ROTC
ROTC comprises coursework and labs in military science, physical readiness and field training.
Military science classes aim to develop your mind, to teach about the contemporary operating environment, and to prepare cadets to lead troops in different missions and operations. The first two years of ROTC focus on principles of officership, and they are free of obligation and open to all students. The final two years include a commitment to military commission.
Cadets receive hands-on technical and tactical training from active duty and reserve military personnel in addition to academic coursework. Such training includes leadership, military principles, military doctrine, land navigation, squad and patrolling tactics, orienteering, fieldcraft, team-building, drill, and ceremony.
Physical Readiness Training (PRT) trains officers to be physically, mentally and emotionally fit. PRT includes upper and lower body physical conditioning, cardiovascular endurance, team and individual competitions and other physical activity.
The department also offers a minor in military science, which is open to all students. For details on the military science minor, please contact the MLSC Faculty or speak with an academic advisor.
Sample Courses
Introduces students to issues and competencies that are central to a commissioned officer’s responsibilities. Establish framework for understanding officership, leadership and Army values followed and “life skills” such as physical fitness and time management. This course is designed to support recruiting and retention of cadets by giving them accurate insight into the army profession and the officer’s role within the Army.
Examines the challenges of leading tactical teams in the complex contemporary operating environment (COE). This course highlights dimensions of terrain analysis, patrolling and operation orders. Continued study of the theoretical basis of the Army leadership framework explores the dynamics of adaptive leadership in the context of military operations. Cadets develop greater self awareness as they assess their own leadership styles and practice communication and team building skills. COE case studies give insight into the importance and practice of teamwork and tactics in real-world scenarios.
Develops student proficiency in planning, executing and assessing complex operations, functioning as a member of a staff, and providing performance feedback to subordinates. You are given situational opportunities to assess risk, make ethical decisions and lead fellow ROTC cadets. Lessons on military justice and personnel processes prepare you to make the transition to becoming Army officer. Both your classroom and battalion leadership experiences are designed to prepare you for your first unit of assignment. You will identify responsibilities of key staff, coordinate staff roles and use battalion operations situations to teach, train and develop subordinates.
Explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations in the contemporary operating environment. You will examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war and rules of engagement in the face of international terrorism. You also explore aspects of interacting with non-government organizations, civilians on the battlefield and host-nation support. The course places significant emphasis on preparing you for your first unit of assignment. It uses case studies, scenarios, and “What Now, Lieutenant?” exercises to prepare you to face the complex ethical and practical demands of leading as a commissioned officer in the United States Army.