Both Army and Navy ROTC programs are available to University of Maine students who want to become commissioned officers. The Army program is headquartered on campus, while the Navy program is offered in cooperation with Maine Maritime Academy. Both programs have offices on campus and offer a variety of scholarships.
Army
The Army ROTC program leads to a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, Army Reserves, or Army National Guard. Students enrolled in ROTC classes may pursue any university curriculum that leads to a baccalaureate or higher degree.
The Army ROTC program is designed around two levels: the Basic and Advance courses of military studies. The Basic Course of MSL 100 and MSL 200 level courses are available to all university students interested in learning about leadership, teamwork, and group dynamics. Exception is MSL 100 - Leadership laboratory, which is only open to enrolled or contracted ROTC students. Students taking classes in the Basic Course are not under any obligation to the Army.
Students may take MSL courses at the 300 and 400 levels only with the permission of the Professor of Military Science. Students wishing to contract and earn a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army must earn their baccalaureate degree, complete the MSL upper division courses, and complete a Military History Course.
Students may enter the Advance Course after the Basic Course requirements are met. This is generally accomplished by one of three ways:
- Enroll and successfully complete the 100 and 200 level course.
- Attend a five week off-campus course the summer prior to enrolling in the Advance Course.
- Have attended and successfully completed basic training for a service of the United States Military.
The Department of the Army offers 2-, 3-, and 4-year scholarships, and Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty Scholarships to selected students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and scholastic ability. These scholarships pay full tuition and mandatory fees annually, $1200 per year for textbooks, and $300 - $500 per month tax free stipend during the academic year for the duration of the scholarship. Four-year scholarship winners (with 1100+ SAT scores (combine math and verbal only)) or three-year Advanced Designee scholarship winners (with 1200+ SAT scores) who attend the University of Maine will receive an additional $2,500 grant annually from the University of Maine if they are awarded their Army ROTC scholarship prior to April 1st of their senior high school year and graduate in the top 20% of their class. Non-scholarship contracted students in the last two years of the program also receive the tax-free $450 - $500 monthly stipend during the academic year.
Army ROTC at the University of Maine also awards Nursing Scholarships to students excelling in the Nursing Program. The financial benefits are the same as above.
The program has administrative, medical, and physical requirements which must be met in order to qualify for a scholarship, contract and commission.
Specific information regarding the program and Army ROTC classes may be obtained by contacting a Military Science and Leadership advisor at (207) 581-1121, or toll free at 1-888-942-ROTC, or by visiting the UMaine Army ROTC website.
Students should check with their individual college to determine credit awarded for Military Science and Leadership courses toward degree completion. All Military Science and Leadership credits count toward a student’s overall GPA. A minor in Military Science and leadership is also offered.
Navy
The Naval ROTC program is designed to train and educate qualified students for commissioning and active service as officers in the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. Navy Option commissionees also receive a minor in Naval Science.
Program requirements:
In order to be eligible for application to this program a student must:
- Be a US citizen
- Be at least 17 but less than 23 years of age
- Be physically qualified
- Possess satisfactory records of academic ability and moral integrity
- Demonstrate those characteristics desired of a Naval Officer and
- Have no moral obligation or personal conviction that will prevent the bearing of arms.
The Naval ROTC Scholarship Program offers the following benefits: all tuition paid, up to $400 per month subsistence allowance during the school year and a substantial uniform allowance. Eligible graduates of this program receive commissions in the United States Navy or Marine Corps and serve on active duty a minimum of five years. High school students may apply for the national scholarship program between March 1 of their high school junior year to November 15 of their high school senior year. Application forms are available from any Navy recruiter and most guidance counselors. Early application is recommended as this program is highly competitive. Students already enrolled at UMaine may also be eligible for non-national scholarships.
The Naval ROTC College Program offers students not on scholarship an opportunity to participate in ROTC. The monetary benefits of the College Program include: a substantial uniform allowance and up to $400 per month subsistence allowance during the junior and senior years. Graduates of the College Program receive commissions and are required to serve on active duty for five years. Students may apply for the College Program from the beginning of their first year to the end of their sophomore year.
Students in the College Program may apply for 2 and 3-year scholarships. Selection is based on academic and Naval ROTC performance. Scholarships are also available for students in the technical majors (engineering, physics, etc.) who have successfully completed at least one semester of college. Special Navy and Marine Corps scholarships are available to Hispanic and African-American students.
Specific information regarding the program and Naval Science courses may be obtained by calling (207) 581-1551.
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