How to Join

Green to Gold

If you're an enlisted soldier, Army ROTC can help you continue to grow and learn. The Army ROTC Green to Gold program provides options for Soldiers interested in pursuing a baccalaureate or graduate degree and earning a commission as an Army Officer.

There are a few options:

Scholarship Option - For those who are considering leaving Active Duty to attend college while receiving full tuition or room and board (capped), flat rate book payment and a monthly stipend.

Non-Scholarship Option - For Soldiers who are considering leaving Active Duty to attend college while receiving a monthly stipend.

Commander’s Hip Pocket Scholarship Program - provides selected Soldiers the opportunity to complete their baccalaureate degree requirements and obtain a commission through participation in the ROTC Scholarship program.

Active Duty Option (ADO) - For Soldiers who want to remain on Active Duty and attend college.  this is the most common route that prospective Green to Gold Cadets will pursue.  Soldiers selected to participate in the ADO program will continue to receive their current pay and allowances (up to a maximum of 21 consecutive months) but are not eligible for an Army ROTC scholarship.

If qualified, all Green to Gold Cadets are elligible to receive the Montgomery G.I. Bill, Army College Fund (MGIB/ACF) benefits, or Post 9/11 GI Bill.

Green-to-Gold ADO Selection Process:

The Green to Gold Active Duty Option is preceded by a two-phase selection process. 

Phase 1: Application Phase

Eligible Enlisted Active Duty Army Soldiers can apply at the Army ROTC Green to Gold Portal through the Phase 1 Deadline, which is normally around the end of November.  Please note that the application and  acceptance into the Army ROTC Green to Gold program is not controlled or influenced by the individual Army ROTC Program.  While the program will do its best to answer any questions, please refer application-specific questions to the Green to Gold ADO Office.

Phase 2: Selection Phase

Around the end of January, Green to Gold ADO applicants will be notified if they were accepted.  If so, they will move onto the selection phase where they will complete their DODMERB, attempt to receive any required waivers, and complete the administrative requirements that make them eligible to enter their chosen Army ROTC program.  It is the prospective Green to Gold Cadet's responsibility to monitor their Green to Gold portal and identify required activities.

USF Army ROTC Program's Role in Green to Gold ADO Phase 2:

Waivers: Any waivers that the prospective Cadet requires must be routed through the USF Army ROTC Program to 6th Brigade of Cadet Command.

PMS Acceptance Memo: The PMS is required to accept the prospective Cadet into the Program.  This can be completed during Phase 1 but has no impact on the outcome of Phase 1.

104R (Academic Worksheet): The 104R ensures that the prospective Cadet is aligned academically to graduate with their Bachelors or Masters Degree within two years.  This is essential due to the strict timeline placed on Green to Gold ADO Cadets.  Prospective Green to Gold Cadets looking to receive a Bachelors Degree must strive to have 48 to 60 credits remaining towards their degree to facilitate a managable academic experience.

Ensuring future ADO Cadets are "Contract" ready: Green to Gold ADO Cadets must contract immediately upon beginning their first Fall Semester.  It is essential that they remain in contact with the Program's Scholarship and Enrollment Officer prior to their arrival.

Professor of Military Science (PMS) Office Calls: It is optional but strongly encouraged that prospective Green to Gold Cadets schedule an Office Call with the Professor of Military Science at kimberlyepage@usf.edu early in Phase 2.

Points of Contact:

Scholarship and Enrollment Officer
MAJ (R) Jeff Livingston
(813) 786-1581
jlivingston1@usf.edu
Contact regarding: PMS Acceptance Memo, contracting, general Green to Gold questions

Human Resources Technician
SFC (R) Casey Guest
(813) 974-3751
aguest1@usf.edu
Contact regarding: Waivers and 104R

MS3 Instructor
SFC Corey Irwin
(607) 483-0665
cbirwin@usf.edu
Contact regarding: Questions about PCS'ing, orders, or being a Green to Gold Cadet.  Please note that SFC Irwin does not control standard transitional activities such as a PCS but supports incoming Green to Gold Cadets navigating them