Reserve Officer Training Corps

The Air and Space Force branch of ROTC is represented by Air Force Detachment 730.
AFROTC Cadets in Det 730 have unique opportunities to grow as leaders and form lasting friendships while also paying for college. Scholarships are available and can be earned several ways.

• Four-year scholarships are awarded to deserving high school seniors.
• Scholarships are awarded to deserving cadets during their first two years in AFROTC.
• Prior enlisted cadets can also earn scholarships.
• Two-year scholarships are awarded to ALL cadets who successfully complete Field Training between their Sophomore and Junior years.

Air Force - Air Force ROTC Detachment 730

Contact: Captain Jamie Torres: jrt149@pitt.edu

Website for students to apply for scholarships: U.S. Air Force ROTC (afrotc.com)

Important Dates:

• Application opens July 14, 2025 for all students entering their senior year.
• All applications must be completed by Dec 31, 2025. 

AFROTC includes weekly leadership laboratories, aerospace studies classes, and physical training. Freshman and Sophomore cadets can expect approximately five hours of AFROTC activities per week, while the upper two classes participate in between 8 and 10 hours of Det-related activities and work per week. The AFROTC program typically lasts four years but a three-year commissioning program is available to those who choose to join at the beginning of their sophomore year.

On top of military training, Det 730 cadets are encouraged to participate in community service, color guard, recruiting, morale events, extracurricular physical training, and several other cadet-led extracurriculars for the purpose of staying well-rounded as a cadet and individual. AFROTC will develop you as a leader of character, keep you physically fit, and will help you pay for college.Learn More

The US Army is represented by the Three Rivers Battalion ROTC Program.  

The application process for rising high school seniors is open until the end of the fall semester of their senior year. If a student is approved, they will receive a scholarship for full tuition and fees at Duquesne University for the entirety of their undergraduate career. Students will also receive funding for textbooks and receive a monthly paycheck for attending class.

Army - Three Rivers Battalion

Contact: William Perez,  (412) 624-6254 or wrp14@pitt.edu

Website for students to apply for scholarships: ROTC Scholarships | U.S. Army (goarmy.com)

Important Dates:

• Application opens on June 9, 2025, for all high school students starting their senior year.
• The last day to start an application is Jan. 31, 2026.
• All applications must be completed by Feb. 23, 2026. 

Get an education in Leadership Skills

Become an Army leader and learn valuable skills and cover your college education through ROTC.

You will graduate equipped with skills such as:

• Critical-thinking
• Technical training
• Effective writing
• Communication and briefing
• Self-Discipline
• Time management
• How to lead and work with others
• Physical strength and agility
• Mental fitness and resiliency
• The value of competence, character, and courage

Earn Scholarships and Graduate as an Army Officer

Attend College and train to become an Army Officer while ROTC pays for your tuition. Get the College experience and then graduate as a Second Lieutenant in either of the components; Active Duty Army, Army Reserves, or Army National Guard.

Apply in High School or College

You are eligible to apply for an Army ROTC scholarship upon completion of your junior year of high school or as a college student. High school students that apply for ROTC are eligible for scholarships covering up to the full cost of tuition, plus $420 per month for personal expenses and $1,200 per year for books.

Courses

ROTC Cadets must take one, three-credit, ROTC Course each semester that correlates with their academic year. Below are the courses they can enroll in. The course includes classroom lecture once a week and a practical application leadership lab.

MS I /Freshman- ROTC 101, 102 – Introduction to Military Science/Leadership

MS II /Sophomore- ROTC 201, 202 – Leadership and Decision Making

MS III /Junior- ROTC 301, 302- Advanced Leadership/ Tactics

MS IV /Senior- ROTC 401, 402- Officership, Command and Staff

Leadership Labs

Leadership labs occur weekly or bi-weekly with the purpose and focus of the labs being hands-on practical training to exercise class content learned during lecture and the application of these skills. This further promotes education in different learning styles and prepares all Cadets for future Field Training Exercises.

Field Training

Army ROTC conducts two field training exercises a semester. These larger scale practical exercises combine all Cadets from Duquesne University and the other schools within Army ROTC program in the Pittsburgh area to culminate and test their lessons, leadership skills, and experiences gained throughout previous training. Examples of training events include; Land Navigation, Shooting M4 Rifles, Situational Training Exercises, Leadership Reaction Course, Tactical First Aid, Radio Communications and reporting.

Physical Training

Physical Training (PT) is conducted three times per week on Tuesday-Thursday mornings from 6-7 a.m. Contracted cadets must attend all sessions unless excused by cadre. Non-contracted cadets are not required to be at PT, however are strongly encouraged to attend to improve physical fitness, military discipline, and compete for a contract and scholarship from Army ROTC. PT sessions work towards improving overall strength, endurance, and fitness as well as preparing cadets to pass the Army Combat Fitness test (ACFT). The ACFT consists of six graded and timed events; deadlift, standing power throw, hand release push ups, sprint-drag-carry, plank, and two-mile run.

Common ROTC Questions/Answers:

What is an Army Officer?

An Army officer is a rank of leadership and trust in the Army. Army officers are responsible for planning and executing tough and realistic training while leading and managing Soldiers. Cadets in ROTC who graduate college receive a commission as a Second Lieutenant.

Do I have to have a specific Major or Degree to join?

No. You can be any major and be in ROTC.

I’m not sure if I want to join the Army, but I am interested in the military. Can I take the class?

Yes. Our basic course classes (100/200 level) are open for enrollment to any student with no obligation to serve in the Army.

Can I be a part of ROTC while being in Sports, Clubs, or Greek Life?

Absolutely. We encourage our cadets to be active in their colleges and universities with both athletics and extra-curricular programs. We love to see cadets showcase their leadership skills in other organizations as well as show off their physical fitness abilities in college sports. Additionally, being active in multiple activities further hones time management and organization skills.

Can I get a Scholarship?

Yes. High school students can apply for 3-year or 4-year national scholarships which cover the entirety of tuition/fees for their university and also pays the student a monthly stipend up to $420, alongside $1,200 per semester for books/additional fees. New cadets not on scholarship can also compete for program scholarships awarded through ROTC based on merit and leadership potential.

What makes me have a service obligation to the Army?

Receiving a scholarship is when you agree to fulfill a service obligation to the Army in return for them paying for your degree. Each students case is particular and details for contracts and scholarships are tailored to the cadets needs for their future career path in conjunction with the available scholarship offers at the time.

What makes Army ROTC different than other branches?

The Army offers a wide range of careers in more places around the world than any other U.S. military branch. Army officer salaries are generally comparable with middle to upper level corporate managers or executives. Additionally they have more benefits including free health care, housing and food allowances, 30 days paid leave a year, and financial benefits for active duty.

Why is Army ROTC at Duquesne a great option?

Army ROTC is convenient and very active at Duquesne University. The company does almost all of their training on Duquesne's campus. Although the host school/headquarters for Army ROTC is the University of Pittsburgh, students don’t have to travel to their campus for class, physical training, or labs weekly. Army ROTC also has a cadre member, office for assistance, and cadet lounge on campus for cadet students to use.

Learn More

The US Navy and Marine Corps is part of the Steel City Naval ROTC Program.  

The application process for rising high school seniors is open until the end of the fall semester of their senior year. If a student is approved, they will receive a scholarship for full tuition and fees at Duquesne University for the entirety of their undergraduate career. Students will also receive funding for textbooks and receive a monthly paycheck for attending class.

Navy - Steel City Naval ROTC

Contact: Lieutenant Benjamin Stewart: bjstewar@andrew.cmu.edu

Website for students to apply for scholarships: Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps - Home Page (navy.mil)

Important Dates:

• Application opens on April 1, 2025, for all high school juniors.
• The last day to start an application is Jan 31, 2026.
• All applications must be completed by Feb 20, 2026.

Learn More