Senior ROTC / Early Commissioning Program

Become an Army officer in just two years!

Valley Forge Military College (VFMC) offers a unique and challenging accelerated leadership path called the Army ROTC Early Commissioning Program (ECP). Successful completion of this two-year program results in your earning a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army upon graduating as a sophomore from VFMC.

As a second lieutenant, you will serve in the Reserve Component (Army Reserve or Army National Guard) while you complete your bachelor’s degree, normally 2 years. Many programs allow you to complete a bachelor's degree tuition-free while receiving over $4,700 per year as an officer in the Reserve Component.

Those who desire to may compete for a position and serve in the Active Component of the Army after earning their bachelor's degree, entering active duty as a first lieutenant earning almost $17,000 more per year in regular military compensation (RMC) than those who earned a commission through a traditional four-year ROTC program or the US Military Academy.

Those who desire to remain in the Reserve Component after completing their bachelor’s degree still have two years of leadership experience and, in addition to a full-time career in the private sector, they will have continued leadership opportunities in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard.

ECP Lieutenants are obligated to serve for a total of 8 years upon commissioning – 2 years in the Reserve Component (Army Reserve or Army National Guard) while completing their bachelor’s degrees and 6 years in either the Reserve Component or the Active Component upon graduating from a four-year institution and based on the needs of the US Army.

EARLY COMMISSIONING PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

Basic ECP eligibility and entrance requirements (not all inclusive):

• Minimum cumulative high school GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (2.5 for scholarship)
• Minimum SAT score of 850 (Math and Verbal sections only), or ACT score of 17 (920 / 19 for scholarship)
• Pass Department of Defense Medical Examination (arranged by Army ROTC)
• Pass Army height/weight and physical fitness standards
• Between 17 and 27 years of age
• U.S. citizen of good moral character (original naturalization document issued by INS or state issued birth certificate)

APPLYING TO THE ECP

The application process for the Early Commissioning Program is a five-step process:

1.  Determine if you meet the eligibility standards as stated above.

2.  Apply to and gain acceptance into Valley Forge Military College: download the application, complete all required forms, and mail to:

Valley Forge Military College
Application for Admission
1001 Eagle Road
Wayne, PA  19087-3695

You may also apply online.

3.  After gaining acceptance into Valley Forge Military College, apply to the Early Commissioning Program:  download the application, complete all required forms, and mail to:

Valley Forge Military College Army ROTC
1001 Eagle Road
Wayne, PA 19087

Pay attention to the manner in which you complete these application forms; in particular, consider the photograph you provide.  Remember, this is our first look at you and you want to project a positive image.

DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATION IS 15 MAY (1 AUGUST FOR APPLICANTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED BASIC COMBAT TRAINING)

4.  Upon receipt, your application will be screened to ensure that you meet eligibility standards.  Once this has been completed, you will be scheduled for a personal interview with the Professor of Military Science.  

Again, pay attention to your personal appearance and behavior – you never get a second chance to make a first impression!

5.   If accepted into the ECP, you will be scheduled for a Department of Defense medical examination with a physician near your home and at no cost to you.  Once physically qualified, you will be scheduled for training.

PARTNERSHIP SCHOOLS

Students at Cabrini College, Eastern University, and Rosemont College are considered “Progression Cadets” and are not eligible to participate in the Early Commissioning Program.

Progression Cadets typically complete all four years (MSL I - MSL IV) of the ROTC Program but may join at any time during the MSL I (freshman) or MSL II (sophomore) year.  MSL I courses are not a prerequisite for MSL II courses, nor are MSL I/II courses a prerequisite for MSL III courses. 

In lieu of the MSL I/II courses, cadets may attend the Leaders Training Course (LTC) at Fort Knox, Kentucky in the summer prior to their MSL III (junior) year.

The minimum ROTC participation leading to a commission is the Leader’s Training Course (LTC), MSL 301/302, the Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC), and MSL 401/402.

Progression cadets must meet the same eligibility standards as ECP cadets and are eligible for 2, 3, and 4-year ROTC scholarships.

Progression cadets are obligated to serve for a total of 8 years upon commissioning in either the Reserve Component (Army Reserve or Army National Guard), the Active Component, or a combination of both based on the needs of the US Army.

ARMY ROTC SCHOLARSHIPS

Eligible ECP applicants (as listed above) may compete for a 2-year Army ROTC Scholarship to VFMC which pays full tuition, books, and some fees. 

In addition, once contracted, ECP cadets earn a monthly stipend of $450 during their first year and $500 during their second year, a one-time Uniform Commutation Allowance (UCA) of $2100, and a substantial room and board incentive from VFMC.

Eligible Progression cadets (as listed above) may compete for a 2, 3, or 4-year Army ROTC Scholarship which pays full tuition, books, and some fees.

Progression cadets, once contracted, also receive the monthly stipend but are not eligible for the UCA. 

EXPANDED EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

The Expanded Educational Assistance Program (EAP) is an optional program that pays full tuition or room and board to ECP Lieutenants to fund their last two years in college and complete their bachelor’s degrees.  ECP Lieutenants who choose to accept funds under the EAP incur the additional service obligation of one year of service for each year of benefits received.

Progression cadets who commission through partnership schools are not eligible for the EAP.

BENEFITS