Military Science
| Military Science | Minor |
The U.S. Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) was established at Idaho State University under provisions recommended to the State Board of Education and in accordance with national requirements. Participation by students in the program is voluntary. The objective of the Advanced Course is to provide students, who have the ability and desire, the opportunity to become commissioned officers in the United States Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard. Students interested in scholarship information may contact Officer-In-Charge CPT Michael Goering, Garrison Hall Rm B-1, (208) 282-3754.
Admission Requirements
Advanced Course cadets must:
- Have satisfied one of the following requirements: Successful completion of the Basic Course, the 28-day summer Basic Camp (BC), or Basic Training. In addition, all students must have completed a minimum of 54 credits toward their chosen career field.
- Be able to complete all requirements for commissioning before their 34th birthday (waivable to 39 years).
- Successfully complete the prescribed survey and general screening tests.
- Execute an individual contract with the government in which they agree to complete the Advanced Course at Idaho State University or any other institution at which they may thereafter be enrolled where such a program is offered.
- Devote a minimum of eight hours a week to the military training prescribed by the Secretary of the Army.
- Contract into the Army Reserve ROTC Control Group. This enlistment does not involve additional training or duty but is to ensure compliance with the terms of the contract signed by the student.
- Agree to accept a commission if tendered.
- Serve as a commissioned officer in the active Army, the Army Reserve, or the National Guard. Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) assignments are available for those who do not want to compete for the active duty assignments. The GRFD assignment allows officers to serve in the Reserves or National Guard with an Army Commission.
- Complete the requirements for Professional Military Education (PME). The PME system is designed to articulate skills and knowledge that are required of all U.S. Army Officers. The Professional Military Education component consists of two parts, a baccalaureate degree in an academic field and a military history course.
- Participate in the Military Fitness class every semester until commissioned.
Scope of Instruction
Instruction in ROTC is divided into the Basic Course and the Advanced Course. Each is described below.
General
The program of instruction leading to a commission as a second lieutenant consists of academic classes in military science, one or more several-week summer training events, and a bachelor’s degree in an academic major (including the Bachelor of Applied Science). Training in leadership is emphasized. Instruction is given in subjects common to all branches of the Army with emphasis placed on the following: organization of the Army and ROTC, individual weapons and marksmanship, military history, management, leadership, map reading, land navigation and orienteering, U.S. Army and national security, military teaching principles, tactics, communications, operations, logistics, administration, military law, and the role of the United States military in world affairs.
Basic Course
Normally taken the freshman and sophomore years, the Basic Course gives the student the opportunity to experience the Army without incurring any obligation.
Satisfactory completion of the Basic Course fulfills one of the requirements for continuation in the four-year program and acceptance into the Advanced Course. Those students desiring to take the Advanced Course but lacking the credit for the Basic Course may satisfy the requirements by attending a 28-day summer camp or by completing Military Basic Training. Veterans and Reserve/National Guard members may receive credit for the Basic Course.
Advanced Course
In addition to the requirements of the Basic Course, the Advanced Course requires two additional years of military science and a 35-day training course, which provides practical application of instruction previously given. Admission to the Advanced Course is by permission of the Chair of the Department of Military Science.
Scholarships
The Military Science department offers a multitude of scholarships, both Cadet Command Army-sponsored and Idaho State University-sponsored. Cadet Command offers a four-year scholarship to high school graduating seniors, which pays up to 100% of tuition and education fees OR room and board (chosen by the student). There is an additional book allowance. There are also limited numbers of 4, 3, and 2-year scholarships available once a student is on campus. In addition, Army scholarship winners also receive a tax-free subsistence allowance for 10 months per year, increasing yearly upon progression through Military Science. Each student selected for a scholarship must serve in the National Guard, Reserves, or Active Duty as a commissioned officer upon commissioning. For more information, please visit https://www.goarmy.com/rotc.html. Students who are in the Advanced Course (junior and senior status) and some qualifying sophomores will also receive an additional monthly subsistence.
Uniforms
Basic and Advanced Course students will be provided uniforms and equipment for ROTC classes. All such items of clothing and equipment are the property of the U.S. government and are provided solely for the purpose of furthering the military training of the student. Students are responsible for the safekeeping, care, and return of the property issued to them.
Basic Course Required Courses/Activities
(select a, b, or c):
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| a) The following courses: | ||
| MSL 1101 & 1101L | Leadership and Personal Development and Leadership and Personal Development Laboratory | 2 |
| MSL 1111 | Military Style Physical Fitness for Civilians | 1 |
| MSL 1102 & 1102L | Introduction to Tactical Leadership and Introduction to Tactical Leadership Laboratory | 2 |
| MSL 1112 | Army Physical Fitness for Civilians | 1 |
| MSL 2201 & 2201L | Innovative Team Leadership and Innovative Team Leadership Laboratory | 3 |
| MSL 2211 | Novice Army Physical Fitness | 1 |
| MSL 2202 & 2202L | Foundations of Tactical Leadership and Foundations of Tactical Leadership Laboratory | 3 |
| MSL 2212 | Beginning Army Physical Fitness | 1 |
| Optional: | ||
| Ranger Challenge | ||
| b) Attendance at ROTC Leaders Training Course 1 | 6 | |
| c) Prior military service | ||
- 1
Attendance at ROTC Leader Training Course (LTC) is one means of completing the Basic Course. Students may sign up for MSL 2290 to receive 6 elective credits for LTC.
ROTC Advanced Course Required Courses/Activities
(For contracted cadets ONLY):
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSL 3301 & 3301L | Adaptive Technical Leadership and Adaptive Team Leadership Laboratory | 4 |
| MSL 3311 | Intermediate Army Physical Fitness | 1 |
| MSL 3302 & 3302L | Leadership in Changing Environments and Leadership in Changing Environments Laboratory | 4 |
| MSL 3312 | Experienced Army Physical Fitness | 1 |
| MSL 3320 | Leadership in US Military History | 3 |
| MSL 4401 & 4401L | Developing Adaptive Leaders and Developing Adaptive Leaders Laboratory | 4 |
| MSL 4411 | Advanced Army Physical Fitness | 1 |
| MSL 4402 & 4402L | Leadership in a Complex World and Leadership in a Complex World Laboratory | 4 |
| MSL 4412 | Expert ROTC Physical Fitness | 1 |
| Optional: | ||
| Ranger Challenge | ||
| ROTC Nurse Seminar Training | ||
| Leader Development and Assessment Course LDAC 1 | ||
| Military Science Internship | ||
| Military Science and Leadership Practicum | ||
- 1
Attendance at Leader Development and Assessment Course (MSL 3390) is required of all contracted students normally between junior and senior year. Students may sign up for MSL 3390 to receive academic credit for Leader Development and Assessment Course.