ROTC

Web Site: https://rotc.wustl.edu/
Main Number: 314-935-5521

Background

The Military Science Program in the Department of Military and Veterans Studies is the academic home to Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (Army ROTC). UMSL is a partner institution in the Gateway Army ROTC Battalion – which is hosted at Washington University in St. Louis. Completion of the Army ROTC program of instruction qualifies the student for a commission in the United States Army, Army National Guard, or United States Army Reserve. The curriculum does not provide technical training in a job specialty, nor does it emphasize vocational training; rather, it complements and provides a base for normal progression in the commissioned officers' educational program.

Leadership and management objectives are included in academic periods of instruction. Practical leadership experience is gained in a field training environment by attendance at a thirty-two-day summer camp, normally between the junior and senior years. Nursing students attend a nursing internship at Army hospitals following the normal summer camp. A leadership laboratory also provides experience in a range of leadership positions during the school year. The program offers both a four-year and a two-year program, each with its own special advantages. Students are invited to contact the Military Science Program to obtain additional information.

The program requires four years of military science courses, which consist of a two-year basic course and a two-year advanced course. Students can begin the four-year program as a freshman or as a sophomore.

There is also a two-year ROTC program for those students with only two years of college remaining. The two-year course is designed for junior college and other non-ROTC college transfer students, but may be utilized by students who did not enroll in the basic course outlined below. Graduate students may also qualify for enrollment in the two-year course. Additional information regarding eligibility requirements for the two-year program may be obtained by contacting the Department of Military Science.

Basic Course

The basic course is normally taken as an elective subject by students in their freshman and sophomore years. The purpose of this instruction is to qualify students for entry into the advanced course by familiarizing them with the organization of the Army, military skills, basic leadership and time management, and military tradition. Students do not incur any military obligation as a result of enrolling in the basic course.

Advanced Course

Instruction in the advanced course includes leadership and management, the exercise of command, military teaching methods, tactics, logistics, administration, history, and military justice. Leadership experience and command experience are provided by assigning advanced course students as cadet leaders. Participation in regularly scheduled physical training is a required part of the leadership training. Classroom instruction consists of two one and a quarter hour (seventy-five minutes) periods and a one and a half hour (ninety minutes) leadership laboratory period each week. Only students who have demonstrated a definite potential for becoming competent officers will be selected for the advanced course. Students entering this course must be selected in accordance with the prerequisites listed below.

Pass a military physical examination
Pass a background screening
Pass the three-event physical fitness test
Pass healthy body-fat standards

Monetary Allowances

Cadets selected for admission into the advanced course qualify for a nontaxable monetary allowance of $400–$500 per month for up to twenty months. Cadets may also qualify for the simultaneous membership program with the United States Army Reserve or National Guard, which can provide over $16,000 during the last two years of school. Both the United States Army Reserve and the National Guard offer additional monetary incentives for cadets who join their organizations.

Army ROTC College Scholarship Program

Financial assistance is available in the form of two-, three-, or four-year ROTC academic scholarships for selected students. Under the Army ROTC Scholarship Program, the students/cadets receive reimbursement for their tuition and fees. Additionally, Army scholarship recipients receive a flat-rate allowance of $1200 per year for textbooks and other expenses and a stipend for up to 10 months per year. There are also numerous national and organizational scholarships that students may compete for as members of Army ROTC.

Textbooks and Uniforms

All textbooks, uniforms, items of insignia, and equipment incident to membership in the Army ROTC Program are furnished by the Gateway Battalion.

Leadership Laboratory

Leadership laboratory (MIL SCI 1500) is open to students who are members of the Reserve Officer Training Corps or who are eligible to pursue a commission as determined by the professor of military science. Leadership laboratory is the formalized phase of leadership training conducted by the cadets. It is scheduled for one and one half hours (ninety minutes) each week for both the basic and advanced officer courses (non-contracted and contracted). All uniforms and equipment required for cadet activities are furnished.

FAQs

What is Army ROTC?

ROTC is the Reserve Officers Training Corps. It is the largest officer commissioning program for the U.S. Army. It is structured as a college class in which one learns valuable leadership skills.

Do ROTC courses count for credit?

Yes! All MIL SCI courses at UMSL count as elective credit (towards your 120 requirement) and your grades are included in GPA calculations.

How do I join ROTC if I am already in college?

Once you are enrolled as a full time student, you can register for MIL SCI 1101 in the Fall or MIL SCI 1102 in the Spring.

Am I joining the Army by signing up for ROTC?

No, you are not joining the Army. Only if you are commissioned as a Second Lieutenant will you join the Army. If you are not receiving scholarship or stipend support, there is no military obligation whatsoever during the first two years of ROTC.

Can I just take the ROTC class for the leadership education or for my minor?

YES. You can take any 1000 or 2000 level class without prerequisite or obligation. You can choose (or not choose) to participate in the extracurricular events like physical training, field training and other military skills. Before signing up for a 2000 level class, you should have a discussion with the UMSL ROTC advisor.

How about Scholarships? Do you have any available?

The Army offers full tuition 2, 3, and 4 year scholarships for the best students (you must be medically, physically, academically qualified and pass a background check). These scholarships are merit and potential based. The number and type of scholarships available is different every year, but once awarded a scholarship is a financial commitment from the Army to you through your graduation.

Web Site: https://www.slu.edu/science-and-engineering/academics/parks-aviation-science/air-force-rotc/index.php
Main Number: 314-977-8227

Background

The Aerospace Studies program in the Department of Military and Veterans Studies is the academic home to Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (Air Force ROTC). UMSL is partner institution in Detachment 207, Air Force ROTC – which is hosted at St. Louis University. This program provides pre-commissioning education for qualified students who desire to serve on active duty as commissioned officers in the United States Air Force.

The aerospace studies curriculum is divided into two phases: (1) the general military course; and (2) the professional officer course. The department offers a standard and condensed four-year commissioning programs. The four-year program provides coursework during the freshman through senior years. The condensed program compresses the general military course to one academic year beginning in the fall. To obtain specific information, please contact the Aerospace Studies Program directly.

General Military Course

This program of instruction is open to any student and consists of the first- and second-year courses for students in the four-year Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program. These courses deal with the Air Force structure and the development of air power. They strengthen interest in becoming a professional Air Force officer, develop knowledge of world military forces, and enable the student to understand how the United States Air Force supports national objectives and policies.

Professional Officer Course

Aerospace studies courses offered during the third and fourth years must be completed by all students who seek a commission through AFROTC. Coursework continuity is designed to prepare college students to serve as active duty Air Force officers upon graduation and commissioning. The curriculum stresses national security in contemporary American society, leadership, management, and professionalism. Special emphasis is placed on developing the cadet's communication skills. Students entering this course must be selected in accordance with the prerequisites listed below. Students not currently enrolled in the AFROTC program must have permission of the department chairperson prior to enrolling in these courses.

Pass a military physical examination
Pass the four-event physical fitness test
Pass height/weight standards
Have a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher for undergraduates or a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher for graduate students.

Note: Call the Aerospace Studies Program at 314-977-8227 for specific requirements.

Leadership Laboratory

Leadership laboratory (AERO 1500) is the formalized phase of leadership training conducted by the cadets. It is scheduled for up to two hours each week. All uniforms and equipment required for cadet activities are furnished. It is required for members of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, or students who are eligible to pursue a commission as determined by the chairman of the Department of Aerospace Studies.

Monetary Allowances

Once the admission criteria have been met, the student may compete for the opportunity to contract for four years of active duty as a commissioned officer upon graduation. Upon selection and acceptance, the student receives a monthly, tax-exempt stipend ranging from $300.00–$500.00. Tuition assistance is possible but not guaranteed. It is awarded on a competitive basis.

Field Training

Cadets are required to attend a four-week field training course at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, AL before they may formally enroll in the professional officer course. Field training provides a better understanding of the United States Air Force mission, increases the cadets' proficiency in junior officer training areas, and stresses the importance of physical conditioning. Students attending these courses receive pay for the encampment plus travel allowances.

FAQ

How do I join AFROTC if I am already in college?

Once you are enrolled as a full time student, you can register for AERO 1001 in the fall or AERO 1002 in the spring. If you are a sophomore or only have 3 years left of your degree, you may still join but will need to contact the Unit Admissions Officers first.

Do AFROTC courses count for credit?

Yes! All AERO courses at UMSL count as elective credit (towards your 120 requirement) and your grades are included in GPA calculations.

What is the difference between AFROTC and enlisting in the Air Force?

AFROTC is one of three commissioning sources for the USAF. Upon completion of a bachelor’s degree and AFROTC you will be commissioned as an officer, followed by specific training in a career field. Officers are trained to be the leaders and supervisors of enlisted personnel. Rank, pay, and career opportunities for officers are commensurate with their elevated level of responsibility. Enlisting in the Air Force is done through a local recruiter followed by basic training and prospective technical training. This avenue does not require a college degree.

Will the Air Force pay for my school?

AFROTC offers many scholarship opportunities. Prospective AFROTC cadets can apply for a high school scholarship before entering into college. Once in college, AFROTC cadets can apply for an in-college scholarship. This process is handled by the host detachment.

Air Science Courses

AERO 1001 Heritage and Values of the US Air Force I: 2 semester hours

This course introduces students to contemporary military issues and overall Air Force structure. Contracting with AFROTC is not required for this course.

AERO 1002 Heritage and Values of the US Air Force II: 2 semester hours

This course introduces students to military concepts such as strategic offensive and defense forces, general purpose forces, aerospace support forces, and the Air Force relationship with U.S. Army forces. Contracting with AFROTC is not required for this course.

AERO 1500 Leadership Laboratory: 0 semester hours

Prerequisites: Students must be enrolled in an AERO course. Instruction is conducted within the framework of an organized cadet corps with a progression of experiences designed to develop each student's leadership potential. Course work includes a study of Air Force customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, career opportunities in the Air Force, and the life and work of an Air Force junior officer. Students develop their leadership potential in a practical, supervised laboratory, which typically includes field trips to Air Force installations throughout the United States. This course is generally taught at St. Louis University. It is required for all AF ROTC students.

AERO 2001 Team Leadership Fundamentals I: 2 semester hours

This course lays the foundation for teams and leadership. The topics include skills that will allow cadets to improve their leadership on a personal level and within a team. The course will prepare cadets for their field training experience where they will be able to put the concepts learned into practice. The purpose is to instill a leadership mindset and to motivate sophomore students to transition from AFROTC cadet to AFROTC officer candidate.

AERO 2002 Team Leadership Fundamentals II: 2 semester hours

Prerequisites: AERO 2001 or consent of instructor. This course lays the foundation for Air Force leadership and prepares AFROTC students for their field training experience where they will be able to put the concepts learned into practice. Contracting with AFROTC is not required for this course.

AERO 3001 Leading People and Effective Communications I: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: AERO 2002 or consent of the instructor. This course focuses on training students to be effective managers in Air Force context. Professional concepts that will be emphasized include the use of managerial processes involving decision-making and the use of analytic aids to support planning, organizing, and controlling systems in a changing environment.

AERO 3002 Leading People and Effective Communications II: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: AERO 3001 or consent of instructor. This course continues the management training from AERO 3001. Using actual Air Force cases, students focus on the management of forces in change and managerial strategy within the context of the military organization.

AERO 4001 Air Force in National Security Affairs I: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: AERO 3002 or consent of instructor. This course explores the role of the armed forces as an integral element of American society, including civil-military relations, defense policy, and Air Force responsibilities in national defense. It is part of the final educational experience for AF ROTC Cadets before commissioning.

AERO 4002 Air Force in National Security Affairs II: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: AERO 4001 or consent of instructor. This course explores the importance of maintaining adequate national security forces and teaches students how to effectively design and implement Air Force-focused national security policies. It is part of the final educational experience for AF ROTC Cadets before commissioning.

Military Science Courses

MIL SCI 1101 Introduction to Leadership I: 3 semester hours

Examine the challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership. You will learn how the personal development of life skills such as cultural understanding, goal setting, time management, mental/physical resiliency, and stress management relate to leadership, officership, and the Army profession. Enrollment in MIL SCI 1101 does not require a commitment to join the US Army, (FALL ONLY).

MIL SCI 1102 Introduction to Leadership II: 3 semester hours

Investigate leadership fundamentals such as problem-solving, listening, presenting briefs, providing feedback, and using effective writing skills. You will explore dimensions of leadership attributes and core leader competencies in the context of practical, hands-on, and interactive exercises. Learn fundamental military concepts and explore the Army's leadership philosophy. Enrollment in MIL SCI 1102 does not require a commitment to join the US Army. (SPRING ONLY).

MIL SCI 1500 Leadership Laboratory: 0 semester hours

Prerequisites: Must be currently enrolled in a MIL SCI course. Leadership Laboratory provides basic and advanced leadership experience in military courtesy, drill and ceremonies and practical application of classroom-taught subjects. Functions and responsibilities of leadership positions are developed through student-led staff planning actions and command positions. This course normally meets at Washington University. Note: All military science scholarship and advanced course students must register for MIL SCI 1500.

MIL SCI 2201 Innovative Team Leadership: 3 semester hours

Explore the dimensions of creative and innovative tactical leadership strategies and styles by examining team dynamics and leadership theories. The focus continues to build on developing knowledge of leadership attributes and core leader competencies through the understanding of Army rank, structure, and duties as well as broadening knowledge of land navigation and squad tactics. Enrollment in MIL SCI 2201 does not require a commitment to join the US Army. (FALL ONLY).

MIL SCI 2202 Foundations of Tactical Leadership: 3 semester hours

Develop greater self-awareness as you assess your own leadership styles and practice communication and team building skills. Examine the challenges of leading teams in the complex operational environment. Study dimensions of terrain analysis, patrolling, and operation orders. Explores the dynamics of adaptive leadership in the context of military operations. Enrollment in MIL SCI 2202 does not require a commitment to join the US Army. (SPRING ONLY).

MIL SCI 3301 Adaptive Team Leadership: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: MIL SCI 2202 or consent of instructor. In this course, students will study, practice, and apply the fundamentals of Army leadership, officership, Army values and ethics, and small unit tactics. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be capable of planning, coordinating, navigating, motivating and leading a team or squad in the execution of a tactical mission during a classroom practical exercise (PE), a leadership lab, or during a situational training exercise (STX) in a field environment. (FALL ONLY).

MIL SCI 3302 Applied Team Leadership: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: MIL SCI 3301. Through this course, students continue to learn and apply the fundamentals of Army leadership, officership, Army values and ethics as they hone leadership abilities in a variety of tactical environments and the classroom. The course focuses on leadership attributes and the development of value and core leader competencies. Successful completion of this course will help prepare students for success at the ROTC Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) which they may attend the summer following this course. It is only offered in the Spring.

MIL SCI 4401 Adaptive Leadership: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: MIL SCI 3302 or consent of the instructor. This course focuses on practical application of adaptive leadership. Throughout the semester, students will attend weekly training meetings and fill the roles of Army staff officers. They will plan, execute and assess ROTC training and recruiting events. Study will also focus on the Army values, leader ethics and how they are applied in the Full Spectrum Operating Environment. The officer's role in the Uniform Code of Military Justice, counseling of subordinates, administrative actions and other aspects of everyday military life will also be discussed. (FALL ONLY).

MIL SCI 4402 Leaders in a Complex World: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: MIL SCI 4401. Explore the dynamics of leading in the complex situation of current military operations in the contemporary operating environment. Examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in the face of international terrorism. You will also explore aspects of interacting with non-government organizations, civilians on the battlefield and host nation support. Significant emphasis is placed on preparing you for your branch school and first unit of assignment. (SPRING ONLY).

MIL SCI 4411 Advanced Military Science Studies I: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: MIL SCI 4401. This course is an in-depth study of the role of the Army officer in today's Army.

MIL SCI 4413 Military Medical Technologies Independent Study: 3 semester hours

This course explores how medical advances have improved soldiers' chances of surviving battlefield injuries from the Civil War to the Iraq War. Also explores how soldiers are now surviving more catastrophic injuries and what the implications are on long term health care for these soldiers both physically and mentally.

Military and Veterans Studies Courses

MVS 1100 Veterans Transition Seminar: 1 semester hour

This course is designed for the student veteran who is new to UMSL but not eligible for the First Year Experience class. It will survey essential life skills (time management, financial management, physical fitness) and tools for academic success (note-taking, writing, research, oral presentation). It will familiarize students with the relationship between their education and their career and personal goals. It will also expose students to campus and veteran-specific support services. Maybe most importantly, this course will provide a venue for veterans to connect with other veterans who are facing a similar transition.

MVS 2000 Selected Topics in Military or Veterans Studies: 1-3 semester hours

Selected topics in military or veterans studies. The topics will vary each semester. May be taken more than once for credit as long as the topic differs.

MVS 2021 War and Violence in Modern Times: 3 semester hours

Same as HIST 2021. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. This course examines the connections between warfare and resistance, gangs and poverty, and state and non-state officials as enactors of violence. It explores the effects of war and violence on the poor in Brazil and the United States, prisoners of war in Asia, and resistance fighters in Latin America and northern Africa. Students will watch films/short videos, read academic and newspaper articles, and listen to short podcasts to grapple with the issues underlying structures of violence.

MVS 2025 U.S. Foreign Relations and Military History: 3 semester hours

Same as HIST 2025. This course surveys the development of American land, sea, air, space, and cyber power from the start of the colonial era to the present, with an emphasis on the interrelationship between U.S. foreign and military policies and between diplomacy and force.

MVS 2100 Veterans in American Society: 3 semester hours

Same as SOC 2801. Prerequisite: ENGL 1100. This survey course will focus on the American veteran experience and explore basic concepts, ideas and research into veterans and veteran institutions. In a multidisciplinary manner, students will examine military culture, the unique status of veterans in our society, and veteran institutions. Students will also study the successes, challenges and obligations our society faces related to its veteran community.

MVS 2130 Gender and the Military: 3 semester hours

Same as SOC 2802 and GS 2130. This course investigates how the military treats gender difference, explores how military culture is defined, and how gender is a socially constructed concept. Topics may include military culture, gender construction, and how gender and sexuality issues affect military readiness and effectiveness.

MVS 3100 Current Issues in Military and Veterans Studies: 1-4 semester hours

Selected topics in military or veterans affairs with emphasis on current issues and trends. May be repeated as long as the topic is different for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

MVS 3300 Veteran Social Policy: 3 semester hours

Same as SOC 3802. This course provides an overview of American public policy towards military veterans. Students will research, design, and propose policy changes using various written products and presentations.

MVS 3500 Internship in Veterans Studies: 1-3 semester hours

Prerequisites: Junior Standing and consent of the department chair. Independent study involving regular on-site work with an appropriate public or private agency serving the veteran community. A written report reflecting on the experience is required. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

MVS 4100 Veterans Studies Capstone Seminar: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: MVS 2100 and senior standing. Mentored by a faculty member, students in this course will apply insights gained from previous coursework into a substantial Veterans Studies project. Students will work with the instructor and the class to develop a topic, establish a research or project plan, then prepare a project or paper suitable for presentation to the public. Students should expect that their work will be published or presented at an end-of-the-year symposium. This is not an independent study.

MVS 4200 Independent Study in Military and Veterans Issues: 1-3 semester hours

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Faculty mentored, independent study through readings, reports, or field research. No student may take more than a cumulative total of 6 hours of Independent Study.

MVS 4345 War Crimes, Genocide, and Justice in the 20th and 21st Centuries: 3 semester hours

Same as SOC 4345, POL SCI 4345, and CRIMIN 4345. Prerequisite: ENGL 3100. This course provides advanced undergraduate and Master’s level students a comprehensive overview of the subject of war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and legal responses to these crimes in the modern era. The goal of this course is to engage students in sustained, critical thought about these issues and to foster a deeper understanding of both the causes and consequences—legal, social and human—of these egregious crimes.

Stephen Castlen
Professor of Aerospace Studies and Lt Col, US Air Force

Sean Hill
Professor of Military Science and Lt Col, US Army

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ROTC

Background

Basic Course

Advanced Course

Monetary Allowances

Army ROTC College Scholarship Program

Textbooks and Uniforms

Leadership Laboratory

FAQs

What is Army ROTC?

Do ROTC courses count for credit?

How do I join ROTC if I am already in college?

Am I joining the Army by signing up for ROTC?

Can I just take the ROTC class for the leadership education or for my minor?

How about Scholarships? Do you have any available?

Background

General Military Course

Professional Officer Course

Leadership Laboratory

Monetary Allowances

Field Training

FAQ

How do I join AFROTC if I am already in college?

Do AFROTC courses count for credit?

What is the difference between AFROTC and enlisting in the Air Force?

Will the Air Force pay for my school?

Air Science Courses

Military Science Courses

Military and Veterans Studies Courses

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