Program Overview

Introduction to the Army ROTC Program

The Army ROTC program is designed to develop young men and women into junior commissioned officers for positions of responsibility in the Army Reserve, Army National Guard, or Active Army. The program offers a range of benefits, including a challenging and well-paid job, college financing, and the opportunity to pursue advanced degrees.

Benefits of the Army ROTC Program

• A challenging, important, and well-paid job at graduation in one of the many professional fields that the modern Army has to offer, including:
  • Intelligence
  • Military police
  • Communications
  • Engineering
  • Transportation management
  • Finance
  • Combat arms
  • Hospital administration
  • Nursing
  • Research and development
• College financing, including:
  • A $300-500/month stipend for advance course and Army ROTC scholarship students
  • $1,200 per year for books and supplies for scholarship students
  • The opportunity for advance course students to join the Reserves as an office trainee and receive pay while in college
• The option of two careers, with the ability to fulfill obligations by serving on active duty or reserve duty
• Reserve officers spend one weekend a month being a soldier, while officers who serve on active duty receive 30 days paid vacation every year, free medical and dental care, travel, and the opportunity to pursue advanced degrees with educational assistance from the Army

The Program

The Army ROTC program may be completed in several different ways, including:

• A four-year program, which is traditionally offered as a four-year program and is best started as a freshman
• A two-year program, which is designed to provide greater flexibility in meeting the needs of students desiring commissions in the U.S. Army

Four-Year Program

• The first two years of military science are voluntary without service obligation and are designed to give students a perspective on their leadership ability and what the Army can offer them
• The student who decides to continue in ROTC and pursue a commission signs an agreement with the Department of the Army to accept a commission upon completion of the last two years of military science
• In return, the Army agrees to provide a subsistence allowance ($9,600) and to provide all necessary uniforms and military science books

Two-Year Program

• The two-year program is designed to provide greater flexibility in meeting the needs of students desiring commissions in the U.S. Army
• UMSL students who did not participate in the four-year program and junior college transfer students are eligible for enrollment
• Basic prerequisites for entering the two-year program include:
  • Being in good academic standing (minimum 2.0 GPA)
  • Passing an Army medical examination
  • Having two academic years of study remaining (undergraduate, graduate, or combination)
• The student will attend a four-week Leaders Training Course to catch up with the students in the four-year program
• Attendance at the basic camp does not obligate the student in any way and is only intended to give the student a look at Army life and opportunities
• The student will be paid approximately $750 for attendance at basic camp

Veterans

• Veterans of any of the armed forces may qualify for advanced placement and should contact the Military Science Department for details

Scholarships

• The Army ROTC currently has scholarships in effect, which pay full tuition and mandatory fees plus $1,200.00 per year for books and supplies, and provide $300-500/month for the academic year
• These scholarships cover either four, three, or two years
• UMSL freshmen and sophomores should apply in January for the two- and three-year scholarships
• Scholarship students may incur a four-year active duty obligation; however, they may request reserve duty to serve with the Army National Guard or Reserve

Qualifications

• All students who desire to enter the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps must be U.S. citizens, in good physical condition, and have high moral character
• Students must be at least 17 years old to enroll and not over 34 when they receive their commission
• If the student will be older than 39 at the time of earning a degree, it is possible to be accepted into Army ROTC with a waiver
• Additional qualifications to be admitted into the advanced course include an academic average of C or better and passing an Army medical examination

Academics

• UMSL Army Reserve Officers Training Corps academics consist of two parts:
  • Earning a degree in the student's chosen academic subject
  • Completing 22 credit hours (four-year program) or 12 credit hours (two-year program) of the military science curriculum
• The courses in military science are college-level academic courses which receive full academic credit toward the student's elective degree requirements in the College of Business Administration and the College of Education
• The curriculum consists of classroom instruction and a leadership laboratory in which students receive leadership experience

Leadership Laboratory

• Leadership laboratory is required of all students enrolled in military science courses
• Classes are two hours every Thursday afternoon from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., unless otherwise designated
• In addition, students attend one field training exercise each semester
• Leadership laboratory develops individual military skills and leadership ability through participation in drill and ceremonies, survival training, mountaineering, field-training exercises, and exposure to progressively greater responsibilities within the Cadet Corps organization

Graduate Study

• Officers who have been admitted to law school, medical school, or a master's program in divinity may postpone active duty to continue graduate study
• Students who are accepted into medical school may take up to four years to complete their studies
• There are numerous opportunities for an officer to complete a master's degree in service and receive financial assistance from the Army

Special Training

• Selected volunteers may attend one of several special schools during the summer, including:
  • The Airborne Course at Fort Benning, GA
  • Air Assault School at Fort Campbell, KY
  • The Northern Warfare School in Alaska or Vermont
• Successful course completion earns the coveted badge (such as the jump wings or air assault wings) associated with each school
• Special cadet troop leadership training is available on a limited basis
• Students participating in the program live and work with an active Army unit during part of one summer

Cadet Activities

• Army ROTC students may participate in many extracurricular activities during the year, including:
  • Social activities, such as the Army Military Ball, picnics, and informal parties
  • Supporting various campus and community service activities
  • Participating in the Drill Team, Color Guard, Air Rifle Team, and Ranger Challenge Team

Course Descriptions

Military Science

• MIL SCI 1101 Leadership and Personal Development (2): This course introduces students to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership
• MIL SCI 1102 Introduction to Tactical Leadership (2): This course overviews leadership fundamentals such as setting direction, problem-solving, listening, presenting briefs, providing feedback, and using effective writing skills
• MIL SCI 2201 Self/Team Development (3): This course overviews leadership fundamentals such as setting direction, problem-solving, listening, presenting briefs, providing feedback, and using effective writing skills
• MIL SCI 2202 Individual/Team Military Tactics (3): Introduction to individual and team aspects of military tactics in small unit operations
• MIL SCI 3301 Leading Small Organizations I (3): Series of practical opportunities to lead small groups, receive personal assessments and encouragement, and lead again in situations of increasing complexity
• MIL SCI 3302 Leading Small Organizations II (3): Continues methodology of MIL SCI 3301 or permission of instructor
• MIL SCI 4401 Leadership Challenges and Goal Setting (3): Leadership and Management, begins with a series of lessons enabling the students to make informed career decisions as they prepare for accession into the United States Army
• MIL SCI 4402 Officership/Transition to Lieutenant (3): Transition to Lieutenant completes the evolution from cadet to lieutenant by focusing on three areas: first, students are given a basic foundation in military law; second, students build on previous courses to successfully negotiate case studies and practical exercises; third, students will complete a Senior Leadership Project whereby students integrate, apply, and demonstrate their knowledge of military operations
• MIL SC 4411 Advanced Military Science Studies 5 (3): An in-depth study of the role of the officer in the United States Army
• MIL SC 4412 Advanced Military Science Studies 6 (3): A study of how the United States Army officer develops the leadership traits necessary to lead soldiers into battle
• MIL SC 4413 Military Medical Technologies Independent Study (3): This course explores how medical advances have improved soldiers' chances of surviving battlefield injuries from the Civil War to the Iraq War