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Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (AROTC)
The course of study offered in military science is designed not only to prepare the student for service as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army but also to provide knowledge and practical experience in leadership and management that will be useful in any facet of society.
The Army Department of Military Science is a Senior Division Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Instructor Group, staffed by Army personnel.
The Army Department of Military Science is a Senior Division Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Instructor Group, staffed by Army personnel. The department provides a curriculum available to Savannah State University and Georgia Southern University Armstrong Campus students that qualifies the college graduate for a commission as an officer in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. Qualifying for a commission adds an extra dimension to the student’s employment capability in that, upon graduation from the university, the student has either military or civilian employment options. Enrollment in military science classes is open to all students.
The course of study offered in military science is designed not only to prepare the student for service as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army but also to provide knowledge and practical experience in leadership and management that will be useful in any facet of society. Male and female students are eligible for enrollment. Each student is provided with a working knowledge of the organization and functioning of the Department of Defense and the role of the U.S. Army in national security and world affairs.
The course of study pursued by students during their freshman and sophomore years is the basic military science course and/or related skill activities. The course of study normally pursued by students during their junior and senior years is the advanced military science course.
For selection and retention in the advanced course, a student must be physically qualified, should have maintained above average military and academic standing and must demonstrate a potential for further leadership development.
Graduates of the Cadet Leadership Course (CLC) are commissioned as second lieutenants in the branch of service most appropriate to their interests and academic achievements, consistent with the needs of the Army. Regardless of the branch selected, all officers will receive valuable experience in management, logistics and administration. Graduates may be granted a delay in reporting for duty for graduate study, if requested.
ROTC Courses and Requirements
The basic course of four semester duration consists of two hours of instruction work per week. Students acquire knowledge of military leadership, weapons, tactics, basic military skills, and physical fitness. In field training exercises, potential for leadership is progressively developed. Basic course students are required to attend two hours of military science leadership laboratories per week and physical training sessions three days a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). The advanced course consists of three hours of classroom work and two hours of leadership laboratory per week. During the spring semester prior to the Cadet Summer Training (CST), the student will enroll in MILS 3302 to prepare for attendance at CST. The coursework during the advanced course emphasizes techniques, management, leadership, and the fundamentals and dynamics of the military team. Field training exercises (FTX) provide the student with applied leadership experiences. Participation in leadership laboratories and physical training sessions are mandatory.
Military Education Requirements
The U.S. Army’s professional military education requirements are established to provide cadets with the training and enrichment necessary to successfully compete in the Army. In addition to completing a baccalaureate degree, the cadet must complete one undergraduate course from each of the designated fields of study (some of these requirements may be waived for nursing majors). The PME-designated fields of study are listed below and the courses that meet the Cadet Command PME requirement:
- HIST 2111- Survey of US History Post Civil War or
- HIST 2112- US History
Freshman (MS I)
This year serves as the Cadet’s introduction to the Army. These courses are open to all students at SSU and there is no military obligation required for enrollment. Subjects covered:
- Role and Organization of the Army
- Customs and Traditions of the Army
- Military Leadership, Ethics, and Values
- First Aid
- Basic Map Reading Skills
- Basic Small Unit Tactics
- Marksmanship
Basic Courses, Freshman Year (MS I)
MILS 1101- Introduction of Military Science & Skill Development
MILS 1101L – Basic Military Leadership Lab
MILS 1102 – Basic Military Leadership
MILS 1102L- Basic Military Leadership Lab
Sophomore (MS II)
The second year is an expansion of the topics taught in the first year of the program, with a new focus on hands-on leadership opportunities. As with the freshmen year, these courses are open to all SSU students without obligation. Subjects covered:
- Written and Oral Communication
- Advanced Map Reading Skills
- Small Unit Tactics
- Battle Drills
- Practical Leadership Training
- Marksmanship
Basic Courses, Sophomore Year (MS II)
MILS 2201- Basic Military Skills
MILS 2201L – Basic Leadership Lab
MILS 2202 – Basic Military Tactics
MILS 2202L -Basic Leadership Lab
Basic Camp
Cadets attend Basic Camp if they have two years remaining in school before graduation, and did not take the first two years of ROTC, prior military service is also credited for the first two years of ROTC. Those who choose this option attend a paid four week summer course conducted at Fort Knox, KY. Cadets learn the same skills and fundamentals of military science and leadership they would have received in the first two years of ROTC in a more rapid, intense sequence. Cadets who complete Basic Camp may be awarded 2-year scholarships, if eligible.
Junior (MS III)
The third year marks the beginning of the Advanced Course. While any SSU student may take the first two years with no military obligation, third and fourth year cadets must sign a contract to serve as an officer following graduation. Cadets who enroll must have academic Junior, Senior, or graduate status with four semesters remaining. The subjects covered:
- Advanced Small Unit Tactics
- Advanced Land Navigation
- Advanced Practical Leadership Training
- Develop Students’ Ability to Organize, Prepare, and Conduct Training
- Marksmanship
Advanced Courses, Junior Year (MS III)
MILS 3301 – Advanced Tactics & Applied Leadership
MILS 3301L – Basic Leadership Lab
MILS 3302 – Advance Tactics & Applied Leadership II
MILS 3302L – Basic Leadership Lab
Advanced Camp
Advanced Camp is a paid five week leadership course at Fort Knox, KY held during the summer. All cadets attend this training between their Junior and Senior years. At Advanced Camp, cadets are evaluated on their performance and leadership abilities in a variety of tasks and positions. Cadets also participate in team obstacle courses, rappelling , water safety, weapons firing, and patrolling. Cadets must attend this course to earn an Army commission.
Seniors (MS IV)
The final year of the ROTC Program is to prepare Cadets to become successful Lieutenants in The Army upon graduation. Senior Cadets apply for their branch choice of interest in the fall and receive branching results the following semester. Cadets are assigned battalion staff positions and are responsible for evaluating and counseling underclass cadets. Subjects covered:
- Function and Relationship between Staff
- Written and Oral Communication
- Role and Responsibilities of Armed Forces in American Society
- Military Justice System/International Military Law
- Preparation from Student to Officer
Advanced Courses, Senior Year (MS IV)
MILS 4401- Military Leadership & Management Seminar
MILS 4401L – Basic Leadership Lab
MILS 4402 – Transition to Lieutenant
MILS 4402L – Basic Leadership Lab
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to go to "Boot Camp" or is ROTC like "Boot Camp"?
No. Officers in the United States Army are not required to go to basic training, nor is the ROTC program designed to be like boot camp. Basic military and soldier skills are taught in classroom and situational settings while Cadets are attending college.
Is ROTC just like JROTC?
No. ROTC in college operates at the college level and involves more leadership fundamentals and development. Additionally, ROTC college Cadets must be capable of demonstrating basic soldier skills.
What is the difference between an Army Officer and Army Enlisted?
Officers in the Army are managers, so to speak. Whereas enlisted personnel are experts in any given field, Officers are experts in soldier management. Ultimately, Officers are bound with the responsibility to care for, train, counsel, and develop soldiers.
Will I deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan while in ROTC?
No. Cadets are a non-deployable asset.
If I take ROTC classes do I have to join the Army?
No. Students may take any of the Military Science courses offered by ROTC without incurring military obligation. However, that option is available to students that qualify for the scholarship or students that wish to receive a commission in the Army.
Why Should I join the Army through the ROTC program?
The Army is composed of seventeen different branches offering a wide opportunity for a career possibilities. In addition, the leadership training an Army Officer receives is quite possibly the best in the Nation, which makes an Army Officer very appealing to a corporate world. In addition, while serving in the United States Army as an Officer, all Military benefits and pay apply. Finally, it shows great respect and courage for those who decide to serve their country; the Army ROTC program is a way in which those qualified can do just that.
The Simultaneous Member Program (SMP)
The Simultaneous Member Program (SMP) allows for CONTRACTED Cadets to drill with a National Guard or Army Reserves Unit while maintaining a NON-DEPLOYABLE Status. However if the ROTC Dept has an FTX scheduled for the same weekend you will be excused from drill to attend that FTX.
ALL SMP Cadets that are not prior service will be paid as an E-5 (SGT).
Any service member that has the rank of E-5 or Above will maintain their regular drill pay.
As a service member in the National Guard or Army Reserves you are eligible to receive Tuition Assistance (TA), which will pay your school tuition up to $4,500 per year, Montgomery GI Bill $3948 per year*, and Montgomery GI Bill Kicker**. Also the New Post 9/11 GI Bill now includes a BAH at the Rank of E-5(w/dependants) only for active duty service performed after September 10, 2001, may be considered for determining eligibility for this new benefit. To be eligible, a service member or veteran must have served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty. However, individuals honorably discharged for a service-connected disability who served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001, may also establish eligibility.
All CONTRACTED Cadets are paid a monthly stipend, which is paid on the 1st & the 15th.
- $425-Freshmen
- $425-Sophomore
- $425-Junior
- $425-Seniors
In addition your time in service as an SMP Cadets goes towards your pay, however it does not count towards your 8 year obligation to the Army that starts the day after you commission.