Frequently Asked Questions

We are currently building our FAQ page with common questions and answers about the ROTC program either as a future Cadet, a current military member looking for an assignment at the university or attending UW-Madison while on active duty. If you don’t see an answer to your question please email us.

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Prospective Students / Cadets

I did not start ROTC as a freshman but am interested in becoming an Army Officer.

  • There are numerous options available for you. You can take the Freshman and Sophomore classes (MS101/MS201 and MS102/MS202) at the same time to catch up.
  • You can attend Basic Camp at Fort Knox after your Sophomore year and receive credit for your first two years of ROTC
  • Regardless your situation, contact Mr. Giese (the Recruiting Operations Officer) to find the best path for you.

I’m not sure what ROTC is or if I want to join the Army, can I take a class?

  • Yes, the Military Science 100 and 200 level classes are open to all Freshmen or Sophomore standing students at UW-Madison or Edgewood University. There is no requirement to join ROTC by taking these classes.

Do all Cadets get to go to Airborne, Air Assault or other military schools?

  •  Every year we send Cadets to various military training opportunities (look at “Extra Training Opportunities” under the “Cadet Life” tab). Although we try to send as many Cadets as we can that want to go, each year the number of slots for these opportunities varies so we cannot guarantee a spot at a specific school.

Is ROTC the same as Basic Training?

  • No. ROTC is a class you take alongside your other classes while at UW-Madison. There is no requirement to go to basic training if you complete ROTC and commission as a second lieutenant in the US Army.

Scholarships

Please contact Mr. Giese, the recruiting operations officer with any scholarship related questions

Prospective/Incoming Cadre

Incoming Cadre – Congratulations on your assignment to UW-Madison. Please contact us once you receive your RFO so we can track your arrival and assign you a sponsor. The greater Madison area has a lot to offer, and we want to help make this PCS as smooth as possible for you. All cadre are required to take the Common Faculty Development-Instructor Course (CFDIC). Once we know your report date, we can schedule you for the course if you are not already certified. Additionally, our university employee will reach out with the required documentation so you can be appointed to the University as faculty. Lastly, the cadre can answer any questions you or your family may have about the area and expectations while assigned to UW-Madison.

Prospective Cadre – Officers & Non-Commissioned Officers should contact their branch manager and/or view their marketplace to see if there are any open vacancies during the upcoming PCS cycle. In addition to UW-Madison, Cadre are also assigned to UW-Whitewater. Generally positions are for post KD captains (branch immaterial) and post KD Sergeants First Class (11B or 42A), although the MTOE does change from time to time so feel free to reach out.

Active Duty Military at UW Madison

Advanced Civil Schooling – Congratulations on continuing your education at the University of Wisconsin. Once you arrive, please let us know so we can track you while on campus. You will still fall under your student detachment, but we can assist you with some things while you are here on campus. Ensure you work through your student detachment for an AVD account as we are not on a DoD network.

ACFT – Generally, we hold an ACFT in the fall (September/October) and again in Spring (April/May) prior to the end of the school year. Make sure you have contacted us so we can send you an email once dates are solidified for the semester.

CAC Renewal / DEERs Updates – We do not have the capability to produce CACs, you will need to go to the Joint Force HQ in Madison for that or other DEERs updates.

National Guard / Reserve

I want to commission into the National Guard, but not in Wisconsin, can I do that?

  • Yes, during your senior year you’ll work with the National Guard Liaison at the ROTC program to find a position in the state of your choosing.

I have gone to basic training, do I have to do all four years of ROTC?

  • If you have attended basic training there is no requirement to complete the first two years of ROTC, however some Cadets still do all four years even though they completed Basic Training.

Employment

The Army ROTC department has vacancies from time to time for GS positions as well as a position for a University employee. GS positions are posted at USAJOBS while university positions are posted on the University of Wisconsin – Madison website. If a job becomes available it will be posted on one of those websites as well as on our social media pages.

Officers & Non-Commissioned Officers should contact their branch manager and/or view their marketplace to see if there are any open vacancies during the upcoming PCS cycle.