ROTC Applicants Soar; Rise Attributed to Vietnam

Nationwide discussion of draft exams and reduction of draft exemptions for students this fall have contributed to a considerable rise in applications to ROTC programs, Major William F. Scott, associate professor of Military Science, said yesterday.

Applications to Army ROTC's two-year program, now in its second year have from three applicants last year to roughly 75 this year.

Scott stressed, however, that this substantial increase is due in large part to knowledge of the relatively new program, and not entirely to heightened over the world situation.

The Air Force ROTC experienced a similar rise in applications for their two-year program, instituted this year, said Major Richard G. Stitt, associate professor of Air Science. To date they have received 99 applications, compared with 38 received in the fall.

The Naval ROTC, which started their two-year program only this year, has received 35 applications since Jan. 1. The deadline for applications is May 1.

Two-Year Programs

The two-year programs of the three branches are directed primarily at sophomores, but it is possible for juniors to enroll.

The AFROTC offers only a two-year program, involving a six-week summer training course prior to the junior year. After graduation, AFROTC men enlist in the Air Force for four years of active service.

The Army ROTC and NROTC offer both a two and four-year plan. After graduation, Army ROTC men serve two years on active duty, while NROTC men serve three years.

In addition to their two ROTC programs, the Army offers a College Option Officer Candidate School plan. Under this plan, college graduates who have not enrolled in ROTC can enlist as officers. The program is for two years and ten months, involving 16 weeks of basic training and 23 weeks in OCS, followed by two years of active service.

Scholar-Soldier

W. Frank White '66, a Rhodes scholar enrolled in the Army ROTC four-year plan, will serve two years active duty when he returns from Oxford. He feels that Harvard students who don't enroll in ROTC are missing a valuable opportunity especially in light of the Vietnam situation.