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The military science program is part of the Health, Physical Education, and Leadership Department. A regular instructional division of the University, the military science program offers four years of upper and lower division military science courses to all students who meet course prerequisites. They are fully accredited and applicable as electives for fulfilling baccalaureate degree requirements. A minor in military science is also available. The department is run by the Guard Officer Leadership Detachment (GOLD) and delivers U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training (ROTC) curriculum. Successful completion of the entire course of instruction leads the cadet to become eligible to receive a federally recognized commission as a second lieutenant as a reserve officer in the United States Army.

Basic Course

Introduction Phase

The Basic Course is composed of 100- and 200-level lower division courses. It is usually taken during the freshman and sophomore years and is open to any student enrolled at SOU. Participation in this course is voluntary and requires no military commitment. Instruction is oriented toward outdoor training and classroom activities that give students insight into military service, basic soldier skills, and leadership.

Advanced Course

Precommissioning Phase

The Advanced Course is a two-year precommissioning phase integrating classroom instruction, military training, and practical experience to progressively develop leadership skills, qualities, and character. Following their sophomore year, students are encouraged to contract as cadets and begin their training as future Army leaders. In the summer between the sophomore and junior years, cadets will attend a thirty-two day leadership training camp in Fort Lewis, Washington. During the junior and senior years, formal leadership training continues in the form of lecture and leadership lab (MS 300 and 400) and Army Physical Fitness (PE 180).

Eligibility

To be accepted into the Advanced Course, candidates must: (1) be between eighteen and thirty years old; (2) be a U.S. citizen; (3) be a member of the Army National Guard; (4) be in good health as shown by a current Quad physical; (5) have an Army GT score of 110+ and an Officer Selection Battery score of 90+; and (6) be of good moral character and behavior. Although participation in the Basic Course is not a prerequisite for the Advanced Course, it is encouraged.

Educational Benefits

Several educational benefits are available to students once they enter the Corps of Cadets. Some of the available benefits include guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty scholarships, GI Bill, Federal Tuition Assistance, and a textbook stipend.

Commissioning

In addition to the program requirements, students must meet all guidelines for a baccalaureate degree if they are seeking a commission. These requirements are outlined in the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements section and include the completion of University Studies and academic major requirements. When the Advanced Course is successfully completed and students receive their baccalaureate degree, they are eligible to receive a commission as a reserve officer of the United States Army.

Program Requirements

Programs

Minor

• •  Military Sciences Minor