Department of Military Science and Leadership

Lieutenant Colonel William Barley, Chair

The Army ROTC program provides college men and women the best available training and experience in the art of leadership. This program includes instruction to develop self-discipline, physical stamina, and poise, as well as the organizational and motivational skills that contribute to success in any career.

The BASIC COURSE consists of the freshman and sophomore years of military instruction (MSL 1001 , MSL 1002 , MSL 2001 , and MSL 2002 ) and is strictly voluntary. These courses are short (1 or 2 hour) courses providing an overview of the military with opportunities for outdoor training and adventure. Individuals taking these ROTC courses incur no military service obligations. Almost every student eligible to attend Appalachian State University is also eligible to take these courses.

The LEADER TRAINING COURSE (MSL 2003 ), a five week outdoor, challenging summer camp, may be substituted for the BASIC COURSE. This summer camp is normally taken between the sophomore and junior years. Graduates may be eligible to receive a scholarship covering tuition, fees, and a monthly stipend for their remaining two years of college.

Partial or complete BASIC COURSE credit is available for prior military service or previous ROTC training. Contact the Department of Military Science and Leadership for details.

The ADVANCED COURSE consists of junior and senior years of military instruction (MSL 3001 , MSL 3002 , MSL 3003 , MSL 4001 , MSL 4002 ) and successful completion of the ROTC National Advanced Leadership Camp (MSL 3003 ), normally taken between the junior and senior years. This course of instruction is offered to those cadets meeting the necessary qualifications. Upon successful completion of the advanced course, the cadet may be offered a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Army Reserves, or Army National Guard.

Scholarships

Two-year, three-year, and limited four-year scholarships are offered by the Department of the Army. These scholarships pay the full cost of tuition, a flat rate fee for textbooks, lab fees and other educational expenses for the duration of the award. They also provide a subsistence allowance of $300 to $500 a month up to 10 months of each academic year for which the award is in effect. Participation in the Army ROTC Scholarship Program does not preclude the holding of other scholarships. More information can be obtained from the recruiting officer or from the Chair of the Department of Military Science and Leadership.

Simultaneous Membership Program

Under this program, a student participates in either the National Guard or the Reserve and ROTC. Participation can lead to financial benefits of $4,500 per year in federal tuition assistance, drill pay, the GI Bill, and the ROTC subsistence allowance. Total benefits can amount to more than $70,000. In addition to this, a student who elects to serve in the National Guard or Reserve after earning a commission can qualify for two or three-year Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty Scholarships which can be used to pay room and board costs. This scholarship can be worth approximately $5,000 per semester. More information can be obtained from the recruiting officer or from the Chair of the Department of Military Science and Leadership.

Basic Course Qualification Requirements

A candidate for freshman and sophomore level ROTC training must:

Be of good moral character
Be a citizen of the United States
Be able to graduate before 30 years of age
Be physically able to participate in the program of instruction
Meet other entrance requirements as determined by the departmental chair, University policy, and current Army regulations

A student who does not meet all of the above requirements should consult with the Department of Military Science and Leadership to determine if waivers can be granted.

Basic Course Texts and Uniforms

Texts are either available through the University book rental system or they are furnished by the Department of Military Science and Leadership. Uniforms are furnished by the government. Students will be required to reimburse the government for loss of (or negligent damage to) uniform items or other equipment.

Advanced Course Qualification Requirements

A candidate for junior and senior level ROTC training must:

Meet all requirements for the basic course
Have a minimum of two years remaining at the University
Meet medical requirements for advanced course
Possess qualifications for becoming an effective Army officer
Have satisfactorily completed the basic course, received a waiver, have satisfactorily completed the Leaders Training Course, or have served as an enlisted person in the active or reserve armed forces with an honorable discharge and have completed basic training
Have satisfactorily completed loyalty requirements
Accept a commission if offered in either the active Army, Army Reserves, or National Guard
Meet other requirements as determined by the departmental chair, current Army regulations, and University policies

A student who does not meet all of the above requirements should consult with the Department of Military Science and Leadership to determine whether waivers can be granted.

Advanced Course Text and Allowances

Texts are either available through the University book rental system or they are furnished by the Department of Military Science and Leadership. Each cadet enrolled in the advanced course receives subsistence pay at the rate of between $450 and $500 per month for up to 20 months. They are paid a travel allowance to and from advanced camp. While at camp, cadets are paid approximately $950. The total pay and allowances received while in the advanced course are approximately $19,450 (at a minimum).

Programs

Minor

Military Science & Leadership Minor

Courses

Military Science and Leadership