What is the difference between enlisting with the army vs doing the rotc program and going into the army as an officer?

Answer 1

Irregardless you will need to enlist into the Army, the ROTC program offered through some colleges requires you to be in the Army Reserves prior to applying for the Scholarship, it is your choice on the route you want to go.

The biggest difference is that you will receive an active duty pay check and college benefits while serving on Active Duty where with in the ROTC Program you will still need to have at the least a part time job to have spending money (college is paid for). After you have completed you degree in the ROTC program you will be required to commit to a 5 year enlistment as an Officer in the Active Army or the Army Reserves.