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ABOUT BASIC CAMP
Start Army ROTC Later in College
Are you a college sophomore or junior—or a graduating senior planning to attend graduate school? If you will have at least two academic years remaining beginning in Fall 2027, Army ROTC may provide a path for you to become an Army Officer.
Army ROTC is currently seeking qualified students interested in attending Basic Camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky, during the summer of 2027.
Basic Camp is not Basic Combat Training—or “boot camp.” It is a 30-day leadership development course designed to introduce college students to Army ROTC and prepare them to enter the Advanced Course.
What Is Basic Camp?
Basic Camp provides an accelerated introduction to the skills normally taught during the first two years of Army ROTC. It is primarily intended for students who decide to join ROTC later in college and need to prepare for the junior-level program.
During Basic Camp, Cadets participate in:
- Leadership and team-building exercises
- Physical fitness training
- Land navigation
- Basic rifle marksmanship
- Confidence and obstacle courses
- Field training exercises
- Troop leading procedures
- Army Values and Warrior Ethos training
Cadets receive coaching and feedback throughout the course and are given opportunities to lead teams and squads. No previous military experience is required.
Financial Opportunities
Students who successfully complete Basic Camp and later contract with Army ROTC may qualify for a $5,000 bonus if they do not accept an ROTC scholarship.
Students may instead compete for an Army ROTC scholarship with our assistance. Cadets who accept a scholarship are not eligible to receive the Basic Camp contracting bonus.
Bonuses and scholarships are subject to eligibility requirements, availability, funding, and applicable Army policies.
What Does an Army ROTC Scholarship Cover?
An Army ROTC scholarship may provide:
- Full tuition and mandatory fees or up to $12,000 per year for room and board
- A $1,200 annual book allowance
- A $420 monthly, tax-free stipend during the academic year
Scholarship availability and duration vary. Receiving a scholarship is competitive and is not guaranteed by attending Basic Camp.
Who May Qualify?
Applicants should:
- Have at least two academic years remaining before completing their degree, beginning in Fall 2027
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be at least 17 and under 31 during the year they will commission, unless eligible for an approved age waiver
- Have a competitive cumulative college GPA— at least 2.5 for scholarship consideration
- Meet Army height, weight, physical fitness, medical, and administrative standards
- Be eligible to complete a Department of Defense medical qualification examination
- Agree, upon contracting, to accept a commission and serve as an Officer in the Active Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard after graduation
Additional eligibility requirements may apply. Our Army ROTC staff will review your academic timeline and qualifications before recommending you for Basic Camp.
What Happens After Basic Camp?
After successfully completing Basic Camp, eligible students may enroll in the Army ROTC Advanced Course, continue their leadership development during the school year, and work toward earning a commission as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation.
Completing Basic Camp does not, by itself, create a military service obligation. A service obligation begins when a student signs an Army ROTC contract or accepts certain scholarship benefits.
Interested in Basic Camp?
Contact the Jayhawk Battalion Army ROTC recruiting staff to discuss your eligibility, degree plan, scholarship opportunities, and the summer 2027 application process.
To learn more about Army ROTC, visit the official Army ROTC website.
