The Department of Military Science and the Department of Aerospace Studies conduct senior division Reserve Officer Training Corps programs under the auspices of the College of Arts and Sciences. These programs provide students the opportunity to learn more about the United States military and its place in American society today. They also allow qualified students to pursue a program of studies and learning experiences leading to an officer's commission in either the Army or Air Force.
The first two years of courses in the Army and Air Force ROTC programs are open to all students. There is no military commitment or obligation incurred with these courses unless the student has an ROTC scholarship. The courses may be substituted for the College of Arts and Sciences health and physical fitness course requirements.
Army ROTC offers a four-year and two-year commissioning program. To enter the junior and senior level Army Advanced Course, students must have completed the freshman and sophomore level Basic Course or have received constructive credit by having completed either a four-year JROTC program, an Army ROTC Basic Camp, Armed Forces Basic Training, or be an honorably discharged veteran. Air Force ROTC offers a four-year and a two-year commissioning program. Four-year students competing for selection to the Air Force Professional Officer Course (POC) must have completed the freshman and sophomore level General Military Course (GMC) or have received constructive credit by having completed Junior ROTC, Civil Air Patrol, or prior active duty. Four-year cadets normally attend four-week Field Training. Qualified two-year applicants without the GMC, JROTC, CAP, or active duty will attend five-week Field Training. Attendance at Field Training is contingent upon selection to the Professional Officer Course and is normally scheduled between the sophomore and junior years. Detailed information about the alternative programs is available from the chairperson of the respective department. Advanced Course, Professional Officers Course, and scholarship students receive a monthly stipend of $200 for up to 12 months per year. In addition to completing the above requirements, students who wish to enroll in the ROTC commissioning program must be citizens of the United States, be not less than 17 years of age, and be able to complete work for a baccalaureate degree and all other requirements for commissioning prior to their 30th birthday (34th birthday with waiver for prior service). For the Air Force, students must finish their baccalaureate degree and all other requirements for commissioning by the time they are 29 1/2 years old if they are programmed for flight training; up to 34 years old with waiver if programmed for other than flight training. All ROTC program students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or better, pass all military aptitude tests as required, be physically qualified, be enrolled as a full-time student, and be approved by the Professor of Military Science, or Professor of Aerospace Studies, as appropriate. Upon admission into the Advanced Course or Professional Officers Course students sign a contract to seek a commission as a second lieutenant.
Scholarships. The departments of Army and Air Force offer competitive 4-year ROTC scholarships to selected high school seniors. Additionally, the Army offers 3- and 2-year scholarships to outstanding students selected by faculty in the program. Eligible freshmen and sophomores may be nominated for Air Force ROTC 3- or 2-year scholarships. ROTC scholarships provide textbook reimbursement, tuition, and fees as well as a monthly subsistence allowance of $200 during the fall and spring semesters.
Commissioning. Upon receiving a commission, the Army ROTC lieutenant will enter full-time active duty service or part-time service with the U.S. Army, the Army Reserve, or the Army National Guard. Selection for active duty is competitive. For those who wish to combine a career with part-time military service, contracts are available which guarantee that the cadet can serve all of his or her commitment in the Army Reserve or National Guard. Cadets may also apply for educational delays for graduate training. Air Force cadets agree to serve 4 years on active duty if in a nonflying career field, 10 years upon completion of undergraduate pilot training, or 6 years upon completion of undergraduate navigator training. All Air Force commissions are for active duty assignment only.
Military Studies Minor. A Military Studies minor is available in the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business Administration with the General Business major. It consists of 18 semester hours taken in Aerospace Studies, Military Science, Military History, or a combination thereof.
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Cheryl Hedlund
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LAST UPDATE: 6-1-01