Department Information
Department of Military Science website https://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/artsandsci/armyrotc/
Our Mission: To commission the future officer leadership of the United States Army. 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 in the National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, or the U.S. Army. Military Science is an accredited field of minor study. National Guardsmen, reservists, veterans and former JROTC students may receive advanced placement by requesting it through the department chair.
Requirements for Enrollment and Continuance
The general requirements for enrollment and continuance in the Army ROTC program are as follows:
- Basic course students must:
• Be a citizen of the United States
• Be physically qualified
• Have freshman or sophomore standing. Students with higher standing require consent of PMS.
- Basic course Cadets applying for enrollment in the advanced course who seek a commission must:
• Have successfully completed MS 101, MS 102, MS 201, MS 202, OR placement credit for the 100 and 200 level courses for prior military service, Junior ROTC, ROTC Basic Camp and equivalent military training with approval from Professor of Military Science.
• Have two years remaining at the university (either undergraduate, graduate or in pursuit of additional course work).
• Have completed a minimum of 30 hours to contract.
• Be under 31 years old during year of graduation and commissioning (waiverable to 39).
• Be enrolled as a full-time student, either at the University of South Alabama, or affiliate College or University.
• Meet military screening and physical requirements.
• Maintain a minimum 2.0 G.P.A.
• Maintain B average in military science and leadership courses.
Regularly enrolled students who meet the academic prerequisites may take individual courses as electives with the permission of the department head and academic advisor.
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. Contracted cadets are required to pass an Army Fitness Assessment and meet the Army Height and Weight standards at least once a semester.
MS I (MS 101-MS 102). Meets for one hour per week. Students are required to attend a two hour leadership lab every week and are encouraged to attend physical training lab three times per week for 1 hour per session. During leadership laboratory, students will participate in land navigation training, and other military activities.
MS II (MS 201-MS 202). Meets for two hours per week. All students are required to attend a two hour leadership lab every week. In addition, students are required to attend physical training lab three times per week for 1 hour per session. During leadership laboratory, students will participate in land navigation training, and other military activities.
Cadet Summer Training (CST) Basic Camp
CST Basic Camp produces a Cadet grounded in foundational leadership doctrine and skills by following and leading; demonstrates proficiency in individual and collective tasks at the team and squad level; can apply in a physically demanding, complex, tactical environment; who comprehends critical thinking and problem solving using TLPs; comprehends the value of diversity and understands the officer’s role in leading change; understands the fundamentals of the Army as a profession. Attendance at the Basic Camp does not necessarily obligate the student to military service; it does, however, qualify the student for continuation in the Army ROTC Courses as a contracted Cadet provided eligibility criteria are met, a student can compete for a 2-year or 3-year scholarship upon graduation. See the scholarship section that follows for more information.
Cadet Summer Training (CST) Advanced Course
CST Advance Camp produces a Cadet who is physically and mentally capable of leading at the platoon level; is tactically proficient; applies fundamentally sound techniques grounded in doctrine; anticipates problems; applies the Troop Leading Procedures to plan, rehearse, and execute mission context problems; applies and analyzes military education, training, and experience to exercise initiative in problem solving during tactical problems at the platoon level; applies essential components of the Army Profession nested in the cross cultural competence; capitalizes on team members’ military education, training, and experience to exercise initiative in problem solving at the platoon level; communicates complex thoughts in a logical and easily understood manner and is dedicated to excellence and accepts accountability for self and assigned unit; willingly gathers input from team members to solve problems. 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 Leader or Junior Executive or manager needed in every field of civilian endeavor.
MS III (MS 301-MS 302). Meets for three hours per week. All students are required to attend a two hour leadership lab once per week. In addition, 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-MS 402). Meets for three hours per week. All students are required to attend a two-hour leadership lab once per week. In addition, 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.
Simultaneous Membership Program
The simultaneous membership program option combines the Army ROTC with membership in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard and allows the student to receive pay from both programs. ROTC Cadets serve as officer trainees in direct leadership/management positions. Simultaneous membership program participation with National Guard or Reserve forces is one weekend per month and two weeks each year.
Branch Selection
The curriculum of the Army ROTC program is designed to qualify the Cadet for appointment as an officer. Selection for assignment to the various branches of the Army is based upon the personal interests of the Cadet, the major course of study, academic accomplishments, leadership potential, and the needs of the service through the Talent Based Management System. Under this system a Cadet may be commissioned in any branch for which he or she is qualified and in which a need for officers exists. After graduation and commissioning, the officer will attend a service school for further specialized military training which will qualify him or her for the branch to which he or she is assigned.
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 fee for books, supplies and equipment (published annually by HQ USACC) plus a monthly stipend of $420. 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, enrolled in the ROTC program. Two-year undergraduate or graduate school scholarships are available to students who successfully complete Basic Camp. For members of the Army Reserves and National Guard, ROTC has Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty Scholarships (GRFD) providing the same benefits listed above.
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 University of South Alabama. Present the colors for USA and civic organizations in Mobile.
- Ranger Challenge: Students are trained in small-unit tactics and participate in ranger-type operations and competitions.
- Running Club: Participation is open to all students. Runs from 3k to 26.2 mile marathons and triathlons.
- Scabbard and Blade: Honor Society for Cadets. Cadets must meet national requirements to be a member.
Academic Credit
Academic credit is granted for the completion of Military Science course requirements as follows:
Basic Course 1st Year (MS 101-MS 102)
1st and 2nd Semester - 1 hour each - Total 2
Basic Course 2nd Year (MS 201-MS 202)
1st and 2nd Semester - 3 hours each - Total 6 (Basic Camp in lieu of Basic Course) (6)
Advanced Course 1st Year (MS 301-MS 302)
1st and 2nd Semester - 3 hours each - Total 6
Advanced Course 2nd Years (MS 401-MS 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 drill, marching, leadership laboratory, field training exercises, voluntary programs, or attend basic or advanced camp.
Requirements for a Commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army
Students desiring a commission must complete a minimum of 23 hours of course work to include:
- 20 hours of Military Science, including
- MS 101 and MS 102;
- MS 201 and MS 202;
- Students can receive placement credit for the 100- and 200-level courses for prior military service, Junior ROTC, ROTC Basic Camp, and equivalent military training with PMS approval;
- MS 301 and MS 302;
- MS 401 and MS 402.
- A 3 hour Military History Course (per approval from the PMS).
- In addition to the required courses, students must contract and attend the ROTC Advance Camp for 33 days of training between the junior and senior year.
