Georgia Military College offers a special program known as the Early Commissioning Program ROTC that commissions second lieutenants through a two-year program. GMC is one of four colleges in the United States authorized to host this program.
“We are your fast track to leadership in the U.S. Army,” said Micahel Jones, Army ROTC and GMC professor of Military Science.
Students who enter the Early Commissioning Program commit to serve in the Army upon earning a commission. Following commissioning, they must continue their education at any university that has a host, partnership, or is affiliated with the U.S. Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program. They will serve in the U.S. Army Reserves or U.S. Army National Guard while completing their bachelor’s degree.
“There are no restrictions to the type of degree that a student can pursue, however, science, technology, engineering, and mathematical degrees, known as STEM degrees, are important to the military,” said Jones. “It will take approximately 36 months for the student to finish their degree requirements after graduating from Georgia Military College.”
While GMC can accommodate students entering the program later, it is recommended that interested students enter the degree program as a freshman. To apply for the program, an individual must be at least 17 years old and not older than 23 years old, have a high school diploma with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or a GED with a grade point average of 2.5. They must also meet U.S. Army height and weight standards, pass a standard Army physical examination, and pass the U.S. Army physical fitness test.
“Students are not required to have been in the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, though participating in this program through high school will give them a better foundation,” said Jones.
ECP cadets may compete for an Army ROTC Scholarship or attend as a non-scholarship Cadet. According to Jones, since 2021, 75% of students have earned the full ROTC scholarship while participating in the program. The ROTC scholarship requirements include having a 2.5 or higher high school GPA, scores of an 850 SAT or 19 on ACT, participation in Simultaneous Membership Program (a leadership internship) and meet all other requirements of the program.
“The school has been training leaders since 1979 and we have a cornerstone program.
With over 30 years of combat experience amongst our cadre, we know what it takes to train leaders and develop those capabilities,” said Wilson. “Once they finish our program and move into service, they will be physically prepared and have leadership experience to confidently stand at their stations and lead our country.”