Military Science (Army ROTC)

Special Studies
Department Office: 173 Hearst Gymnasium, (510) 643-7682

Department Website: Army ROTC

Overview

The Army Officer Education Program offers a variety of credit courses focused on the study of the military as an institution, adventure training opportunities, and a program of laboratory work in practical military skills. The program provides an opportunity to examine service in the Army while earning a baccalaureate degree. A student who completes the program may earn a commission in the Regular Army, Army Reserve, or National Guard.

Graduate or undergraduate students can complete the Military Science requirements through a four-year, three-year, or two-year program. The four-year and three-year programs involve the basic and advanced courses; the two-year program involves only the advanced course. The Army Reserve Officers' Training Course (ROTC) Basic Course consists of two distinct components, the classroom introduction to the army profession and officership of the Military Science and Leadership (MSL) I year, and the experiential examination of leadership, decision-making, and group process of the MSL-II year. Both Basic Course years are designed to enhance student interest in ROTC and the Army. MSL-I lessons provide an overview of the key subjects of pre-commissioning, which will be treated in much greater depth in the Advanced Course. The MSL-II year places cadets in a wide variety of group exercises designed to emphasize various professional leadership competencies and insights. These events are held both inside the classroom and in the outdoor settings. The instructor, acting as facilitator, helps guide student processing, or after-action reviews, of the events to derive the leadership, group dynamics, and problem-solving lessons that the exercises offer. In addition to military skills, practical "life skills" are emphasized throughout the two years. By the end of the Basic Course, cadets should possess a basic understanding of the unique aspects of the officer corps, individual fitness, and healthy lifestyle. The lessons are designed to maximize cadet participation, inspire intellectual curiosity, and stimulate self-study. Upon completion of the course, cadets are eligible to enter the advanced course.

The Army ROTC Advanced Course is composed of four advanced courses, Military Science (MS) 131, 132, 141, and 142, and the Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC). The Advanced Course is designed to teach all knowledge, skills, and attitudes for commissioning as a new second lieutenant, and to establish a sound foundation for a career as a commissioned Army officer. The content and methods of the Advanced Course assume no prior cadet experience or other military training. This approach is taken because the Advanced Course comprises the minimum curriculum that an individual must complete in order to be commissioned. Advanced Course lessons are carefully sequenced and linked and are progressive in their treatment of key officer knowledge and competencies. Students are encouraged to synthesize lessons to form broader perspectives, deeper insights, and more robust problem-solving abilities by the use of earlier lessons. The sequencing of lessons is also designed to meet the immediate needs of cadets by addressing topics needed for success in the performance of cadet responsibilities early in the MS 131 term and at the LDAC. Topics are designed to facilitate entry into active military service during the MS 142 term.

The two-year program begins with direct placement in the advanced course. It is available to undergraduate or graduate students, who have completed any of the following: enlisted military service; the Army's Leadership Training Course (LTC), which is a four-week ROTC basic camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky; or three years of Junior ROTC. Students must also be academic juniors or higher with at least two academic years left until completion of their degree when they enter the advanced course.

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Financial Assistance and Scholarships

All advanced-course students receive a stipend of $450 (juniors) or $500 (seniors) monthly (nontaxable) for up to 10 months a year. Students may compete for two, three, or four-year ROTC scholarships. One need not be enrolled in the program to compete for an ROTC scholarship. A scholarship includes money to cover tuition and fees, which can be used instead toward campus room and board in the amount of the authorized tuition and fees; an annual textbook allowance of $1200; and a monthly stipend. Advanced-course scholarship students go on to receive a commission and serve as officers in the military for at least eight years, either on active duty or in the Army National Guard or Reserves, or a combination of the two.

Military Science courses are open to all University students. Students from other area institutions may participate in the Army ROTC program through cross-enrollment arrangements or through University Extension.

For more information concerning Army ROTC or the Department of Military Science, contact the staff at Hearst Gymnasium or call (510) 643-7682.