Military Science
Department Chair: MAJ Steven Beard
Faculty: MSG David Wasierski, SFC Brian Wright, CPT Parren Flemming, CPT Riley Rice, CPT Steven Poepping
The Department of Military Science conducts the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program to prepare men and women to serve as Second Lieutenants in the United States Army, United States Army Reserve, and the National Guard. Upon completion of a bachelor or graduate degree and completion of the ROTC program students earn a commission as an Army Officer. Graduates serve in one of 18 basic career fields such as Infantry, Aviation, Military Intelligence, Signal and Nursing. Army ROTC accepts students from all majors at CBS and SJU.
The Army ROTC develops leadership skills. The core coursework includes 18 to 28 credits in topics such as the art and science of leadership, The Army values, problem-solving skills, responsibility, basic military skills, military history, physical training, and adventure training. Students register and earn academic credit for Army ROTC courses in the same manner as other elective courses.
Programs
Three scholarship opportunities are available in the Department of Military Science for students to earn a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.
Four-Year Scholarship Program-The four-year program is divided into two parts-the basic course and the advanced course. The basic course is typically completed in the first two years of college. The freshman and sophomore classes are open to all students. After completing the basic course, students that meet the physical and academic standards, and have demonstrated leadership potential, contract into the advanced course. The advanced course includes four concurrent semesters of coursework. Students attend a paid four-week leadership course at Fort Knox, KY during the summer after the junior year.
Three-Year Scholarship Program-The three-year program is designed for students who decide to start ROTC as a sophomore. Students complete the basic course in one year instead of two. This option requires permission from the Department Chair or Enrollment Eligibility Officer.
Two-Year Scholarship Program-The two-year program enable eligible students to contract in the advanced course at the time they are academic juniors or seniors with four semesters remaining before graduation. Eligible students are those with one or more of the following:
- Prior service in the military.
- Member of the National Guard or Reserve with basic training completed.
- Completion of three or more years of Junior ROTC in high school.
- Completion of the Army ROTC Basic Camp, summer before Junior year
Students who are members of the National Guard or Army Reserve can participate in the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP), which provides additional income and the opportunity to serve in a leadership position in the student's unit of choice.
Benefits
The Department of Military Science offers many benefits to students. In addition to the financial benefits listed below students will experience personal growth by gaining confidence, improving self-discipline, and building physical and mental toughness. The ROTC experience gives students a marketable asset: leadership.
Scholarships-Army ROTC processes scholarship applications throughout the year. Scholarships range from two to four years in duration. Scholarships cover full tuition and fees, $1200 per year for textbooks & supplies, and a monthly stipend. Two and three-year Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty scholarships are also available. These scholarships provide the same benefits but require the student to serve in the US Army Reserve or National Guard after graduation and commissioning.
Guaranteed Job after Graduation-Upon commissioning, students have a full-time job in the Active Army or part-time job in the National Guard or Army Reserve. The military obligation of service is eight years after commissioning (four years Active Army and four years in the reserve component, or up to eight years in the National Guard or Army Reserve). The actual obligation is determined at the time of contracting in the advanced course. Cadets are selected for specific career fields based on their preference, overall performance, and the needs of the Army.
Income-Students contracted in the advanced course and contracted scholarship students receive a stipend of $420 per month, for up to nine months of the year. Students with prior service, SMP cadets, and members of the National Guard or Army Reserve may be eligible for Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB) benefits, tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement, and an additional $350 per month.
Program content, benefits, requirements and personnel are subject to change by the U.S. Department of the Army.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
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