Department of Military Science

DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE

Chair: Lt Col Eric Van Vliet (251) 460-6341

Professor: Van Vliet

Assistant Professors: Bachus, Bass, Rey

Instructors: Bowden, Downey, Owens, Powell

Department of Military Science web site
http://www.southalabama.edu/armyrotc

MILITARY SCIENCE

The Military Science Department offers a progressive program which will enhance student education regardless of academic endeavor. The program is designed to improve the leadership abilities of students, develop managerial skills, inform students concerning the roles, missions, and capabilities of the army, and train qualified ROTC students to become commissioned officers the National Guard, Reserve, and U.S. Army. Military Science is an accredited field of minor study. Students may take Military Science courses and receive graduation credit in lieu of Physical Education courses. National Guardsmen, reservists, veterans and former JROTC students may received advanced placement by requesting it through the department chair.

BASIC COURSE

The purpose of the Army ROTC Basic Course is to introduce students to Army ROTC, to give them general information about the Army and to introduce them to basic skills which have both military and civilian application. Courses and practical exercises in land navigation, orienteering, and leadership round out the student's academic life, provide a challenge, develop confidence, and break the classroom monotony. With this initial exposure, the students will have experience upon which to base their decisions to continue into the Advanced Course and into the Army as commissioned officers. There is no military obligation in connection with the Basic Course.

MS I (MS 101-102). Meets for one hour per week. All students are required to attend a two hour leadership lab every other week. In addition, contracted students are required to attend physical training lab two times per week for 1 hour per session. During leadership laboratory, students will participate in adventure training, and other military activities. Several optional training activities on and off campus are scheduled each semester.

MS II (MS 201-202). Meets for two hours per week. All students are required to attend a two hour leadership lab once per week. In addition, contracted students are required to attend physical training lab two times per week for 1 hour per session. During leadership laboratory, students will participate in adventure training, and other military activities. Several optional training activities on and off campus are scheduled during the school year.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING CAMP

Army ROTC Leaders Training Course, conducted during the summer session, is a challenging four-week training course designed to evaluate students ability to handle themselves and others in new and demanding situations. Throughout the program, the student is provided with the fundamentals of soldiering which include physical training, marksmanship, tactical operations, map reading, and orienteering. Students are provided transportation to and from camp, fees, room and board, as well as approximately $650 in pay and allowances. Attendance at the Leaders Training Course does not necessarily obligate the student to military service; it does, however, qualify the student for the Army ROTC Advanced Course when taken in lieu of the Basic Course requirements.

Provided eligibility criteria are met, 2-year scholarships are granted upon graduation. See the scholarship section as follows for more information.

ADVANCED COURSE

Upon completion of the Basic Course or Leaders Training Course (above), ROTC students entering the Advanced Course continue to develop their ability in evaluating situations, making decisions, and practicing traits considered essential in a leader. The ability to motivate subordinates, to win their confidence, and to supervise them effectively has been attributed by many civilian and military leaders to training received through ROTC in college. The ROTC Program uses and extends the intellect, education, and special abilities of college students. Its primary purpose is to produce Army officers needed for the defense of our nation in time of crisis; but, in the process, it also develops the kind of junior executive or manager needed in every field of civilian endeavor.

All Advanced Course students earn $350-$400 a month (upon contracting) beginning the first month of their junior year and continuing until they complete the Advanced Course. Additional pay and travel allowances for the 32-day National Advanced Leadership Course training between the junior and senior years, makes the total received approximately $8,300.

MS III (MS 301-302). Meets for three hours per week. All students are required to attend a two hour leadership lab once per week. In addition, contracted students are required to attend physical training lab three times per week for 1 hour per session. Three training activities off campus will be scheduled during the school year.

MS IV (MS 401-402). Meets for three hours per week. All students are required to attend a two-hour leadership lab once per week. In addition, contracted students are required to attend physical training lab three times per week for 1 hour per session. Three training activities off campus will be scheduled during the school year.

ROTC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

See information provided in the chapter on financial aid.

Army ROTC Scholarships

These competitive scholarships are awarded solely on potential rather than financial need and cover the costs of tuition, fees, and a flat-rate book allowance (of $450 per semester) plus a monthly subsistence allowance of $300 for freshman and sophomores; $350 for juniors; $400 for seniors. Four-year scholarships are available to designated freshmen, who applied and were selected during their senior year in high school. Three and two-year scholarships are available to eligible students, both enrolled and not enrolled in the ROTC program. Two-year scholarships are awarded to students who successfully complete the Leaders Training Course and agree to join ROTC. This allowance is tax-free and is in addition to most other assistance that the student may receive.

ACTIVITIES

In an effort to develop maximum leadership qualities among cadets, the following organizations and activities are sponsored by ROTC as an integral part of the Army Cadet Corps:

Color Guard:	The official color guard for the city of Mobile is composed of ROTC cadets from the University of South Alabama.
Ranger Challenge:	Students are trained in small-unit tactics and participate in ranger-type operations.
Running Club:	Participation is open to all cadets. Runs from 3k to 26.2 mile marathons.

ACADEMIC CREDIT

Academic credit is granted for the completion of Military Science course requirements as follows:

Basic Course 1st Year (MS 101-102)

1st and 2nd Semester - 1 hour each - Total 2

Basic Course 2nd Year (MS 201-202)

1st and 2nd Semester - 2 hours each - Total 4

(Leadership Training Course in lieu of Basic Course) (6)

Advanced Course 1st Year (MS 301-302)

1st and 2nd Semester - 3 hours each - Total 6

Advanced Course 2nd Years (MS 401-402)

1st and 2nd Semester - 3 hours each - Total 6

AUDITING

Students who do not meet qualifications for Army contracting and commissioning may be allowed to audit a Military Science course. Students desiring to audit must receive the permission of the department chair. Auditing students may not participate in leadership laboratory, field training exercises, or other physical activities. Non-U.S. students must have written permission from their government prior to taking an ROTC course.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A COMMISSION AS A SECOND LIEUTENANT IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY

Students desiring a commission must complete a minimum of 21 hours of course work to include:

1.	19 hours of Military Science, including
	a.	MS 101 and 102;
	b.	MS 201 and 202;
	c.	Students can receive placement credit for the 100- and 200-level courses for prior military service, Junior ROTC, ROTC Leadership Training Course, and equivalent military training with PMS approval;
	d.	MS 301 and 302;
	e.	MS 401 and 402.
2.		In addition to the required courses, students must contract and attend the ROTC National Advance Leadership Course for 32 days of training between the junior and senior year.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR

Completion of the 18 semester hours of MS course work included in the Basic Course and the Advanced Course are required for a minor in Military Science. Placement credit may be awarded for the Basic Course for prior military service, attendance at ROTC Leadership Training Course, or three or four years of JROTC. Students who are already commissioned officers are not eligible to receive a minor in military science. Non-contracted students are not eligible to receive a minor in Military Science.

DESCRIPTIONS OF ALL MILITARY SCIENCE (MS) COURSES

College of Arts and Sciences