Department of Military Science (Army ROTC)

Chair: Morris

Assistant Professors: Bunde, Hansen

The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) was established at Idaho State University under provisions recommended to the State Board of Education and in accordance with national requirements. Participation by students in the program is voluntary. The objective of the Advanced Course, Army ROTC, is to provide students who have the ability and desire the opportunity to become commissioned officers in the United States Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard.

Scope of Instruction

Instruction in ROTC is divided into the Basic Course and the Advanced Course. Each is described below.

General

The program of instruction leading to a commission as a second lieutenant consists of academic classes in military science, one or more several-week summer training events, and a bachelor's degree in an academic major (including the Bachelor of Applied Technology). Training in leadership is emphasized. Instruction is given in subjects common to all branches of the Army with emphasis placed on the following: organization of the Army and ROTC; individual weapons and marksmanship; military history; management; leadership; map reading, land navigation and orienteering; U.S. Army and national security; military teaching principles; tactics; communications; operations; logistics; administration; military law; and the role of the United States military in world affairs.

Basic Course

Normally taken the Freshman and Sophomore years, the basic course gives the student the opportunity to experience the Army without incurring any obligation.

Satisfactory completion of the Basic Course fulfills one of the requirements for continuation in the four-year program and acceptance into the Advanced Course. Those students desiring to take the Advanced Course, but lacking the credit for the Basic Course, may satisfy the requirements by attending a 5-week summer camp between their sophomore and junior year or by completing Military Basic Training. Veterans and Reserve/National Guard members may receive credit for the Basic Course.

Students in the Basic Course who are contemplating taking the Advanced Course are highly encouraged to take either the Military Style Fitness class or the Ranger Challenge fitness class.

Advanced Course

In addition to the requirements of the Basic Course, the Advanced Course requires two additional years of military science and a 33-day summer training course, which provides practical application of instruction previously given. Admission to the Advanced Course is by permission of the Chair of the Department of Military Science.

Admission Requirements

Advanced Course cadets must:

1. Have satisfied one of the following requirements: Successful completion of the Basic Course, the five-week summer Leader Training Course (LTC) or Basic Training. In addition, all students must have completed a minimum of 54 credits toward their chosen career field.
2. Be able to complete all requirements for commissioning before their 30th birthday.
3. Successfully complete the prescribed survey and general screening tests.
4. Execute an individual contract with the government in which they agree to complete the Advanced Course at Idaho State University or any other institution at which they may thereafter be enrolled where such a program is offered.
5. Devote a minimum of eight hours a week to the military training prescribed by the Secretary of the Army.
6. Contract into the Army Reserve ROTC Control Group. This enlistment does not involve additional training or duty but is to insure compliance with the terms of the contract signed by the student.
7. Agree to accept a commission if tendered.
8. Serve as a commissioned officer in the active Army, the Army Reserve, or the National Guard. Guaranteed Reserve Forces (GRF) assignments are available for those who do not want to compete for the active duty assignments. The GRF assignment allows officers to serve in the reserves with an Army Commission.
9. Complete the requirements for Precommissioning Training (PCT). The PCT system is designed to articulate skills and knowledge that are required of all U.S. Army Officers. The professional military education component consists of two parts, a baccalaureate degree in an academic field and a military history course.
10. Participate in either the Ranger Challenge fitness class or the Military Style fitness class every semester until commissioned.

Scholarships

The Military Science department offers a multitude of scholarships, both Cadet Command Army sponsored and ISU sponsored. Cadet Command offers a four-year scholarship to high school graduating seniors which pays up to $20,000.00 a year for college tuition and education fees, OR room and board (chosen by the student). There is an additional book allowance. There are also limited numbers of 4, 3 and 2- year scholarships available once a student is on campus. In addition, Army scholarship winners also receive a taxfree subsistence allowance for 10 months per year, increasing yearly upon progression through Military Science. Each student selected for a scholarship must serve in the National Guard, Reserves, or Active Duty as a commissioned officer upon commissioning. For more information please log on to www.rotc.usaac.mil/scholarship. Students who are in the Advanced Course (Junior and Senior status) and some qualifying sophomores will also receive an additional monthly subsistence (see “Financial Assistance” below). The Military Science department offers scholarships for room and board, room, and various monetary amounts. Applications are available from the department (Garrison Hall, Building 63, Room B9 or 208-282-4264).

Financial Assistance

Each Advanced Course student receives an allowance of between $450 and $500 a month for up to ten months a year for two to three years. Summer training pay is in addition to meals, quarters, medical/dental attention, and travel pay. A uniform allowance of $400 is paid to each commissioned officer upon entry into active duty.

Uniforms

Basic and Advanced Course students will be provided uniforms and equipment for ROTC classes. All such items of clothing and equipment are the property of the U.S. government and are provided solely for the purpose of furthering the military training of the student. Students are responsible for the safekeeping, care, and return of the property issued to them.

Required Courses/Activities

ROTC Basic Course (choose a, b, or c):

a) the following five courses:
  
M S 101         Introduction to ROTC                  2 cr
M S 102         Introduction to Leadership            2 cr
M S 201         Self/Team Development                 3 cr
M S 202         Individual/Team Military Tactics      3 cr
M S 290         ROTC Leaders Training Course          6 cr

Optional:
M S 110         Basic Course Physical Fitness         1 cr
M S 104         Ranger Challenge                      1 cr

(b) Attendance at ROTC Leaders Training Course**      6 cr

(c) Prior military service

ROTC Advanced Course:

M S 301         Leading Small Organizations I         4 cr
M S 302         Leading Small Organizations II        4 cr
M S 310         Advanced Course Physical Fitness*     1 cr
M S 320         Military History Seminar              3 cr
M S 401         Leadership Challenges 
                  and Goal Setting                    4 cr
M S 402         Transition to Lieutenant              4 cr

Optional:

M S 104         Ranger Challenge                      1 cr
M S 380         Nurse Summer Training                 3 cr
M S 390         Leader Development
                  and Assessment Course***            6 cr
M S 493         Military Science Internship           6 cr

*Required if student is on scholarship and/or contracted.

**Attendance at ROTC Leaders Training Course (LTC) is one means of completing the Basic Course. Students may sign up for M S 290 to receive 6 academic credits for LTC.

***Attendance at Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) is required of all contracted students normally between junior and senior year. Students may sign up for M S 390 to receive academic credit for LDAC.

Military Science Courses

M S 101 Introduction to ROTC 2 credits. Provides an overview of ROTC with purpose and history and an introduction to land navigation, customs and courtesies, marksmanship, and first aid. Required Laboratory: Leadership exercises, adventure training, and military branch orientation. COREQ: M S 101L. F, S

M S 101L Introduction to ROTC Laboratory 0 credits. Leadership exercises, adventure training, and military branch orientation. COREQ: M S 101. F, S

M S 102 Introduction to Leadership 2 credits. Continuation of M S 101. Instruction in military subjects: small-unit tactics, individual tactical movement, first aid, introduction to leadership, leadership exercises, adventure training, and military skills orientation. Required Laboratory:  Leadership  exercises, adventure training and military branch orientation. PREREQ: M S 101 or permission of instructor. F, S

M S 102L Introduction to Leadership Laboratory 0 credits. Leadership  exercises, adventure training and military branch orientation. COREQ: M S 102. F, S

M S 104 Ranger Challenge 1 credit. Students are instructed in basic military/survival skills: field expedient bridging, marksmanship, individual weapons familiarization, individual tactical movement, and physical readiness. Culminates in team competitions with other universities. May be repeated up to 4 credits by contracted Military Science students. PREREQ OR COREQ: M S 101, M S 102, M S 201 or M S 202. F, S

M S 110 Basic Course Physical Fitness 1 credit. Participate in and learn to lead a physical fitness program. Emphasis on developing an individual fitness program and the role of exercise and fitness in one’s life. Cross-listed as PEAC 110. F, S

M S 201 Self and Team Development 3 credits. Prepares student for ROTC Advanced Course. Emphases: leadership, land navigation, oral/written communications, and military subjects from precommissioning training guidance. Required Laboratory: Practical application of classroom instruction and adventure training. PREREQ: M S 102 or permission of instructor. F, S

M S 201L Self and Team Development Leadership Laboratory 0 credits. Leadership exercises, adventure training, and military branch orientation. COREQ: M S 201. F, S

M S 202 Individual and Team Military Tactics 3 credits. Preparation for ROTC Advanced Course. Concentrates on the instruction and application of military professional development, and small-unit tactics. Required Laboratory: leadership exercises, adventure training, military skills, and tactical instruction. PREREQ: M S 201 or permission of instructor. F, S

M S 202L Military Tactics Leadership Laboratory 0 credits. Leadership exercises, adventure training, and military branch orientation. COREQ: M S 202. F, S

M S 290 ROTC Leaders Training Course 6 credits. Introduction to military science for students having little or no military experience. Provides experiences in management, teaching, first aid, physical conditioning. Qualifies student for ROTC Advanced Course. PREREQ: Permission of Chair. F

M S 301 Leading Small Organizations I 4 credits. Increases student’s confidence as military instructor/leader. Prepares students to make a branch selection during the senior year. Preparation for Leader Development and Assessment Course (M S 390). Required Laboratory: advanced leadership exercises, adventure training, orienteering. PREREQ: ROTC Basic Course or permission of Chair. F

M S 301L Leading Small Organizations I Laboratory 0 credits. Leadership exercises, adventure training, and military branch orientation. COREQ: M S 301 or permission of instructor. F, S

M S 302 Leading Small Organizations II 4 credits. Introduction to fundamentals of combat operations. Preparation for Leader Development and Assessment Course (M S 390). Develops leadership abilities and confidence and prepares student for military service as a commissioned officer. Required Laboratory: advanced leadership exercises, adventure training, and tactical operations. PREREQ: M S 301 or permission of Chair. S

M S 302L Leading Small Organizations II Leadership Laboratory 0 credits. Leadership exercises, adventure training, and military branch orientation. COREQ: M S 302. F, S

M S 310 Advanced Course Physical Fitness 1 credit. Participate in, plan and lead physical fitness programs. Develop the physical fitness requirements of an officer in the Army. Emphasis on developing an individual fitness program and the role of exercise and fitness in one’s life. May be repeated for up to 8 credits by contracted Military Science students. PREREQ OR COREQ:  M S 301, M S 302, M S 401 or M S 402. F, S

M S 320 Seminar on U.S. Military History 3 credits. Structured seminar based on Von Clauswitz’s “Principles of War.” Students discuss and report on major campaigns in military history from the Civil War to present.  Battle analysis will include the personalities involved, the importance of terrain, equipment, training, doctrine and the political context. F, S

M S 380 ROTC Nurse Summer Training Program 3 credits. A 3 week/120 hour clinical leadership experience with an Army Nurse Corps preceptor at an Army hospital in the US or overseas after completion of Leader Development and Assessment Course (M S 390). PREREQ:  Leader Development and Assessment Course (M S 390) and one clinical nursing course. Su

M S 390  Leader Development and Assessment Course 6 credits. Culmination of M S 301 and 302. Leader Development and Assessment Course at Fort Lewis, Washington. NOTE: This is required of all contracted students normally between the junior and senior year. PREREQ: M S 302. F

M S 401 Leadership Challenges and Goal Setting 4 credits. Military staff organization and responsibilities, military intelligence, logistics, maintenance and supply; and an introduction to military justice. Required Leadership Laboratory:  Practical application of classroom and Leader Development and Assessment Course (M S 390) training to MS I, MS II and MS III students. PREREQ: M S 302. COREQ: M S 401L.  F

M S 401L Leadership Challenges and Goal Setting Laboratory 0 credits Practical application of classroom and Leader Development and Assessment Course (M S 390) training to MS I, MS II and MS III students. COREQ: M S 401. F

M S 402 Transition to Lieutenant 4 credits. Ethics and human relations, counseling techniques, military service in today's society, officers' responsibilities, leadership assessments, and coordination and operation of the military team. Required Leadership Laboratory:  Practical application of classroom and Leader Development and Assessment Course (M S 390) training to MS I, MS II and MS III students. PREREQ: M S 401. COREQ: M S 402L. S

M S 402L Transition to Lieutenant Laboratory 0 credits. Practical application of classroom and Leader Development and Assessment Course (M S 390) training to MS I, MS II and MS III students. COREQ: M S 402. S

M S 492 Military Science Internship 6 credits. Provides senior students with the opportunity to apply the skills they have learned. Requires simultaneous membership in ROTC and Army Reserve/National Guard. PREREQ: Permission of Chair. Graded S/U. F

IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY Academic Information  Contact: webmaster@isu.edu Revised: June 2004