• Home
  • Military Discounts
    • Military & Veteran Discount List
    • Local Military and Veterans Discounts
    • Apple Military Discount
    • Veteran & Military Cell Phone Discounts
    • Gym and Health Club Discounts
  • Benefits
    • 10 Veterans Benefits You May Not Know About
    • Top Military Spouse Benefits
    • Medal of Honor: Benefits, History and Facts
    • Purple Heart Benefits
    • Veterans Health A to Z
  • Housing & Home Ownership
    • VA Loan Calculator
    • VA Loan Limits by County
    • VA Home Loan Guide
    • 5 Benefits of a VA Loan
    • 2022 BAH Rates
    • BAH Calculator
  • Money & Finance
    • 2022 Military Pay Charts
    • 2022 Defense Budget
    • 2022 Military Pay
    • 2022 Military Pay Charts
    • COLA Watch 2022-2023
    • Military Pay Calculator
    • Military Pay Dates
    • VA Disability Rates
  • Jobs
    • Veteran Friendly Employers
    • Military Spouse Employment Preference
    • Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS)
    • Security Clearance Jobs After the Military
  • Education
    • Veteran Friendly Colleges
    • Online Colleges with Military Discounts
    • Veteran Friendly Colleges Guide
    • Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA)
    • Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) for the GI Bill
    • Forever GI Bill
  • Resources
    • How to Get a Veterans ID Card
    • Veterans ID on Driver’s License or ID Card by State
    • Military ID Cards
    • Military Calendar
    • State Veteran’s Benefits
Home » Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech (VT) is a public land-grant university located in Blacksburg, Virginia. VT was founded in 1872 and sits on 2,600 acres in the heart of town. With nearly a 150 years of military training history under its belt, Virginia Tech is one of the nation’s six Senior Military Colleges. VT is committed to academic excellence and its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), and prepares its students to be leaders in their disciplines, the military, and their communities.

Virginia TechVirginia Tech’s Corps of Cadets has produced military and public leaders since 1872. The Corps of Cadets trace their history to the founding of Virginia Tech. If you join the Corps of Cadets you will have two paths to choose from: the Military-Leader track or the Citizen-Leader track.

In the Military-Leader track, you’ll train to earn a commission as a military officer after graduation through one of the three ROTC programs. If you choose the Citizen-Leader Track, there is no military obligation, and you’ll apply the leadership skills you’ve learned directly to your first job in the civilian world. If you are in the ROTC program, you must join the Corps, but you don’t have to be in ROTC to join the Corps. You’ll live in one of the Corps’ two residence halls and participate in the Corps’ 24/7 leader development program. The Corps integrates cadets from all ROTC programs and the civilian-leader track into the Corps of Cadets.

VT Corps of Cadets by the Numbers

  • Year Established: 1872
  • Number of Cadets: 1,100
  • Cadets Commissioned in 2019: 270
  • ROTC Programs: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps

What Kind Of Degree Programs Are Offered At Virginia Tech?

From Aerospace Engineering to Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech offers hundreds of programs for every level of learning — from certifications to doctoral degrees. With more than 110 undergraduate majors and options to choose from, you’ll experience a matchless education at Virginia Tech.

Am I Eligible To Join The Corps Of Cadets?

As long as you have been accepted to Virginia Tech, you have the option to join the Corps of Cadets. If you join an ROTC program, you have to join the Corps.


How Do I Apply To Join The Corps Of Cadets?

On the Coalition or Common Application, choose Virginia Tech. You’ll see the question: “Do you wish to enroll in the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets?” If you select yes, your application to the Corps is recorded, the application is waived, and you’ll also automatically be considered for the Emerging Leader Scholarship.

You can learn more about the Corps of Cadets, military ROTC programs, and the Citizen-Leader track by viewing the following recorded sessions on each program.

  • Corps of Cadets introduction
  • Army ROTC brief
  • Naval ROTC brief (includes the Marine option)
  • Air Force ROTC brief
  • Citizen-Leader Track brief

What Branches Of The Service Have ROTC Programs On Campus?

If you want to earn a commission as an officer in the U.S. armed forces, Virginia Tech offers all ROTC programs. Read on to see if ROTC is the right path for you.

Army ROTC

Army ROTC at Virginia Tech develops Leadership Skills and prepares you for a life as a military officer. After graduation, you’ll earn a commission as an Army second lieutenant on active duty or as part of the reserves. You’ll experience an exciting career in fields including Combat Arms (Aviation, Armor, Artillery, Infantry, or Engineers), Combat Support, and Combat Service Support branches.

Air Force ROTC

AFROTC program at Virginia Tech educates and trains cadets for service as commissioned officers in the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. Detachment 875 strives to uphold their motto of being the Best Alive in everything they do. Whether it be academics, physical fitness, leadership positions, or career choice, you’ll find purpose through providing service to your nation.

Navy and Marine ROTC

Welcome to Navy ROTC at Virginia Tech! NROTC educates young men and women like you for service as commissioned officers in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. You’ll serve as an officer in the Navy or Marine Corps in specialties such as Surface Warfare, Naval Aviation, Submarines, Special Warfare, Combat Arms, Communications, or Logistics.


What Scholarships are available?

There are several scholarships available to ROTC cadets. Some are school-wide, and some are specific to each of the ROTC programs.

Project Global Officer (Project GO)

Project GO provides scholarships to ROTC students to study in critical languages needed by the military. Project GO focuses on the languages and countries of the Middle East, Central Asia, Asia, South America, and Africa.

Emerging Leader Scholarship

All students admitted as cadets are considered for the Emerging Leader Scholarship. The Emerging Leader Scholarship provides $8,000 over four years for qualified in-state cadets and $12,000 over four years for qualified out-of-state cadets. Make sure you have indicated you wish to enroll in the Corps of Cadets when applying to Virginia Tech. Each year, at least 200 first-year cadets will be offered the Emerging Leader Scholarship, based on available funding.

Commandant’s Scholarships

Once you complete your first year, you’re eligible to compete for additional scholarships through the generosity of Corps alumni. These scholarships range from $1,000 to $3,000 annually. All cadets are eligible for a Commandant’s Scholarship, and they are given based on need.

Army ROTC Scholarships

You can compete for an Army ROTC scholarship that pays full tuition, book allowance, and a monthly stipend for two, three, or four years. In return, you will earn a commission as an Army officer in either the Active Duty Force, the Army Reserves, or the National Guard.

Air Force ROTC Scholarships

You can compete for a two-, three-, three ½-, and four-year Air Force ROTC scholarships that pay full tuition, book allowance, and a monthly stipend. In return, you will earn a commission as an Air Force or Space Force officer. Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Meteorology, Nuclear Physics, and Nuclear Engineering are highly desired majors. If you select one of these majors, you might receive priority in the scholarship selection process.

Navy and Marine ROTC Scholarships

The Navy and Marine Corps offer two-, three-, and four-year Navy and Marine ROTC scholarships through their NROTC program. Scholarships are awarded each year through the Chief of Naval Education and Training (CNET). They are available if you want to seek a commission in the Navy as an Ensign or in the Marines as a second lieutenant. Benefits include tuition, books, required fees, uniforms, and a monthly stipend.

What Is My Service Commitment After Graduating?

Once you get your degree, your military service begins. You’ll begin military life as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Air Force, or Marines, or an ensign in the U.S. Navy. Most ROTC graduates have a service commitment of four years.

If you receive an Army ROTC scholarship or enter the Army ROTC Advanced Course, you agree to complete eight-years of service with the Army. If you enroll in the Army ROTC Basic Course, you are not committed to service in the Army unless you are on an Army ROTC scholarship.  All scholarship students will be required to serve in the military for eight years. You may fulfill your obligation by serving three years on active duty and five years in the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR). If you are on a four-year scholarship, then you’ll serve four years active and four years in the IRR.

If you are accepted into special programs like as a pilot, your commitment will be longer. After you complete your service obligation, you can leave the military or continue your military career. Many officers stay on for 20 years and retire from the military.


What Is Life Like As A Virginia Tech Cadet?

New Cadet Week

Your life at VT begins one week before school starts. It’s very structured, and you’ll learn how to march, rifle drill, and all about military customs and courtesies. As a first-year cadet, your training will follow three phases: Red, White, and Blue.

Red Phase

During the Red Phase, you’ll continue to master military drill, customs and courtesies, and begin to learn about leadership concepts. Learning to be an excellent college student is just as important as military training. If you don’t graduate, you can’t earn your military commission. The Red Phase will teach you all about time management and goal setting, both vital to getting good grades. You’ll also take part in the Caldwell March. In the fall, all first-year cadets and their training cadre honor complete the first half of the 26-mile journey Addison Caldwell, Virginia Tech’s first student, made in 1872. You’ll complete the second half in the spring.

White Phase

During the White Phase, the intensity of training levels out. You’ll attend cadet leader school where cadets learn about “Fire Team Leader” positions (Sophomore leadership position). The military ball takes place in February, one of the highlights of the academic year.

Blue Phase

During the Blue Phase, you’ll reflect on followership lessons you’ve learned, interview for a Fire Team Leader position, and shadow a cadet that you’ll replace in the fall. You must also prepare to shuffle to a new company for the following fall semester. The Blue Phase and your first year end with the second half of the Caldwell march and the Change of Command Parade.

Organization

The Corps is modeled after the Army Regiment and is led by a Regimental Staff. The regiment is broken down into three battalions of 350 cadets each. Each battalion is led by seniors and is broken down into four companies of 80 cadets from all tracks—Army, Navy/Marine, Air Force, and the civilian-leader track. The Cadet regiment, battalions, and companies are all mentored by active duty military staff cadre.


About The AuthorJim spent 22 years on active duty, climbing the ranks from Airman Basic to a decorated Air Force Major. Stationed all over the world, he held many high-level posts, including Chief of Foreign Military Sales at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Jim earned his Ph.D. through the Montgomery Era GI Bill and spent 13 years teaching African Studies in Pennsylvania. Jim is also an award-winning travel writer.


Related Articles
Military Academies Senior Military Colleges
Joining ROTC In College Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)
ROTC Scholarships The Corps of Cadets

Military + Veteran Discounts

Want 30+ Mil/Vet discounts to use today? Enter your email for updates and we'll send it!
Name(Required)

VA Home Loans

Popular Articles

2022 VA Disability Rates

2022 Military Pay

Military Pay Calculator

VA Loan Calculator

2022 BAH Rates

Search Veteran.com

Military Benefits Logo

Company

  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Add a Discount
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Disclosure
  • Unsubscribe

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Military Discounts
  • Benefits
  • Housing & Ownership
  • Money & Finance
  • Employment
  • Education
  • Resources

Connect With Us

  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • twitter
  • youtube
Copyright © 2022 Three Creeks Media, LLC

Veteran.com is a property of Three Creeks Media. Neither Veteran.com nor Three Creeks Media are associated with or endorsed by the U.S. Departments of Defense or Veterans Affairs. The content on Veteran.com is produced by Three Creeks Media, its partners, affiliates and contractors, any opinions or statements on Veteran.com should not be attributed to the Dept. of Veterans Affairs , the Dept. of Defense or any governmental entity. If you have questions about Veteran programs offered through or by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, please visit their website at va.gov. The content offered on Veteran.com is for general informational purposes only and may not be relevant to any consumer’s specific situation, this content should not be construed as legal or financial advice. If you have questions of a specific nature consider consulting a financial professional, accountant or attorney to discuss. References to third-party products, rates and offers may change without notice.

Advertising Notice: Veteran.com and Three Creeks Media, its parent and affiliate companies, may receive compensation through advertising placements on Veteran.com; For any rankings or lists on this site, Veteran.com may receive compensation from the companies being ranked and this compensation may affect how, where and in what order products and companies appear in the rankings and lists. If a ranking or list has a company noted to be a “partner” the indicated company is a corporate affiliate of Veteran.com. No tables, rankings or lists are fully comprehensive and do not include all companies or available products.

Editorial Disclosure: Editorial content on Veteran.com may include opinions. Any opinions are those of the author alone, and not those of an advertiser to the site nor of Veteran.com.