ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) is the optional/mandatory (depends on era + school) military training programme for PHL college students. Provides military reserve commission upon completion.
History:
- Mandatory until 2002
- Optional since 2003 (under National Service Training Program / NSTP)
- Periodic political pushes to reinstate mandatory ROTC
Programme:
- 2-3 years during college
- Weekly drills + summer training
- Reserve commission as 2Lt upon completion
- Reservist obligation (can be called to active duty)
What it means for you:
- Currently optional in most universities
- Provides military career foundation
- Reservist status (some employers value)
- Government employment advantage in some roles
- Path to active military if desired post-college