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In general, all college ROTC programs operate the same no matter the service selected; that is, Army, Navy, Marines, or Air Force. The first two years (freshman and sophomore) plus summer training are voluntary. Then, the cadet must decide whether he or she wants to commit to the summer training and junior and senior years. This requires that they must enlist and agree to a six year obligation after graduation. How that six year obligation breaks down generally depends on the length of in-service schooling after commissioning.

For example, a Navy ROTC graduate that selects the nuclear power field can expect to do a full six years on active duty because the school is 1-1/2 years long. A nuclear power school student obligates to a full six years on active duty. (This may be extended if the student applies for submarine duty.)

The ROTC programs (all services) will present cadets with many challenges and I highly recommend them to a high school graduate. The first two years and summer training will give the cadet at taste of whether they want a service career. If the cadet decides it is what they want to do, then they commit to the last two years a summer training and enlistment after commissioning. That the service picks up the total cost of the cadet's room, board, books, and tuition for the junior and senior years is a definite incentive.

It should be noted that all the services can change the requirements for their program at the college level. The programs and lengths of training I cited apply to both the US Army and US Navy (and Marine Corps). The USAF appears to have some differences, but generally follows the other services. Again, the total obligation is for six years on graduation and commissioning. Whether the six years is spent all on active duty or has some reserve duty involved depends upon the kind and length of the in-service schooling the student gets after commissioning.

As a recent nuclear power Navy ROTC grad, I can tell you that your information is slightly off. All Navy ROTC students are obligated for 5 years of service from the day they commission. That contract is signed on the first day of sophomore year. If you choose to do something that involves extra training (like the nuclear pipeline which involves approximately 2 years of training due to delays in getting spots at schools), you are obligated for an extra year of service.

I recommend going the officer route through ROTC at Va Tech or Texas A&M (disclaimer, I went to Va Tech). I think that having the corps of cadets at a large civilian school offers the best of both worlds. You still get that military experience, but you also get the chance to get away from it occasionally to enjoy all the benefits of attending a large civilian institution. And Va Tech is a very service oriented school, especially their Corps. The school’s motto is Ut Prosim, “That I May Serve”.