What is the time I owe the Army if I complete ROTC and become an officer?
Eight years, but before you leave skid marks running away, let’s break it down so it’s not so daunting! These 8 years can be fulfilled in a number of ways: 3 or 4 years (depending on scholarship status) on active duty and then the remainder in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). Essentially the IRR is a non-active status with no drill requirements. The other option is 6 years in a drill unit of the Reserves or National Guard, meeting one weekend monthly and two weeks each summer, followed by 2 years in the IRR. This obligation is federally mandated and is the same obligation across all services.
