Leadership - ROTC at VMI

The development of leaders of character at VMI involves a four-year cadet journey through well-integrated and closely coordinated experiences in intellectual, military, physical, and character development. Cadets are required to take four years of ROTC, with choice of branch for those planning to commission. This training cultivates the ability to perform under pressure in military and civilian careers.

VMI Army ROTC has produced more Army generals than any other ROTC program in the United States. The program trains commissioning and non-commissioning cadets. Cadets who successfully complete the Army ROTC program may commission as Army second lieutenants.

Cadets in VMI’s Naval ROTC commissioning track have many career options, including special warfare (SEAL) and the nuclear power program. Cadets who successfully complete the Naval ROTC program may commission as Navy ensigns.

Marine-option cadets in VMI Naval ROTC consistently have one of the highest graduation rates in the nation at Officer Candidates School. Marine-option cadets who successfully complete the Naval ROTC program may commission as Marine Corps second lieutenants.

The VMI Air Force ROTC pilot/combat systems officer selection rate is consistently at or near 100 percent. Cadets who successfully complete the Air Force ROTC program earn commissions as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force upon graduation from VMI.

VMI is also one of eight U.S. Coast Guard direct- commission selected schools.