The Army and Naval Reserve Officers' Training Corps (R.O.T.C.) at Old Dominion University prepare young men and women to officers in the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Students who take part in R.O.T.C. are leaders in their own corps and battalions, as well as other campus organizations. R.O.T.C. students at the university graduate within four years with about ten more classes than other students.

Army R.O.T.C. was established at the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary in 1948 but quickly disbanded in 1950 due to the Korean War. It was re-established at Old Dominion University in September 1969 as part of the Darden School of Education. On July 4, 1971, the first commissioning ceremony was held with six Cadets receiving appointments as Second Lieutenants. There are currently over 300 cadets with half of them are enlisted in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard and receive tuition assistance, monthly drill pay, GI Bill, and other benefits.

The Hampton Roads Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps consists of over 400 Sailors, Marines, and Midshipmen from three schools: Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, and Hampton University. The H.R.N.R.O.T.C. which was established in 1982, is one of the largest officer training battalions in the nation.

Note written by Kathleen Smith