Military Preparation

Man in American flag shirt on his laptop.

Are you interested in pursuing a career in the U.S. Armed Forces while still attending college? If so, then participating in a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program may be the right fit for you. Or, are you considering enlisting? AACC can help connect you with a local ROTC program or branch recruiter.

Steps to Get Started

This checklist is a step-by-step guide to the admissions and enrollment process at AACC. We want to help you begin your studies without delay or complications.

1. Apply for admission to AACC.

To apply, complete an application online on our Apply and Register page.

2. Activate your MyAACC account.

You need your seven-digit AACC ID number, assigned user name and unique security code, which can be found in an email sent to you when you initially applied to AACC. For information visit our Password Management page.

3. Submit all official transcripts.

Send all official, sealed high school, college and credit exam transcripts to AACC’s Records Office, 101 College Parkway, Arnold, MD 21012 or to [email protected].

4. Attend orientation

Online orientation can be accessed at any time from a desktop computer or mobile device with internet access by visiting our Orientation page. You will also receive an invitation to participate in our next Military/Veteran Newcomer’s Briefing live session, an optional event that will provide you with more specific information about college services for military and veteran students and their families.

5. Schedule an individual advising appointment.

There are options for your academic advising experience, and you can choose one or both of these options!

You can schedule an appointment with a field of interest academic advisor that is associated with your chosen major.

You can also schedule an appointment with a military/veteran academic advisor that specializes in working with military-connected students.

During your advising appointment, you can discuss the following:

Determine your English and mathematics course placement.
Select a field of interest and program of study (major).
Register for courses and build a schedule.
Explore financial aid options, including scholarships and grants.
Set academic goals and discuss success strategies.
Receive referrals for other services to support and enhance your learning experience.

6. Meet with a recruiter.

Reach out and schedule an appointment with a ROTC program or military branch that most interests you.

7. Check-in with the Military/Veteran Resource Center.

Meet our team of military/veteran peer counselors and academic advisors who will stay by your side throughout your time at AACC.

The MVRC features a lounge called 'The Bunker', a comfortable space where military/veteran students can listen to music, watch TV or movies and just wind down after a busy day. Fresh coffee, ice-cold water and snacks are available, so you can stop by between classes to reenergize and socialize.

Military Opportunities

Whether you're looking to enter the Reserve Officers' Training Corps or meet with a recruiter from one of the U.S. Armed Forces branches, we can help.

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)

The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) provides an opportunity for students to earn a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force or Army while completing their college degree requirements.

AACC participates in a cross-town agreement with the University of Maryland, College Park, and Bowie State University. AACC students must be full time and in good academic standing to participate. AACC will apply up to 8 credits of ROTC classes taken at other colleges toward an AACC associate degree.

For information regarding eligibility, procedures and possible scholarship opportunities, contact the specific school and branch listed below:

University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP), Air Force

301-314-3242
[email protected]

University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP), Army

301-314-9939
[email protected]

Bowie State University, Army

301-860-3557
[email protected]

AACC FORMS

Permission to Study
Verification of Enrollment Form

Recruiters

Maryland Defense Force

Financial Aid Options

You have a variety of options when it comes to paying for your education. We can help identify your options and maximize their impact. Here are several options to consider.

FAFSA

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for Pell Grant, student loan and Federal Work-Study eligibility. AACC’s Federal School Code is 002058.

AACC Scholarships

Apply for AACC institutional scholarships by visiting our Financial Aid and Scholarships webpage.

Maryland State Grants, Scholarships and Loan Assistance

The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) at the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) provides a number of state grants, scholarships and loan assistance repayment programs for eligible Maryland residents. Learn more about MHEC's financial aid programs.

Health and Wellness Resources

You can perform your best, inside and outside the classroom, when you feel healthy and secure. Your overall health and well-being are vital components to academic and professional success. We have compiled a list of resources that offer a variety of assistance to service members, veterans and their families.

See our health and wellness resources

Success at AACC

Once you're at AACC, we want you to succeed! Here are a few tips to help you achieve your academic and personal goals.

Prepare for Your Courses

Apply for a distance learning library card. The Truxal Library staff will email you a library card number once your application is processed. This number will grant you access to online databases and other library services. Sign up using the Library Card Application.
Purchase textbooks and other course materials online at the AACC Bookstore's website.
Stay informed about campus alerts and closings via AACC’s text messaging system, Omnilert. Sign up on the Campus Alerts page.
Familiarize yourself with the campus. Make sure you know in advance where your classes will meet as well as your parking options. Check out campus locations and maps.
Review collegewide and academic policies.
Review the academic calendar for holiday and college break schedules.
Learn about available technology on campus.

Build Your Support Team

To learn more about each of these services, visit the Resources for Students page.

Receive essential academic advising by contacting the Military/Veteran Resource Center or academic advising.
Benefit from enhanced advising, goal setting, scholarship opportunities and more by joining the Student Achievement and Success Program (SASP).
Seek a tutor for assistance with writing, mathematics and other subjects.
Request an academic accommodation if you have a documented disability by contacting Disabilities Support Services (DSS).
Speak with a librarian or reference technician for assistance with research projects. Your student ID card is also your library card.

Get Involved

Visit the Military/Veteran Resource Center to connect with other military/veteran students.
Connect with AACC’s chapter of the Student Veterans of America (SVA) and other student organizations via The Nest.
Visit our AACC Military and Veterans Facebook page and our online community in Canvas through your MyAACC portal.
Check out a variety of campus activities on our calendar.
Consider becoming a Riverhawk athlete.

Maintain Your Health

Check out your dining options on campus.
Receive health, wellness and recovery services through the Health & Wellness Center.
Learn more about outdoor recreation on campus.
Visit The Bunker, a quiet and comfortable space within the Military/Veteran Resource Center, for students to find relief from the rigor of academics and other stressors.
Seek personal assistance through Counseling Services in Student Services Room 200, or meet with a VA counselor in the Military/Veteran Resource Center.