Department of Military Science
Lieutenant Colonel Jason Roberts, Chairperson
jroberts32@missouriwestern.edu
(816) 271-4541/4542
missouriwestern.edu/ROTC
Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is the largest officer-producing organization with the American military. Missouri Western State University's Department of Military Science administers the program, also known as the "Pony Express Battalion." Traditional four-year baccalaureate-degree and graduate student aspirants may qualify for a commission as an officer by completing military science courses. These courses may count as elective courses or as a supplement. Various leader developmental exercises are conducted to further enrich the student’s appreciation of national defense in its broadest sense and to develop leadership and managerial skills. Students should anticipate conducting five weeks of paid military-related leadership training at Fort Knox, KY (Basic Camp and Advanced Camp).
The United States Army commissions officers as 2nd Lieutenants who complete either the two-year or four-year ROTC program and earn a baccalaureate or graduate degree from MWSU. Currently, a college graduate who is commissioned through ROTC is placed on active duty (full-time) or reserve duty with the US Army Reserves or National Guard (part-time), depending on his or her desires and on the needs of the service at the time of graduation.
The Military Science Department offers both “non-commissioning” and “commissioning” programs.
ROTC Non-Commissioning Program (Basic Program)
This program consists of select 100- and 200-level courses, and is open to all students. Students are not required to contract with the US Army to take these courses. Students may take these Military Science courses as electives or, if pursuing the Commissioning Program, apply them towards the Four-Year ROTC Program. This program is geared toward those students who choose to learn leadership skills as seen through the lens of US Army Officers and small unit leadership, or who desire to know more about the US Army in general.
ROTC Commissioning Programs (Advanced Program)
Four-Year ROTC Program
This leadership program consists of 34 credit hours of military science offerings: 14 credit hours from the basic ROTC program MIL 100 and 200 level courses, and 20 credit hours from the advanced ROTC program MIL 300 and 400 level courses. First semester sophomores who did not take military science during the freshman year may compress the basic program during their sophomore year by taking a 100 level and a 200 level course (for 3-credit hours total) each semester. Students in the four-year program will attend MIL 250 Cadet Initial Entry Training (CIET)(Advanced Camp) upon approval from the Department.
Two-Year ROTC Program
This program option is designed for junior and sophomore level students who were unable to enroll in ROTC during their first two academic years. The two-year program substitutes a five-week Army leadership intern program at Fort Knox, Kentucky, for the MIL 100 and 200 level courses. This leadership orientation is designed for sophomores with no prior military training. Students should attend the Basic Camp between their sophomore and junior years (or receive credit after approval from the Professor of Military Science). Must receive Department approval to enter Two-Year Program.
Army Commission
In addition to military science courses, students desiring to obtain an Army commission must take at least one course in military history. Additionally, students must demonstrate a basic swimming ability.
All students seeking a commission must attend one five-week advanced training and assessment experiences in the summer between junior and senior years (Advanced Camp). Attendance may be deferred until after the senior year at the discretion of the Professor of Military Science. The Basic Camp and Advanced Camp are at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Additionally, students may compete throughout their time as a contracted cadet for selection to attend additional training at the Army Airborne School, Air Assault School, Northern Warfare School, Mountain Warfare School, or Combat Diver Qualification course. Cadets will have the opportunity to compete for internships with both army and foreign military units either in the continental United States or overseas.
Advanced Placement
Prior active duty service members, Army Reservists and National Guardsmen who have completed basic training are eligible for placement directly into the advanced ROTC program (last two years of military science) with the consent of the Professor of Military Science. Eligible students request permission from the Professor of Military Science to enter the advanced course.
Financial Assistance
U.S. Army ROTC Scholarship
Two-, three-, and four-year scholarships are available each year to selected students who are enrolled or will enroll in the Army ROTC program. The scholarships provide payment of all tuition, fees, a monthly tax-free payment of $420 for the duration of the scholarship, not to exceed ten months for each year of the scholarship, and a flat-rate book allowance of $600 each semester.
Monetary Allowances
Contracted students enrolled in the last two years of military science receive $420 per month during the school year, not to exceed ten months per year, and a flat rate book allowance of $600 each semester.
Fee Waiver
A limited number of tuition/fee waiver scholarships are awarded each semester to freshman and sophomore students who demonstrate the leadership ability to progress toward the advanced ROTC program. Interested students should see the Department Enrollment Officer for information.
MIL 102 Leadership Practicum Credits: 2
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: Examines leadership in basic tactical and patrolling operations. Includes a tactical application exercise and participation in physical fitness conditioning as a course requirement. Students practice leadership according to 16 principles and learn basic individual soldier skills. It is recommended that students take concurrently with MIL 116.
MIL 106 Army Physical Fitness Training Credits: 1
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: This physical fitness training course is designed to develop individual potential and aid in achieving physical and mental health. This course is designed for students pursuing to be Cadets but open to all eligible students. Students must receive approval from a health care provider or the MWSU Student Health Center to take this class. This approval must be available the first week of class.
MIL 112 Leadership Practicum Credits: 2
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: Continuation of MIL 102. Examines advanced squad and platoon tactical operations with emphasis on patrolling operations. Topics include: leadership techniques, basic first aid, and problem-solving exercises. A tactical field application exercise and physical fitness conditioning program are included as course requirements. Students perform duties as leaders of small units. It is recommended that students take concurrently with MIL 126.
MIL 116 Introduction to the Army and Critical Thinking Credits: 1
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: Introduces Cadets to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership. Cadets learn how the personal development of life skills such as critical thinking, time management, goal setting, stress management, and comprehensive fitness relate to leadership, and the Army profession. The focus is on developing basic knowledge and comprehension of Army leadership dimensions while gaining a big picture of understanding the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program, its purpose in the Army, and its advantages for the student. It is recommended that students take concurrently with MIL 102.
MIL 126 Adaptive Leadership and Professional Competence Credits: 1
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: Cadets learn the basics of the communications process and the importance for leaders to develop the essential skills to effectively communicate in the Army. Students will examine the Army Profession and what it means to be a professional in the U.S. Army. The overall focus is on developing basic knowledge and comprehension of Army leadership while gaining a big picture of understanding the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program, its purpose in the Army, and its advantages for the student. It is recommended that students take concurrently with MIL 112. Prerequisite(s): MIL 116 or departmental approval.
MIL 202 Leadership Practicum Credits: 2
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: Course examines squad and platoon offensive and defensive operations and leadership procedures in patrolling operations. Includes a tactical application exercise and participation in physical fitness conditioning as a course requirement. Students will perform various leadership roles and present classroom instruction. To be taken concurrently with MIL 216.
MIL 212 Leadership Practicum Credits: 2
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: Continuation of MIL 202 to examine advanced squad and platoon offensive and defensive operations, reaction to obstacles, and leadership procedures in patrolling operations. Includes a tactical application exercise and participation in physical fitness conditioning as a course requirement. Students will perform in various leadership roles and present classroom instruction. To be taken concurrently with MIL 226.
MIL 216 Leadership and Decision Making Credits: 2
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: This is an academically challenging course in which the student will study, practice, and apply the fundamentals of Army Leadership, Officership, Army Values and Ethics, Personal Development , and small unit tactics at the platoon level. The outcomes are demonstrated through Critical and Creative Thinking and the ability to apply Troop Leading Procedures (TLP). The Army Profession is also stressed through leadership forum and a leadership self-assessment. To be taken concurrently with MIL 202. Prerequisite(s): MIL 116 and MIL 126 or departmental approval.
MIL 226 Army Doctrine and Team Building Credits: 2
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: This course focuses on self-development guided by knowledge of self and group processes. Experiential learning activities are designed to challenge students' current beliefs, knowledge and skills. This semester takes the approach of placing students in a wide variety of group exercises designed to emphasize various leadership competencies and insights. The instructor, acting as facilitator, helps guide student processing of the events to derive the leadership, group dynamics and problem-solving lessons that the exercises offer. Practical "life skills" are emphasized throughout. To be taken concurrently with MIL 212. Prerequisite(s): MIL 116, MIL 126, and MIL 216 or departmental approval.
MIL 250 Cadet Initial Entry Training (CIET) Credits: 6
Typically Offered: Summer.
Course Description: The Basic Camp mission is to train Cadets, develop Cadet leadership, and evaluate Cadet officer potential. Basic Camp is intentionally stressful and is designed to build individual confidence through the accomplishment of tough and demanding training. The course is designed to build upon the core on-campus instruction by developing and assessing leadership potential in a platoon-level environment. It is often the Cadet's first exposure to Army life on an active Army installation and one of the few opportunities where Cadets from various parts of the country undergo a common, high-quality training experience. Must be approved by Department.
MIL 302 Leadership Practicum Credits: 2
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: Examines squad and platoon offensive and defensive operations, the patrol leader in patrolling operations, and a tactical application exercise. Participation in physical fitness conditioning and a tactical application exercise is required. Students will perform in various leadership roles and present classroom instruction. Prerequisite(s): To be taken concurrently with MIL 316.
MIL 312 Leadership Practicum Credits: 2
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: Familiarization with military firearms; includes assembly and disassembly; tactical communications; and the field artillery request and a tactical application exercise. Participation in physical fitness conditioning and a tactical application exercise is required. Students will perform in various leadership roles and present classroom instruction. To be taken concurrently with MIL 326.
MIL 316 Training Management and the Warfighting Functions Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: This is an academically challenging course in which the student will study, practice, and apply the fundamentals of Army Leadership, Officership, Army Values and Ethics, Personal Development, and small unit tactics at the platoon level. At the conclusion of this course, the student will be capable of planning, coordinating, navigating, motivating and leading a squad and platoon in the execution of a mission during a classroom PE, a Leadership Lab, or during a Field Training Exercise (FTX). Successful completion of this course will help prepare the student for the ROTC Advanced Camp, which the student will attend in the summer at Fort Knox, KY. To be taken concurrently with MIL 302. Prerequisite(s): Completion of 6 credit hours in Military Science and departmental approval.
MIL 326 Applied Leadership in Small Unit Operations Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: This is an academically challenging course in which the student will study, practice, and apply the fundamentals of Army Leadership, Officership, Army Values and Ethics, Personal Development, and small unit tactics at the platoon level. At the conclusion of this course, the student will be capable of planning, coordinating, navigating, motivating, and leading a squad and platoon in the execution of a mission during a classroom PE, a Leadership Lab, or during a Field Training Exercise (FTX). Successful completion of this course will help prepare the student for the ROTC Advanced Camp, which the student will attend in the summer at Fort Knox, KY. To be taken concurrently with MIL 312. Prerequisite(s): MIL 316.
MIL 402 Leadership Practicum Credits: 2
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: Practical applications in problem analysis, decision making, planning and organization, delegation and control, and development of interpersonal skills required for effective management. Participation in physical fitness conditioning and tactical application exercise is required. Students will perform in various leadership positions and present classroom instruction. To be taken concurrently with MIL 416.
MIL 412 Leadership Practicum Credits: 2
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: Practical applications in problem analysis, decision making, planning and organization, delegation and control, and development of interpersonal skills required for effective management, includes a tactical application exercise. Participation in physical fitness conditioning is required. Students will perform various leadership roles and conduct classroom instruction. To be taken concurrently with MIL 426.
MIL 416 Mission Command and the Army Profession Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: This course will explore the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations. The student will examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in the face of international terrorism. The student will also explore aspects of interacting with non-government organizations, civilians on the battlefield, the decision making processes and host nation support. The course places significant emphasis on preparing the student for a BOLC B and the student's first unit of assignment. To be taken concurrently with MIL 402. Prerequisite(s): MIL 326 or departmental approval.
MIL 426 Mission Command and the Company Grade Officer Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: This course explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations during Unified Land Operations I, II, and III. The Art of Command is examined and how to properly communicate with your NCOs and Soldiers during Taking Charge 1, 2, and 3, and Developing Others (counseling). During Cultural Awareness and Cultural Property Protection (CPP), the student will discuss numerous situations regarding how ethical decisions impact personnel and the unit mission. Through the understanding of roles and responsibilities, the student will learn about Comprehensive Soldier Fitness (CSF), Being Ready and Resilient (R2C), and Individual and Family Readiness to assist you in preparing your Soldiers and their Families on reducing and managing stress during times of uncertainty. Significant emphasis is placed on preparing the student for BOLC B and the student's first unit of assignment. Mission command, case studies and scenarios are utilized to prepare the student to face the complex ethical demands of serving as a commissioned officer in the United States Army. To be taken concurrently with MIL 412. Prerequisite(s): MIL 416 or departmental approval.
MIL 450 Independent Research/Project Credits: 1-5
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Investigation of a research problem, project, or topic on an individual conference basis. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite(s): A minimum of 2.5 GPA and departmental approval.
Marcus Carter (2024) Instructor, Military Science.
Seth Hanapole (2022) Assistant Professor, Military Science. B.S., Quinnipiac University.
Tyson Reed (2022) Instructor, Military Science.
Bill Rosenthal (2023) Assistant Professor, Military Science. M.B.A., Creighton University.
Edwin Taylor (2020) Professor, Military Science. M.S., Norwich University.