Flagship and ROTC
The U.S. Department of Defense recognizes the importance of building a future officer corps that has deep understanding of a critical language and its culture. Through the National Security Education Program (NSEP), the Department of Defense has launched a number of initiatives such as The Language Flagship to develop strategic linguistic and cultural skills of future U.S. military officers. Thus, PSU's Russian Flagship offers a special opportunity to PSU students in the campus' Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) detachment, or in the Air Force ROTC detachment at the University of Portland.
ROTC students participating successfully in the Language Flagship often are granted a fifth year to complete their undergraduate studies so that they can complete the academic-year study abroad program. Scholarship funding for ROTC students is also very generous. ROTC students in PSU's Russian Flagship Program can qualify for a Language Flagship Scholarship, which can cover a student's educational costs in the US. Contracted ROTC students can receive complete scholarships to cover the expenses of studying abroad. For instance, they can compete for a summer study abroad program through Project GO, or they can receive NSEP funding for other approved summer and academic year abroad programs.
Flagship ROTC students receive individualized student advising to ensure that they are meeting their requirements for their participation in ROTC and are on target in both their academic major and language studies.
Spencer Nieten commissioning after completing the Flagship Program
Frequently asked questions about ROTC and Flagship
Are ROTC and the Russian Flagship Program connected?
The ROTC and Russian Flagship Program are two separate programs. Students can apply to participate in one or the other or both.
Although they are separate, the Russian Flagship Program gets its funding from the US Department of Defense through the National Security Education Program (NSEP). The Department of Defense wants to encourage a future cohort of experts with a high degree of language and cultural knowledge for countries like Russia, which the Federal government has called "critical" for national security. ROTC students participating in the Russian Flagship Program can go into careers in the armed services; other students often go into business, education, or government service as civilians.
What is the process of applying to be an Army ROTC Flagship student?
First, students apply for admissions to Portland State University. Then, they apply to the Army ROTC program at PSU. Lastly, they apply to the Russian Flagship Program. While this process can take time and energy, the career opportunities and scholarship resources offered to contracted ROTC Flagship students are considerable.
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