's Training Course, or Junior ROTC participation. International students desiring to attend military science and leadership classes must have written approval from their respective embassies prior to taking classes."</p>

<p>What does this paragraph exactly mean? Can someone experienced please dissect the info contained here and give me a clearer picture? I'll really appreciate it.</p>

<p>Thanks, and sorry for the long story here. I really do want to attend the course, and major and earn a degree in it, not just attend classes for fun. And based on the course structure provided, it seems that if you do not participate in the ROTC physical and leadership activities, the course won't seem complete.</p>

<p>Please offer wise comments. Hope someone who is involved in the ROTC program or people who have experience in such matters can offer their opinions and comments.</p>

2

<p>Why not simply contact the ROTC person at Richmond.</p>

<p>I commend your anticipated participation in ROTC.</p>

<p>I was going to do it when I was your age, but chickened out at the last minute.</p>

3

<p>Oh yeah, I haven’t done that, apparently. Thanks for reminding me. </p>

<p>Reasons I wanna join ROTC as a non-American:</p>

<ol>
<li>This course is connected and affiliated with the ROTC, and I really want to major in this course. It’s like a dream come true to me, such a course offered in a good university.</li>
<li>Enrollment in this program seems to make participation in the ROTC an obligation. </li>
<li>ROTC seems to be able to provide a good military education to me. I may not want to be a military officer in the future, but I do desire a military education at times, even when peers in my nation really never thought of getting themselves involved in the military.</li>
</ol>

<p>Anyway, I’ll contact the officer in charge of such matters at ROTC. Thanks a lot.</p>

4

<p>I was reading a bit into ROTC last year but I am by no means an expert. Proceed with caution.</p>

<p>I recall one college website stating that the first 2 years of ROTC are just basic military drills and open to everyone. The strategic training happened in the last 2 years and required a service commitment in order to participate. Which you cannot do as an international student.</p>

<p>Re international students and military: I believe that the Navy accepts permanent residents (green card holders) but all other branches of the military require citizenship to enlist.</p>

<p>Anyway, that’s meant as a first guideline. I encourage you to contact the ROTC coordinator at Richmond to get accurate information.</p>

5

<p>No, ROTC programs are only for US citizens. They might let you take classes, but I doubt you’d get the scholarship for it as you wouldn’t be eligible to serve in the military until you’ve obtained a green card.</p>