Department of Military Science

Tuskegee University is authorized by the Department of Defense as a senior division Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) unit. The Training Corps is organized into two parts--Army and Air Force. The Reserve Officers Training Corps is an integral part of the officer procurement programs for Reserve and Active forces to the two services. The Army and Air Force programs at Tuskegee University are both composed of two programs -- a Basic and an Advanced program.

Tuskegee University's Basic ROTC program is totally voluntary. Qualified upper-class students may apply for and be accepted into the advanced course. Provisions for selected junior college graduates, transferees, and special students, are also available to enter directly into the Advanced program. Students who are enrolled in the Advanced program (3rd and 4th ROTC year) are paid at the rate of $350-400 per month. Successful completion of the advanced program leads to a commission as a second lieutenant in the Reserve or Active Armed Forces. Students with prior military training should contact the Department of Military Science, at the beginning of their first year of enrollment at Tuskegee University.

Scholarships are available to selected students who are motivated toward military service and who are enrolled in ROTC programs. Four-year scholarships are awarded to qualified graduating high school seniors. Each scholarship pays tuition, laboratory expenses, and an allowance of $250-400 per month, for the duration of the year. All scholarship students get free room and board from the university.

Military textbooks are furnished for first and second year ROTC students; third and fourth year ROTC students pay for books through the university bookstore.

MILITARY SCIENCE

The mission of the Tuskegee University Army ROTC Tiger Battalion is to commission the future leadership of the US Army and to motivate young people to be better citizens. Military Science has been a part of the Tuskegee University curriculum since February 1919, when a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) unit was established with Captain Russell Smith as the first Professor of Military Science. Since progressing to a senior division unit in September 1941, graduates of Tuskegee have gone on to become General Officers. Achieving general officer rank in the Army is comparable to attaining a vice presidential position in a major corporation, the highest management levels of career government service, or the position of mayor or city manager of a typical municipality. The military accomplishments and contributions of Tuskegee graduates are rivaled by few other institutions. The Tuskegee graduate who successfully completes the Army ROTC program begins an Army career not only as a second lieutenant with a highly competitive starting salary, but with a much broader range of responsibility and authority than the graduate embarking on a civilian career. An Army ROTC graduate, four years out of college has earned an annual salary exceeding $43,000.

These Professional Military Education (PME) electives are taken from a wide range of courses offered by the various academic departments of the University. These courses are listed below.

Cadets must also demonstrate levels of proficiency, established by the Department of the Army, in the subject areas of higher mathematics, English, and reading through the Enhanced Skills Training Program. Students not meeting these standards when initially tested are given the opportunity to improve their skills in these areas, at no cost, through a computer based program.

The Military Science curriculum is divided into a Basic Course covering the first two years, and an Advanced Course covering work of the last two years.

THE BASIC COURSE is normally taken by the college student in his/her freshman and sophomore years. As an alternative, a student may fulfill Basic Course requirements by attending a four-week summer camp between his/her sophomore and junior years. The first two years prepare and qualify the student for the Advanced Course. The instruction in the freshman year is known as Military Science I, requires two hours per week (one classroom and one leadership lab period), and allows one credit hour per semester. The purpose of this instruction is to introduce the student to fundamental military knowledge: military customs and traditions; familiarization with basic weapons, equipment, and techniques; military organization and functions; and the techniques of leadership, management, and command. The best qualified men and women who successfully complete the Basic Course are selected for the Advanced Course that leads to an Army officer's commission.

THE ADVANCED COURSE is designed to produce qualified officers for the Active Army, the United States Army Reserve, and the Army National Guard.

Students selected for the Advanced Course must sign a contract, entailing an agreement to serve as a commissioned officer upon completion of the Army ROTC program. As members of the US Army Reserve, Advanced Course cadets receive a monthly subsistence allowance of $350 (subject to change) for their last two years of college. Admission to the Advanced Course in on a best qualified basis. Advanced Course cadets must attend and successfully complete the five-week National Advanced Leadership Camp, usually during the summer between their junior and senior years. This camp is conducted at Fort Lewis, WA. Cadets receive full pay while attending the camp plus a travel allowance. Cadets having valid conflicts with their academic curricula may defer attendance at summer camp until after completion of their senior (MS IV) year. Upon successful completion of the Advanced Course and PME requirements, the student may be commissioned as a second lieutenant in one of the following branches: Adjutant General's Corps, Air Defense Artillery, Armor, Aviation, Corps of Engineers, Field Artillery, Finance Corps, Infantry, Military Intelligence, Chemical Corps, Military Police Corps, Ordnance, Quartermaster Corps, Signal Corps, and Transportation Corps.

Two-Year Program -- A basic four-week summer training period after the sophomore or junior year replaces the Basic Course required of students in the traditional four year program. When a student with two years of college has been selected for the program and has successfully completed the Leaders Training Course, he/she is eligible for the ROTC Advanced Course in his junior and senior years. The Advanced Course, which leads to an officer's commission, is the same for students in either the four-year program or the two-year program. Additionally, there are two other options for students to qualify for the Advanced Course if attendance to the four week Leaders Training Course is not feasible due to Academic requirement, athletic camps, etc.

In addition to the pay provided during the Advanced Course and the Advanced Summer Training Camp, the student attending the Basic Summer Training Camp receives substantial pay and allowances during the period of attendance and a travel allowance.

Financial Assistance Programs -- The Army ROTC scholarship program offers financial assistance for selected students.

On campus scholarships may be awarded for either two or three years. The two and three-year scholarships are awarded to students in the "enrolled in ROTC: and the non-enrolled ROTC" categories. Three-year non-enrolled applicants must compress MS I and MS II training into their sophomore school year. Two-year scholarships are available to enrolled ROTC cadets who have completed the first two years of ROTC. Two-year, non-enrolled scholarship winners must attend the Leaders Training Camp in the summer preceding the final award of the scholarship.

Scholarship selection is on a best qualified basis, as selected by a ROTC selection board.

The financial assistance includes tuition, fees, laboratory expenses, a book allowance each semester and subsistence allowance, ranging from $250 - $400 per month, for the period that the scholarship is in effect. Students interested in an Army ROTC scholarship should contact the Professor of Military Science as soon as possible.

Distinguished Military Graduates: Any cadet rated in the top 10% of cadets across the nation will be designated as Distinguished Military Graduate.

Field Trips: Cadets are given the opportunity to expand their classroom knowledge by participating in field trips to local military installations. Trips will last from one to three days and will be one of two types: visits to Active Army organizations, to observe and learn the day-to-day operations of the Army; training exercises wherein the cadet gets hands-on experience with equipment and troop leading procedures.

Cadet Troop Leadership Training (CTLT): Each summer selected cadets are given the opportunity to work in Active Army units as officer trainees. Valuable insights into the role and responsibilities are gained by the students.

Cadets have numerous opportunities to volunteer for specialized training that includes Airborne School at Fort Benning, GA; Air Assault training at either Fort Rucker, AL or Fort Campbell, KY. This training is strictly voluntary and based on quotas allocated by the Department of the Army.

Graduate Education: Once a cadet completes the Army ROTC Program and is commissioned, he/she may request a delay from entry into active duty to complete professional Dental, Medical, etc. work. This advanced education is pursued at the individual's own expense.

Military Societies and Activities:

1. The National Society of Pershing Rifles: Founded in 1894 by General of the Army John J. Pershing, the Society is a military social fraternity committed to the highest ideals of excellence in leadership and manhood. Tuskegee University Chapter is Company P, 4th Regiment. This organization has traditionally formed the "crack" drill team of the ROTC program from its members and given performances at various locations throughout the South. The highlights of each school year for members of Pershing Rifles are the annual drill competition and attendance of members at the National Convention held in one of the country's large cities. Membership is open to male students enrolled who after one semester have attained a minimum 2.8 grade point average. Members can be recognized by the blue and silver shoulder cord (the distinctive badge of elite cadets) worn on the left shoulder of their ROTC uniform.

2. Intercollegiate Rifle Team: In order to inspire a wholesome spirit of rivalry between institutions, competitive rifle matches are arranged with other university rifle teams. The rifle team consists of one or more teams with five to nine members per team. Membership is open to all students in good academic standing; however, members are selected based on demonstrated interest and ability in rifle marksmanship.

3. Army ROTC Drill Team: An organization of male and female students who learn the art of both standard and precision military drill techniques. It offers the student an excellent opportunity to refine his or her leadership skills. The Drill Team may participate at several intercollegiate matches held at institutions in the southeastern United States.

4. Ranger Challenge Team: The military varsity sport consisting of highly competitive teams who compete against 22 other teams at the battalion and brigade levels of competition. Participants receive the coveted "Ranger Challenge Tab."

Students enrolled in Army ROTC may satisfy the physical education requirement by completing at least two of the following courses: MILS 101, 102, 201, 202, 301, 302.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

MILS 0101. THE ROLE OF THE U.S. ARMY. 1st Semester. Lect. & Conf. 1 hr. weekly; Leadership Lab 1 hr. weekly, 1 credit. This course examines the need for military forces in society, and focuses on the U. S. Army's role in American defense strategy. Practical exercises involving written and oral communications are used to discuss the participation of Black Americans in the U. S. Army. Some aspects of military leadership and benefits of a career in the U. S. Army are explored. Development of individual student study skills and communications abilities are stressed. Assertiveness training is available as self-study, supplemental instruction.

MILS 0102. THE DYNAMICS OF MILITARY LEADERSHIP. 2nd Semester. Lect. & Conf. 1 hr. weekly Leadership Lab 1 hr weekly, 1 credit. This course is concerned with a wide variety of factors that affect the development of an individual's style of leadership. Through an examination of society's values, and the impact of such values on the All Volunteer Force, students are exposed to some problems facing the Army officer. Practical exercises and seminars conducted by active military leaders from off campus help a student understand the responsibilities of military leaders. A basic understanding of first aid is presented to provide the student with a basic military skill that has nonmilitary application. Oral communications are stressed through impromptu speeches and open discussions. Military customs, drill and ceremony are presented in the leadership laboratory.

MILS 0201. LAND NAVIGATION AND STUDENT PRESENTATIONS. 1st Semester. Lect. & Conf. 2 hrs. Weekly, Leadership Lab 1 hr. weekly, 2 credits. Basic principles of land navigation, to include how to read a map and identify and locate terrain features are learned through practical exercise. An orientation field trip in applying map reading skills learned in the classroom is also presented. Development of oral communication skills through short student presentations is taught. Adequately preparing the student to successfully meet the higher challenges of the Advanced Course program is emphasized. In the leadership lab, students are taught methods of conducting training and are given practical experience in training management.

MILS 0202. THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE U. S. ARMY OFFICER. 2nd Semester. Lect. 2, Leadership Lab 1, 2 credits. This course develops the student's understanding of the specific duties and responsibilities required of an Army officer. Principles of small unit tactics and land navigation are learned through practical exercises. Aspects of the professional relationship between an officer and an enlisted member are explored. The student is exposed to the eligibility requirements and conditions for enrollment in the ROTC Advanced program. Benefits of a career as a U. S. Army officer are discussed. Management of training is stressed in leadership laboratory.

MILS 0203. ROTC BASIC CAMP. Summer. Lect. and practical exercise, 4 credits. This is a six week course only offered during the summer. The course is for students desiring to enter Army ROTC as a junior. The course will teach basic military skills in map reading, marksmanship, drill and ceremony, first aid, and tactical training.

MILS 0301. PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT II. 1st Semester. Lect. 3, Leadership Lab 1, 3 credits. This course provides the student with skills that form the foundation for his future role as an Army officer. Military Skills that concern Army equipment, first aid and land navigation are stressed. Tactics used at the squad and platoon levels of the Army's combat organization are examined. Methods of presenting a military briefing are learned through practical exercises that focus on factors affecting the effectiveness and morale of a unit. Principles for presenting military instruction are presented. In leadership laboratory the student develops an understanding of teamwork, and he practices skills required for attendance at the ROTC Advanced Camp. Supplemental instruction with emphasis on practical experience is available to the student for all phases of instruction. Prerequisites: Completion of the Basic Course or equivalent.

MILS 0302. PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT II. 2nd Semester. Lect. 3, Leadership Lab 1, 3 credits. This course is principally concerned with refining those skills needed to conduct combat operations at the platoon level. Troop leading procedures are used for all phases of instruction. Detailed information on the conduct of tactical activities is presented. Characteristics of various weapons used in combat are examined. Procurement and use of intelligence information at battlefield level are discussed. Oral and written communications are stressed in briefings, instruction and reports by the student. Each branch of service in the U. S. Army is discussed in detail. Leadership laboratory instruction is concerned with practical application of classroom instruction. Students are placed in leadership positions under conditions requiring them to exercise decision making skills. A weekend field training exercise highlights the supplemental instruction wherein all phases of the MILS III course are practiced. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of MILS 0301.

MILS 0303. ROTC ADVANCE CAMP. Summer. 3 credits. This course is mandatory for all contracted juniors. This is a leadership course to evaluate leadership potential. Successful completion of MILS 303 is required before applying for commissioning as a second lieutenant. Instruction will only be offered during the summer sessions. Students will be evaluated in leadership skills from individual through platoon level collective tasks. This course is six weeks (seven days per week) in duration and is currently taught at Ft. Lewis, Washington.

MILS 0401. U.S. ARMY MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES. 1st Semester. Lect 3, Leadership Lab 1, 3 credits. This course is oriented to the duties performed by a junior officer in the United States Army. Through oral presentations, written reports and practical exercises, the student develops skills that he will use in managing units in the United States Army. Situations both in and out of the classroom are used to give the student experience in counseling subordinates on job performance and personal problems. The military justice system is examined in detail, with a mock trial used to give the student a better understanding of his responsibilities under military law. As a senior, the student will be a cadet officer and be responsible for managing some aspect of the cadet corps. Particular emphasis is placed on the preparation for, and conduct of training. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of Military Science III.

MILS 0402. THE MILITARY PROFESSION. 2nd Semester. Lect. 3, Leadership Lab 1, 3 credits. This course provides the student with detailed knowledge of United States Army organizations and how the different types of units contribute to the Army's mission. A twelve hour seminar examines the ethical and professional aspects of being a military officer, along with some moral dimensions of modern warfare. Forms of Army correspondence are presented, with the student given practical experience in completing various types of reports that are common to duties of a second lieutenant. Throughout the course the student is given the opportunity to exercise his communications skills. In the leadership laboratory and in extra-curricular activities the student is able to sharpen his leadership skills. Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of MILS 0401.

MILS 0403. SPECIAL PROJECTS. 1st and 2nd Semesters, Summer. 3 credits. Research and lecture. This course is for Army ROTC students, who desire to further their knowledge, in military subjects that range from current world situations, to the use of the elements, of National Power. The course consists of discussion, research, and independent study. Enrollment must be approved by the PMS and is limited to 5 students per semester or summer session.

MILS 0501. CONTEMPORARY ARMY ISSUES. 1st and 2nd Semesters. Lect. 1, Leadership Lab 1, 1 credit. This course provides the Army ROTC Cadet on scholarship extension and selected "Continuing Students" who has completed all other Military Science course's refresher instructions in current issues of Military Doctrine. The student completes a book review on selected work from the Army Professional Reading list and completes reviews on articles from current military journals. Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of MILS 0401 and 0402.

MILS 0502. CONTINUING ARMY STUDIES. 2nd Semester, 1 credit. This course is designed for MS V and completion cadets working to finish their degree. This course will keep students abreast of changes within the Army, ensure physical and mental fitness, ensures cadet data base is accurate, and ensure commissioning requirements are met timely. Students will attend one class and lab weekly, and physical training two times a week.