# ROTC Reference vs Cadet Handbook

The clearest difference is price: Cadet Handbook at Free against ROTC Reference's $0.99. Cadet Handbook also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 2 months). ROTC Reference's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.1). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Cadet Handbook is free to download; ROTC Reference costs $0.99 up front. Cadet Handbook sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. ROTC Reference asks for nothing beyond the download.

ROTC Reference ships an update every 2 months, Cadet Handbook monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ROTC Reference | Cadet Handbook |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **Free** |
| Positive reviews | 75.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Size | 46 MB | 59 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Polemics Applications LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/482504032) | [SEDX LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6776048808) |

## What reviewers say

### ROTC Reference

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rotc-reference/id482628969)

This app provides essential tools and comprehensive training resources for ROTC cadets. It includes features for drafting operation orders, planning troop leading procedures, creating safety briefs, and managing packing lists. Designed for offline use, it offers a clean interface and regular updates based on current military doctrine.

**Highlights:** Operation Order (OPORD) drafting, Troop Leading Procedures (TLPs), Safety Brief creation, Packing list management, Land Navigation guides, Tactics and Battle Drills, Offline functionality

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Cadet Handbook

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cadet-handbook/id6776048806)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Study Tools | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ROTC Reference free?

ROTC Reference costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Cadet Handbook free?

Cadet Handbook is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do ROTC Reference or Cadet Handbook have ads?

Neither ROTC Reference nor Cadet Handbook shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ROTC Reference or Cadet Handbook?

ROTC Reference ships an update every 2 months, and Cadet Handbook monthly. Most recently, ROTC Reference was updated on October 23, 2026 and Cadet Handbook on October 7, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*