ROTC Early Commissioning Program

Georgia Military College is one of four colleges in the United States that Congress has authorized to offer the U.S. Army ROTC Early Commissioning Program (ECP) which commissions Second Lieutenants through a two-year. In short, we are your fast track to leadership in the U.S. Army.

Entering the Early Commissioning Program means you commit to serving in the Army upon earning a commission. Following commissioning,  you will continue your education at a university of your choosing that has a host, partnership, or is affiliated with the U.S. Army ROTC program. Upon commissioning, you will serve in the U.S. Army Reserves or U.S. Army National Guard while completing your bachelor’s degree and can request to compete for service in active duty.  Our Early Commissioning Program Officers, past and present, continue to serve their country in key leadership positions wherever their nation calls.

ECP Cadets may compete for an Army ROTC Scholarship or attend as a non-scholarship Cadet.

Interested in the ROTC Program? Reach out to ROTC@gmc.edu.

Meet The Professor of Military Science, LTC Michael L. Jones

LTC Mike Jones, raised in Ashland, AL, enlisted in the Alabama National Guard as a Combat Medic after graduating from the University of South Alabama.

He was direct commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps in 2005. He holds a Master of Arts in Interagency Studies from Kansas University and is a graduate of the Medical Service Officer Basic Course, Aviation Captains Career Course, Civil Affairs Qualification Course, and the Command and General Staff College.

LTC Jones has served in numerous leadership roles, including Evacuation Platoon Leader for the 161st Area Support Medical Battalion, Platoon Leader and Company Commander with 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, and Executive Officer of Golf Company, 26th Brigade Support Battalion. He commanded Bravo Company at Womack Army Medical Center (2008–2010).

After completing the Civil Affairs Qualification Course in 2011, he served as a Civil Affairs Officer in multiple roles such as Team Leader, Civil Military Operations Center Chief, and Commander of Echo Company, 96th Civil Affairs Battalion (Special Operations)(Airborne). He also worked as Special Operations Chief at the Army Aviation Center of Excellence and as an Assistant Professor at the Command and General Staff College.

LTC Jones deployed for Hurricane Katrina relief and operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Operation Inherent Resolve. His decorations include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and Expert Field Medical Badge.

Admissions Requirements

• Be a US Citizen
• At least 17 years old and not older than 23 years old
• Earn a High School Diploma with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (GED=2.5 GPA)
• Meet U.S Army height and weight standards
• Pass a standard Army Physical Examination
• Pass the U.S. Army Physical Fitness Test
• Must be willing to accept a commission in the U.S. Army Reserves or U.S. Army National Guard
• Meet GMC admission requirements for freshman or transfer students

ASVAB is not required for initial application unless you are seeking ROTC Scholarship or participation in the Simultaneous Membership Program.

Early Commissioning Program Scholarships

Education Assistance Program

Education Assistance Program is a continuation of benefits for newly Commissioned ECP Second Lieutenant at a 4-year University/College. It covers full tuition/fees or room and board up to $10,000 per year for an additional two years while the newly commissioned Lieutenant completes his/her 4-year degree.

Army ROTC Scholarship Offer

• Full tuition/Fees/Books
• Cadet Stipend (pay $400-500/month)
• GMC Scholarship cover nearly 100% of Room and Board
• Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) Drill pay approximately  $248/month

ROTC Scholarship Requirements:

• 2.5 + High School GPA required to compete for a U.S. Army ROTC Scholarship based on 4.0 system and unweighted (GED=2.5 GPA)
• Must be willing to participate in the SMP program
• Meet all other requirements mentioned above

Academics

Our academic program is designed to set Early Commissioning Program cadets up for success as future Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army.

Students follow a structured class schedule that builds a strong academic foundation while reinforcing the leadership, discipline, and critical thinking skills required of Army officers. Through this intentional balance of academics and military preparation, cadets gain the confidence, competence, and resilience needed to lead effectively. We don’t just prepare students to meet the standard—we equip them to exceed it and thrive as capable, confident leaders.

Leadership Development

Character Development: We live by the code of Duty, Honor, Country.

This code which those words perpetuate embraces the highest moral standard and will stand the test of any ethics or philosophies ever promulgated for the uplift of mankind. Its requirements are for the things that are right, and to make the right decisions all the time. “Character Above All” is our motto! Leadership Lecture Series: The Corps of Cadets participates in a monthly leadership lecture series with Military and community leaders that have a distinguished performance in their fields. The speakers share best practices, lessons learned and their personal stories and what enabled them to be successful.

Physical Fitness

Physical fitness is key for any future officer.

Our rigorous physical fitness program is designed to develop our Service Academy Preparatory students to be in top shape upon arrival to their respective academies. Our students receive fitness assessments every month to monitor their progress.

Extracurricular Activities

Here at GMC we believe learning is fun and fun is needed for learning! We offer a variety of clubs and intramural sports. These extracurricular opportunities help students build friendships, develop leadership skills, explore new interests, and stay connected to the campus community. You will receive more information about the clubs and activities available when you report to campus. Don’t see something that interests you? We are always open to new ideas and encourage students to help us create new clubs and activities that reflect their passions and interests!

The Ranger Challenge 

Ranger Challenge is the “Varsity” sport of Army ROTC. Participation in Ranger Challenge offers cadets an opportunity to learn and practice skills beyond those instructed in class and during labs. The focus of training is on light infantry tactics and other skills prescribed by FM 3-21.8 (Rifle Platoon and Squad) and the Ranger Handbook. Events include the Hand Grenade Assault Course, One-Rope Bridge and Weapons Qualification with the M17 and M4. The Ranger Challenge team holds PT and additional training events during the week in addition to regularly scheduled classes and labs.

Training culminates in the Ranger Challenge Competition, held at Fort Knox, Kentucky, where the team competes against schools from the region.

Facilities

Our facilities are exceptional and state of the art!

From our classroom and computer labs to our fitness center and Cadet Barracks – where all Cadets reside. We know you will find our facilities some of the best you have seen on a college campus.

Surroundings

The surrounding area to our Milledgeville, Georgia campus is beautiful and filled with many things to do.

Milledgeville is a college town, as we share it with Georgia College and State University, and a Technical College. Five minutes from campus is Lake Sinclair (where our college has its own lake lot), fishing, canoeing, amazing golf courses and very short commute to Macon, Augusta and Atlanta.

Simultaneous Membership Program (Leadership Internship)

Scholarship Cadets in the ECP program will drill in the National Guard or U.S. Army Reserves as an enlisted Soldier in the SMP. Cadets receive E5 Drill pay for about 9 months during the year.