Expert: Rod Powers - 4/5/2006

Question
Thank you Mr. Powers,

I do have one additional followup:  Do you think West Point is really that much better at preparing you for a career in the military versus the ROTC?  Are your chances much better for promotion as a West Point grad?  or will your abilities overcome that?




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Followup To
Question -
Where can I find the rankings of college ROTC programs?  I can't find it on any website.  Does it really matter as long as you have good officer and NCO's to train you?  Is West Point really that much better than ROTC?
Answer -
Hi Tyler,
Sorry this took so long.  I answered the question before, but it seems that it didn't "take."

To my knowledge, there aren't any "rankings" for ROTC programs.  ROTC courses are controlled by the particular military service, and the same course materials are covered, regardless of what military institution you are attending.  In other words, it's all the same.

"West Point" is one of the military academies.  It offers completely free college education (military based) in exchange for a commitment to the service.  It's *EXTREMELY* competitive (several thousands apply each year, and only a couple of hundred are accepted).  For details, see my article at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/academies.htm.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com


Answer
Hi Tyler,

ROTC gives you two to four years worth of part-time military education.  West Point gives one four years of full-time military discipline and education.  As such, a service academy (such as West Point) would probably be more effective, as you are under military control and discipline 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, during your 4 year college education.

Up until about five or six years ago, those commissioned from a service academy (such as West Point) had a significantly greater chance of promotion (all other factors being equal), but that has changed.  Now, promotion opportunities of those who've graduated from a service academy, vs. ROTC are not significantly different.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com