Military Science

Reserve Officers Training Corps, Chad Carlson, Chair

Army ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) offers college students the opportunity to serve as commissioned officers in the U.S. Army, the Army National Guard, or the U.S. Army Reserve upon graduation. ROTC enhances a student's education by providing unique leadership and management training along with practical leadership experience. Students develop many of the qualities basic to success while earning a college degree and an officer's commission at the same time.

The Margin of Difference.  Army ROTC cadets learn to be leaders and receive hands-on experience in managing physical, financial, and human resources. They develop self-confidence and superior decision-making skills. Employers value these leadership qualities and recognize the associated potential in ROTC graduates.

Four–Year Program.  The four–year Army ROTC program consists of two parts: the Basic Course and the Advanced Course.

Basic Course.  The basic course is normally taken during the first two years of college and may be taken without incurring any military obligation.  This course covers such subjects as management principles, national de­fense, military history, and leadership development. Basic course classes include adventure training such as squad tactics and small arms marksmanship. Additional opportunities are also available to conduct small unit training exercises throughout Western Montana. In addition, a variety of outside social and professional enrichment activities are available. All necessary ROTC textbooks, uniforms, and other essential materials for the basic course are furnished to students at no cost. After completing the basic course, students who have demonstrated the potential to become officers and who have met the physical and scholastic standards are eligible to enroll in the Advanced Course. Compression of the Basic Course into two semesters may be arranged for those students who did not take military science courses during their Freshman year.

Advanced Course.  The Advanced Course is usually taken during the final two years of college. Instruction includes organization and management, tactics, ethics, critical thinking, creative problem solving and further leadership development. Uniforms and equipment in the Advanced Course are furnished to students at no cost. During the summer between their junior and senior years of college, Advanced Course cadets attend Cadet Summer Training (CST), a fully paid four–week leadership practicum. LDAC gives cadets the chance to apply what they have learned in the classroom and introduces them to Army life while also receiving academic credit. Completion of the Advanced Course requires two years of study. Each cadet in the Advanced Course receives a subsistence allowance of up to $4,500 for each year of attendance.

Two–Year Program.  The two–year program applies to incoming juniors and community college graduates, students at four–year colleges who did not take ROTC during their first two years of school, and students entering a two–year postgraduate course of study. To enter the two–year program, students must attend a fully paid four–week Leader's Training Course (LTC), normally held during the summer between their sophomore and junior years of college. At LTC, students learn to challenge themselves physically and mentally, and to build their confidence and leadership skills. After successfully completing LTC, students who meet all the necessary enrollment requirements may participate in the Advanced Course.

Scholarships and Financial Assistance.  Army ROTC scholarships are offered for four, three and two years and are awarded on a competitive basis. Each scholarship pays 100% of student's tuition and fees, $1200 a year for textbooks and supplies, and a monthly stipend totaling up to $4,500 per year while the scholarship is in effect.  Four-year scholarships are awarded to students who will be entering college as freshmen. Two and three–year scholarships are awarded to students already enrolled in college and to Army enlisted personnel on active duty. Additionally, students who attend LTC (see two–year program) may compete for two–year scholarships while at the course. Scholarship recipients can pursue degrees in any accredited four year program at the University of Montana. Students who receive scholarships are required to attain undergraduate degrees in the fields in which their scholarships were awarded.

Veterans.  Veterans may apply their military experience as credit toward the ROTC Basic Course. If eligible, a veteran may enroll directly into the Advanced Course.

Simultaneous Membership Program.  This program allows students to be members of the Army National Guard or the Army Reserve and to enroll in Army ROTC at the same time.  Students participating in the Simultaneous Membership Program receive up to $4,000 per year in tuition assistance, $4,500 per year in monthly stipends and an additional $20,000 per year in other benefits.  There are also scholarships available for students participating in the Simultaneous Membership Program that are interested in staying in the Army National Guard or the Army Reserve upon graduation that pay up to $8,500 per year for living expenses and $1,200 per year for textbooks, supplies and other equipment.  These scholarships are in addition to many of the current benefits students receive as part of the Simultaneous Membership Program.

Service Obligation. There is no military service obligation for basic course students, unless on scholarship. Advanced course and scholarship (contracted) students incur an obligation to serve in the active Army, Army Reserve or National Guard.

Commission Requirements. In order to earn a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, each student must:

  1. Complete all required Military Science instruction while attending college as a full-time student, and obtain a baccalaureate or higher degree.
  2. Complete a PMS approved US History course.
  3. Meet medical and physical fitness standards.
  4. Be a U.S. citizen.
  5. Successfully complete Cadet Summer Training.
  6. Be recommended by the Professor of Military Science.

Undergraduate Degrees Available

Subject Type Option Track
Military Studies Minor

Department Faculty

Professors

  • Chad Carlson, Lieutenant Colonel

Assistant Professors

  • CPT Patrick Beckwith, Assistant Operation Officer
  • MSG Travis Hambrick, Senior Military Science Advisor & MS III Advisor
  • CPT Tracy Mitchell, Instructor/ROTC Recruiter
  • CPT Kris Pyette, Operation Officer & MSII Advisor
  • CPT Sean Thornton
  • SFC Bradley Watson

Affiliates

  • Richard Reeves, Supplies manager

Course Descriptions

Military Science Leadership

  • MSL 101 - Leadership and Personal Dev

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. The Constitutional role of the military, military tradition, current defense posture, service roles and missions. An introduction to issues and competencies that are central to a commissioned officer’s responsibilities.  Establishes framework for understanding officership, leadership and army values.
    Course Attributes:
    • ROTC Course
  • MSL 102 - Intro to Tactical Leadership

    Credits: 3. Offered spring.  Establishes foundation of basic leadership fundamentals such as problem–solving, communications, goal setting and improving listening techniques.  Introduction to the principles of military leadership and organizational values through discussion, observation and practice exercises.
    Course Attributes:
    • ROTC Course
  • MSL 106 - Army Physical Fitness

    Credits: 1. (R–4) Offered autumn and spring. The study and application of military drill and ceremony: formation, ceremonies, and marching; the study of the fundamentals of the military physical conditioning program, and the practical application of skills learned. Physical education activity course; a maximum of four credits of activity courses may be counted toward graduation.
    Course Attributes:
    • ROTC Course
  • MSL 195 - Special Topics

    Credits: 1 TO 6. (R–6) Offered autumn and spring. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one–time offerings of current topics.
    Course Attributes:
    • ROTC Course
  • MSL 201 - Innovative Team Leadership

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn.  Demonstration and practice of individual military leadership skills with emphasis on communication and observation through experiential learning exercises.  Establishes framework for understanding of “life skills” such as physical fitness and time management.  Examination and practical application of tasks training and military style briefings.
    Course Attributes:
    • ROTC Course
  • MSL 202 - Found of Tactical Leadership

    Credits: 3. Offered spring.  Building successful teams through influencing actions and effective communication in setting and achieving goals.  Use of creativity in the problem solving process.  Introduction of individual and team aspects of military tactics in small unit operations.  Practical exercises in techniques for training others as an aspect of continued leadership development.
    Course Attributes:
    • ROTC Course
  • MSL 203 - Ranger Challenge

    Credits: 2. (R–4) Offered autumn. Practical hands–on training in one rope bridge, land navigation, military weapons assembly/disassembly and physical conditioning. A team selected from this class will represent the University in competition against four other colleges and universities within the Big Sky Task Force.  Students may include up to, but not more than, four credits earned in the HHP 100–179 and DANC 325 activity courses and MSL 203 and 315 in the total number of credits required for graduation. Students must be physically qualified and enrolled in an additional MSL academic class.
    Course Attributes:
    • ROTC Course
  • MSL 204 - Leader's Training Course

    Credits: 3. (R–4) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of instr. Intensive supervised study in applied leadership and management development in an organizational setting.
    Course Attributes:
    • ROTC Course
  • MSL 291 - Special Topics

    Credits: 1 TO 6. (R–6) Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one–time offerings of current topics.
  • MSL 295 - Special Topics

    Credits: 1 TO 6. (R–6) Offered spring. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one–time offerings of current topics.
    Course Attributes:
    • ROTC Course
  • MSL 296 - Leadership Practicum

    Credits: 1 TO 4. (R–4) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of instr. Intensive supervised study in applied leadership and management development in an organizational setting.
    Course Attributes:
    • Service Learning/Volunteer
    • ROTC Course
  • MSL 301 - Adaptive Team Leadership

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Prereq., consent of instr.  Coreq., MSL 303. Developing personal leadership principles through the learning and application of various small unit leadership procedures. Fundamentals of leadership development, land navigation, troop leading, small units tactics, rappelling, rifle marksmanship and physical fitness.  Study of the organization and operation of the U.S. Army as a profession.  Students are required to attend one weekend field exercise during the semester. Restricted to contracted Military Science students.
    Course Attributes:
    • ROTC Course
  • MSL 302 - Applied Team Leadership

    Credits: 3. Offered spring. Prereq., consent of instr.  Coreq., MSL 303. Continuation of the study and application of small unit leadership tasks.  Advanced leadership skills taught including medical evacuation procedures, radio procedures, and increased involvement in planning and executing military operations in preparation for attendance at the Leader Development and Assessment Course at Fort Lewis, Washington.  Students participate in rifle marksmanship instruction including qualification with the M16A2 rifle, rappelling, and attend one weekend exercise with students from regional universities in the area and the Montana Army National Guard. Restricted to contracted Military Science students.
    Course Attributes:
    • ROTC Course
  • MSL 303 - Leadership Laboratory

    Credits: 1. (R–4) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of instr.  Coreq., MSL 301, 302, 401, or 402. Practical application of skills learned in the classroom.
    Course Attributes:
    • ROTC Course
  • MSL 305 - Leadership Development and Assessment Course

    Credits: 3. Offered every term. Prereq., consent of instr. Required study and internship in military tactics, leadership and organizational behavior. Supervised by active duty military officers. Participants attend course of study at Fort Knox, KY for four weeks of intense evaluation and training to assess their ability to serve as a 2nd LT in the US Army, US Army Reserves, or the National Guard.
  • MSL 391 - Special Topics

    Credits: 1 TO 9. (R–9) Offered autumn and spring. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one–time offerings of current topics.
    Course Attributes:
    • ROTC Course
  • MSL 401 - Adaptive Leadership

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Prereq., consent of instr.; coreq., MSL 303.  The application of leadership principles and techniques involved in leading young men and women in today’s Army.  Students explore training management. methods of effective staff collaboration and developmental counseling techniques.  Develops student proficiency in planning and executing complex operations, functioning as a member of a staff and mentoring subordinates. Restricted to contracted Military Science students.
    Course Attributes:
    • ROTC Course
  • MSL 402 - Leadership in a Complex World

    Credits: 3. Offered spring. Prereq., consent of instr., coreq., MSL 303. Study includes case study of military law and practical exercises on establishing an ethical command climate. Examines the role communications, values and ethics play in effective leadership. Students complete a semester long Senior Leadership Project that requires them to plan, organize, collaborate, analyze and demonstrate their leadership skills. Restricted to contracted Military Science students.
    Course Attributes:
    • ROTC Course
  • MSL 492 - Coop Education/Internship

    Credits: 1 TO 4. (R–4)  Offered every term.  Prereq., consent of instr.  Required study and internship in military tactics, leadership and organizational behavior.  Supervised by active duty military officers.
    Course Attributes:
    • ROTC Course