Military Science Classes

Military Science I - Intro to Military Science 1 & 2

Army 101 and 102 introduces cadets to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership. Cadets learn how the personal development of life skills such as critical thinking, goal setting, time management, and physical and mental fitness (resiliency training) relate to leadership, officership, and the Army profession. The focus is on developing basic knowledge and comprehension of Army leadership dimensions while gaining a big picture understanding of the ROTC program, its purpose in the Army, and its advantages for the student.

Military Science II - Basic Military Science 1 & 2

Army 201 and 202 explore the dimensions of creative and innovative tactical leadership strategies and styles by examining team dynamics and two historical leadership theories that form the basis of the Army leadership requirements model. Cadets practice aspects of personal motivation and team building in the context of planning, executing, and assessing team exercises and participating in leadership labs. Focus is on continued development of the knowledge of leadership attributes and core leader competencies through an understanding of Army rank, structure, duties and basic aspects of land navigation and squad tactics. Case studies provide tangible context for learning the Soldier’s Creed and Warrior Ethos as they apply in the operational environment (OE).

Military Science III - Theory and Dynamics 1 & 2

Army 301 challenges cadets to study, practice, and evaluate adaptive leadership skills as they are presented with challenging scenarios related to squad tactical operations. Cadets receive systematic and specific feedback on their leadership attributes and core leader competencies. Based on such feedback, as well as their own self-evaluations, cadets continue to develop their leadership and critical thinking abilities. The focus is developing cadets’ tactical leadership abilities to enable them to succeed at ROTC’s summer Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC).

Army 302 uses increasingly intense situational leadership challenges to build cadet awareness and skills in leading small units. Skills in decision-making, persuading and motivating team members when “under fire” are explored, evaluated, and developed. Aspects of military operations are reviewed as a means of preparing for the ROTC Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC). Cadets are expected to apply basic principles of the Law of Land Warfare, Army training, and motivation to troop leading
procedures. Emphasis is also placed on conducting military briefings and developing proficiency in Garrison operation orders. Army 302 cadets are evaluated on what they know and do as leaders.

Leadership Development Assessment Course

LDAC/Warrior Forge is the crucible of the Army ROTC Program. As such, Cadet Command must provide the best professional training and evaluation possible for all cadets. The primary focus at LDAC is to evaluate each cadet's officer potential in a collective environment. The secondary purpose of LDAC is to validate specific skills taught on campus and to impart selective individual and collective common skills. LDAC represents the only opportunity for this command to assemble cadets from disparate schools into an environment with common operational conditions.

• Warrior Forge at Ft. Lewis, Wash. (usually summer after junior year)

Military Science IV - Concepts of Military Management

Army 401 transitions the focus of student learning from being trained, mentored and evaluated as an MSL III Cadet to learning how to train, mentor and evaluate underclass Cadets. MS IV Cadets learn the duties and responsibilities of an Army staff officer and apply the Military Decision Making Process, Army Writing Style, and the Army’s Training Management and METL Development processes during weekly Training Meetings to plan, execute and assess battalion training events. Cadets learn to safely conduct training by understanding and employing the Composite Risk Management Process. Cadets learn how to use the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness (CSF) program to reduce and manage stress.

Army 402 explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations in the OE. Cadets examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in the face of international terrorism. They also explore aspects of interacting with nongovernmental organizations, civilians on the battlefield, and host nation support. The course places significant emphasis on preparing cadets for their first unit of assignment. It uses case studies, scenarios, and “What Now, Lieutenant?” exercises to prepare cadets to face the complex ethical and practical demands of leading as commissioned officers in the United States Army.

Ways to Attend ROTC

Service Commitment

Army ROTC students who receive an Army ROTC scholarship or enter the Army ROTC Advanced Course must agree to complete an eight-year period of service with the Army.

• You can serve full time in the Army for three years (four years for scholarship winners), with the balance in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).
• Selected Cadets may choose to serve part time in the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career.

It's an experience that you can't get anywhere else, and your leadership skills will be challenged every day. Contact your campus Military Science department for more specific details on your Army ROTC service commitment.

Enrolling in the Army ROTC Basic Course does NOT involve a commitment of service to the Army unless you have received an Army ROTC scholarship.

All scholarship students will be required to serve in the military for a period of eight years. This obligation may be fulfilled by serving four years on Active Duty, followed by four years service in the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR).

Army ROTC is one of the most demanding and successful leadership programs in the country. For years, Army ROTC has been creating leaders who go on to rewarding careers in the military and civilian worlds. Here are just a few benefits a student can gain by enrolling in Army ROTC:

• High-level leadership, management and communications training
• Problem-solving and strategic skills development
• Scholarships
• Monthly living allowances
• Enter the U.S. Army as an Officer either on Active Duty or in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard

Within this section are links to more detailed explanations on this site. This information will help you offer you more practical advice to give your loved ones the information to enroll or apply for scholarships.