Military Science (Army ROTC)

Programs

Courses

Chair: Lieutenant Colonel Jason M. Nierman
Location: Annex 11/Mail Code 4501
Telephone Contact: Georgia Gilbert 801-626-6518; FAX 801-626-7651

Military Science (Army ROTC) focuses on leadership development. Students pursue the major of their choice while studying Military Science, and graduate with the ability to function effectively as leaders. Upon completion of Army ROTC and graduation from college students become commissioned officers in the active Army, Army Reserve or National Guard.

Instructors, uniforms and equipment are provided at no cost to the student or the University. All contracted students receive $300- $500 per month ($3,000-$5,000 per academic year). Army ROTC also covers the cost of tuition and fees for Army ROTC scholarship students and provides a book allowance of $1,200 per academic year.

The Margin of Difference. Army ROTC cadets learn to be leaders and receive hands-on experience in managing physical, financial, and human resources. They develop self-confidence and superior decision-making skills. Employers value these leadership qualities and recognize associated potential.

Four-Year Program. The traditional Army ROTC program covers four years consistent with normal undergraduate progression (freshman-senior). The four-year program is divided into two parts called the basic course and the advanced course. The basic course is usually taken during the first two years of college. It covers subjects such as land navigation, leadership development, small unit tactics, weapons marksmanship and military history. This program is designed for high performing students who wish to try Military Science without obligation, while enhancing their leadership skills and self-confidence. Upon successful completion of the basic course, students are eligible to enter the advanced course.

Advanced course requirements are normally completed during the junior and senior years. The advanced course further develops and refines leadership competencies, and qualifies the student for a commission in the United States Army. Advanced course students receive a $450 (Junior year) - $500 (Senior year) per month tax-free subsistence allowance [$4,500 (Junior year) - $5,000 (Senior year) per year].

Two-Year Program. This is a special program for junior and community college transfers or students who did not take Army ROTC during their first two years of college. To enter the two year program, a student first participates in a four-week leadership training course. This usually takes place between the sophomore and junior year. Students are paid for attending this instruction, have the opportunity to compete for two-year scholarships, and may receive academic credit.

Scholarships. Army ROTC provides numerous scholarship opportunities. All WSU contracted cadets receive some form of financial assistance, which can include up to 100% tuition, fees, books and other costs paid. High school seniors may qualify for the four-year Army ROTC scholarship. College students may qualify for four, three, or two-year scholarships. Students may choose from two different options. The first option pays the cost of tuition and fees and a flat rate for textbooks and classroom supplies. The second option pays the students up to $10,000 for housing and the same flat rate for textbooks and classroom supplies. The Green to Gold scholarship allows Soldiers serving on active duty to leave the Army early and attend college/ROTC full-time while receiving scholarship benefits. Other scholarship opportunities include: room and book grants and the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program. Nursing students qualify for additional incentives. Call or visit the Department of Military Science for details.

Placement Credit For Veterans. Veterans may qualify for advanced course placement based on prior military experience. Concurrently, they can take full advantage of veteran’s benefits and receive financial aid for Army ROTC participation.

Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP). This program is available to cadets who wish to serve in the Army Reserve or National Guard while attending college and pursuing a commission through Army ROTC. SMP students are eligible to receive Reserve drill pay, tuition assistance, other monetary incentives, and $350-$500 per month ($3,000-$5,000 per academic year) from Army ROTC. Call or visit the Department of Military Science for details.

Leave of Absence. Students, including scholarship recipients, who wish to take a leave of absence to serve a mission for their church can do so conveniently before the start of the Junior year.

Commission Requirements. In order to qualify for a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, each student must:

Complete all required Military Science instruction while attending college as a full-time student, and obtain a baccalaureate or higher degree prior to age 31 (age waiver possible for qualified students).
Meet medical and physical fitness standards.
Be a U.S. citizen.
Successfully complete the Leadership Development and Assessment Course.
Be recommended by the Professor of Military Science.

Service Obligation. There is no military service obligation for basic course students, unless on scholarship. Advanced course and scholarship (contracted) students incur an obligation to serve in the active Army, Army Reserve or National Guard.

Courses

Military Science Course Descriptions

Programs

Minor

Military Science Minor