Bearkat Battalion Curriculum

The complete instructional program for Army ROTC consists of three parts: the academic major in a recognized degree field, university courses of particular interest and value to the military, and courses in military science. Only full-time students may enroll. It is a goal of Army ROTC to provide the nation with officers who have succeeded in the college world, since such people also offer the greatest potential for success as Army leaders and managers. The ROTC program is designed to complement the student's civilian goal of acquiring a baccalaureate or graduate degree in a course of study of his or her choosing. The curriculum does not provide technical training in a job specialty, nor does it emphasize vocational training; rather, it provides a broad military education emphasizing basic military skills and leadership development.

The military science curriculum consists of a four-year program and a two-year program.

The Four-Year Program

Army ROTC at the university is primarily a four-year program, divided into two phases - a freshman/sophomore phase (basic course), and a junior/senior phase (advanced course).

Freshman/Sophomore Phase

The Army ROTC basic course is available for all qualified students during their freshman and sophomore years. Membership in Army ROTC is voluntary throughout this period with right of withdrawal available at any time (except sophomore scholarship students). One course taught by the Military Science Department and a Leadership Laboratory comprise the curriculum each semester, requiring about four hours per week. The basic ROTC courses are shown below in sequence. Students may enter the program at the beginning of any semester during freshman and sophomore years.

Freshman Year

Military Science I - Topics covered in the freshman year include: basic organization skills, organization and structure of the Army, the Principles of Leadership, the wear of the Uniform, and war technology. There are also field training exercises once a semester and leadership labs twice a month where students practice the skills they learn in the classroom.

Sophomore Year

Military Science II - Topics covered in the sophomore year include: Squad leadership, Map reading, land navigation, rappelling, attack and defensive movements, troop movement techniques, and individual movement techniques. Like the freshman cadets, there are also field training exercises once a semester and leadership labs once a month. Sophomore cadets will be responsible for conducting the leadership labs for other freshman and sophomore cadets. In addition, Sophmore cadets are placed in leadership roles within the Bearkat Battalion chain of command where they familiarize themselves with Non Commissioned Officer and Officer skills and responsibilities.

Successful completion of these courses and attainment of Army physical standards entitle students to enter the junior/senior phase.

Junior/Senior Phase

The junior/senior phase of ROTC covers the student's final two years at the university and is offered only to students contracted to the Army. It includes a five-week Advanced Camp that is held during the summer between the junior and senior years. While attending Advanced Camp, students are paid approximately $900 and travel expenses to and from camp. Uniforms, quarters, medical care, and meals are furnished by the United States Army during the camp period. While enrolled in the junior/senior phase, the student will receive a $350 (junior) or $400 (senior) per month allowance for up to the number of the months the school is in session.

Junior Year

Military Science III - Tactics and Advanced Military Skills - In the junior year cadets expand even further upon the topics covered in the freshman and sophomore years. In addition, cadets are rotated through leadership positions weekly where they are evaluated and counseled on how to become better officers.

Senior Year

Military Science IV - Professional Responsibility, Duties, and Ethics - In the senior year cadets investigate and develop deep senses of responsibility, ethics, and duty. Additionally, the senior cadets make up the top of the cadet chain of command which decides many of the activities the battalion will participate in, and how those activities will be completed. Upon completion of the senior year, cadets will receive their commission in the United States Army.

Two-Year Program

The two-year program consists of the junior/senior phase offered in conjunction with Basic Camp.

The Basic Camp consists of five weeks of training conducted during the summer at Fort Knox, Ky. It is designed for transfer students, graduate students, or other non-ROTC students with at least two years of full-time education remaining prior to graduation. While attending Basic Camp, students are paid approximately $750. Travel expenses to and from camp, uniforms, quarters, rations and medical care are furnished by the United States Army during the camp period. The Basic Camp is normally scheduled after a student's sophomore year or during the summer preceding the student's four remaining semesters at the university. There is no commitment by attending Basic Camp. Traditionally, scholarships are offered at Basic Camp.

Prior to commissioning as an officer in the Armed Forces, three professional military education courses are required in the following areas: written communication skills, human behavior, and military history. Courses already in the college's curriculum have been identified to meet these requirements.

Other recommended professional military education courses are in the areas of management and national security studies.

Active Duty and Reserve Obligations

Recipients of Army ROTC scholarships agree to serve on active duty as commissioned officers for three to four years followed by the remainder of the eight year commitment in reserve forces duty or eight years of reserve forces duty which includes a three to six month period of active duty for initial training in your branch specialty.

Students commissioned through the ROTC program may request the type of service which best suits their career goals. Active duty students will enter the service within a year after graduation or may request an educational delay for graduate or professional schooling. Reserve Forces students begin serving in their unit immediately upon commissioning even if they have not yet completed their undergraduate degree.