Army ROTC
Military Science
Adjunct Faculty of Military Science: Bak, G.E.; Hillison,
J.R. (Lt. Col., U.S. Army); Lindley, T.C.; Porch, M.W.
Military Science
The purpose of Military Science and Army ROTC is to commission the future
officer leadership of the U.S. Army and motivate young people to be better
citizens. Those who successfully complete the Reserve Officers’ Training
program normally earn commissions as lieutenants in the United States Army and
go on to serve in either the Army Reserve, Army National Guard, or Active
Army.
Army ROTC
ROTC
may be completed in several different ways as outlined below.
- Four-Year Option. Military Science is traditionally
offered as a four-year option. It is best to start as a freshman, but special
arrangements can be made for those who start as sophomores. The first two years
of Military Science are voluntary (without service obligation) and designed to
give students a perspective on their leadership ability and what the Army can
offer them. Students who decide to continue in ROTC and pursue a commission
sign an agreement with the Department of the Army to accept a commission upon
completion of the last two years of Military Science. In return, the Army
agrees to provide a subsistence allowance (up to $4,000) and to provide all
necessary uniforms and Military Science books.
- Two-Year Option. The two-year option is designed to
provide greater flexibility in meeting the needs of students desiring
commissions in the U.S. Army. SIUE students who do not participate in the
four-year option or are community college transfer students are eligible for
enrollment. Basic prerequisites for entering the two-year option are:
- Students must be in good academic standing (minimum
2.0 GPA) and pass an Army medical examination.
- Students must have two academic years of study
remaining (undergraduate or graduate). If students are undergraduates, they
must have junior status or at least 54 credit hours.
Students attend a six-week summer camp to obtain the knowledge
acquired by students in the four-year option. Attendance at the basic camp does
not obligate students in any way and is intended only to provide students
experience with Army life and its opportunities. Students earn up to 10 credit
hours and are paid approximately $700 for attending basic camp. *Many earn full
Federal Scholarships after completion of camp.
Simultaneous
Membership
Students who qualify for simultaneous membership
(members of the Army Reserve or National Guard) can complete the military
science program in two years and earn more than $8,900 at the same time. Upon
graduation, a student may request to stay in the reserve or select active
duty.
Veterans
Veterans of any of the armed forces who are academically aligned may
qualify for advanced placement and should contact the Military Science office
for details.
ROTC Scholarships
The Army
Reserve Officers' Training Corps has several scholarship options that pay for
tuition, fees, and books, and provides $200/ monthly for the academic year.
These scholarships cover periods of four years, three years, and in some
circumstances, two years. High School Juniors and Seniors should apply for the
4-year scholarships no later than November of their Senior year. Applications
are available at www.armyrotc.com. SIUE freshmen should apply in January for
the three-year scholarships. Special consideration for scholarships is given to
students in Engineering, Nursing, Business, or any of the physical sciences.
Scholarship students normally incur a four-year active duty obligation. They
may request reserve duty to serve with the National Guard or Army Reserve, or
may initially compete for scholarships that guarantee Reserve or Guard duty.
In addition, 40 Illinois State Army ROTC scholarships are
available. These scholarships pay for tuition on a charter basis and are
renewable. Please contact the Military Science office for details.
Qualifications
All students who desire to enter the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps
must be United States citizens, be in good physical condition, and have high
moral character. Students must be at least 17 years old to enroll and not over
32 when they receive their commission. Additional qualifications to be admitted
into the advanced course include an academic average of C or better and passage
of an Army medical examination.
Academic
Preparation
The SIUE Army Reserve Officers' Training
Corps academic preparation consists of two parts: (1) earning a degree in the
student's chosen academic subject, and (2) completion of 22 semester hours
(four-year option) or 12 semester hours (two-year option) of the Military
Science curriculum. The courses in Military Science are University-level
academic courses. The curriculum consists of classroom instruction and a
leadership laboratory in which students receive leadership experience.
Additionally, each contracted cadet is required to enroll in a few select
professional military education courses.
Leadership
Laboratory
Leadership Laboratory is required of all students
enrolled in Military Science classes. Classes are held two hours each week
unless otherwise designated. In addition, students attend one mandatory
off-campus field training exercise each semester, usually on a weekend.
Leadership Laboratory develops individual military skills and leadership
ability through participation in small unit tactics, survival training,
rappelling, responsibilities within the Cadet Corps organization.
Extracurricular
Activities Sponsored by Army ROTC
Army ROTC students are
encouraged to participate in a wide variety of extracurricular activities.
These activities include the Ranger Challenge Team, Tactics Club (war-gaming),
Color Guard, Cadet Club and intramural sports. Students not enrolled in ROTC
may participate in these activities with the permission of the Professor of
Military Science.
Graduate
Study
The Army recognizes the importance of a graduate
degree for its personnel. Several programs are available to help ROTC graduates
obtain an advanced degree. The Army sends selected second lieutenants
immediately to graduate school (with full pay and allowances) to pursue
advanced degrees in select disciplines. Other officers may request postponement
of active duty for two years to continue graduate study. Students who are
accepted into medical school may take up to four years to complete their
studies. Numerous opportunities exist for an officer to complete a Master's
degree in service and receive financial assistance from the Army. Educational
assistance opportunities in the Guard and Reserve vary by state. |