Curriculum
Army ROTC is a four year program divided into two parts; the Basic Course (which includes MSL 101, 102, 201, and 202) and the Advanced Course (which includes MSL 301, 302, 401, 402, and Advanced Camp). Cadets also must complete HIS 380 (Military History) as part of their commissioning requirements.
THE BASIC COURSE
The Basic Course takes place during your first two years in college as elective courses. It involves one elective class and lab each semester along with the requisite physical training and field training exercises. Each class is worth two credits and the lab is worth one. You will learn basic military skills, the fundamentals of leadership and start the groundwork toward becoming an Army leader. You can take Army ROTC Basic Courses without a military commitment.
Freshman Year
Freshman Year (MSL 101/101D and MSL 102/102D): Preparing for success as an Army Officer
Topics Include:
- Introduction to Army Leadership
- Army Customs and Traditions
- Military Operations and Tactics
- Goal Setting and Accomplishment
- Health and Physical Fitness
Sophomore Year
Sophomore Year (MSL 201/201D and MSL 202/202D): The Role of an Army Officer
Topics Include:
- Applied Leadership Theory
- Communication
- Principles of War
- Military Operations and Tactics
THE ADVANCED COURSE
The Advanced Course takes place during your last two years in college as elective courses. It includes one elective class and lab each semester in addition to the requisite physical training and field training exercises, plus a summer leadership leadership assessment course (Advanced Camp). Each class is worth three credits and the lab is worth one. You will learn advanced military tactics and gain experience in team organization, planning and decision-making. To benefit from the leadership training in the Advanced Course, all Cadets must have already completed either the Basic Course, have prior military service, or have attended the Army ROTC Basic Camp. Entering the Advanced Course requires that a Cadet sign a contract and commit to serve as an Officer in the U.S. Army after you graduate.
The course comprehensively covers essential subjects crucial for military command and operational effectiveness. It delves into command and staff functions, providing a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of leaders in decision-making and organizational management. Participants also examine the intricacies of the law of war, gaining insights into the ethical and legal frameworks that govern armed conflict. Weaponry is explored in detail, from understanding their mechanics to their strategic deployment in combat scenarios. Team dynamics and peer leadership are emphasized, recognizing the importance of collaboration and mutual support within military units. Furthermore, military operations and tactics are studied extensively, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to plan and execute missions successfully in diverse operational environments.
Junior Year
Junior Year (MSL301/301D and 302/302D):Leading Small Tactical Units
Topics Include:
- Command and Staff Functions
- The Law of War
- Weapons
- Team Dynamics and Peer Leadership
- Military Operations and Tactics
Senior Year
Senior Year (MSL 401/401D and MSL 402/402D): Transition to Becoming an Army Officer
Topics Include:
- Training the Force
- Military Justice
- Ethical Decision Making
- Personnel Management
- Cultural Awareness
- Post and Installation Support
- Military Operations and Tactics
CADET SUMMER TRAINING - ADVANCED CAMP
Advanced Camp Information
Every Army ROTC Cadet who enters into the Advanced Course attends the Army ROTC Advanced Camp. Advanced Camp is a 35 day summer course to evaluate and train all Army ROTC Cadets. This course normally takes place between your junior and senior years of college, and is conducted at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
Advanced Camp serves as the culminating training event for the ROTC program and tests Cadets on everything they have learned throughout their time in Army ROTC. Cadets are put through a series of evaluations which include Squad and Platoon Tactics, Physical Fitness, and Day and Night Land Navigation.
CADET SUMMER TRAINING - BASIC CAMP
Basic Camp Information
The Army ROTC Basic Camp is an intense four-week course held at Fort Knox, Kentucky which introduces college students to Army life and leadership concepts and qualifies them to enter the ROTC Advanced Course (MSL 301).
Cadets typically attend Basic Camp during the summer between their sophomore and junior years. It is designed to give every Cadet an Army Initial Entry experience. Cadets who are Green to Gold, enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve or National Guard, or prior service are not required to attend the Basic Camp.