Curriculum & Courses

GENERAL INFORMATION

Participation in military science courses during the freshman and sophomore years results in no military obligation. Individuals who elect to continue in and successfully complete the program during their junior and senior years can receive a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, National Guard or Army Reserves upon graduation. Upon graduation and commission, they will incur an eight year service obligation.

SUGGESTED CURRICULAR FLOW THROUGH THE MAJOR

Army career: For those seeking a career in the Army, there is no better way to begin than with ROTC. It is certainly one of the more attractive options to becoming an officer, and program involvement does not remove the student from the mainstream of everyday life, which can be the case with the service academies.

Graduate school or educational delay: Opportunities for the career officer to attend graduate school at Army expense exist from approximately the fourth year of active service on. There also exists the possibility of attending graduate school immediately following graduation from Millersville. However, this would be at the Army’s convenience and at the individual’s expense. There is, however, one exception. Individuals may apply for medical school scholarships. Historically, Millersville graduates who have requested an educational delay to attend graduate school have been allowed up to a two-year delay prior to entering active duty (three years for those accepted into medical or law school).

Pay and allowances: For the student’s benefit, it is worth mentioning that a newly-commissioned second lieutenant entering into active duty will make approximately $48,000 during his/her first year of service including a variety of other benefits, including 30 days paid vacation per year.

Service obligations:

All students who receive an ROTC commission incur an eight-year service obligation. The majority of students choose to serve four years on active duty upon graduation, followed by four years in the inactive reserve. Students, scholarship and non-scholarship, who have lined up good jobs in the civilian community before graduating and would prefer not to go on active duty for four years may request reserve forces duty. If approved, the student would serve only 3-6 months on active duty and the remainder of his/her obligation (7 ½ years) in an Army Reserve or Army National Guard unit. 

COURSES

101 Introduction to Military Science I
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, goal setting, time management, physical fitness, and stress management related to leadership, Officership, and the Army profession. The focus is on developing basic knowledge and comprehension of Army leader attributes and core leader competencies while gaining a big-picture understanding of ROTC, its purpose in the Army, and its advantages for the student.
One course credit. Open to all Millersville students. Meets 75 minutes per week.

102 Introduction to Military Science II
A critical inquiry into the evolution of the relationship between military policy and the foreign and economic policies of the United States. A careful study of military history designed to foster in the student a balanced judgment of both political leaders and soldiers and of their mutual problems in the conduct of military affairs in peace and war. By means of both written and oral presentations regarding the history of military art, battle history, technical studies and the relationship of the armed forces with society, students will be encouraged to develop a habit of critical reflection. To complement their investigation of military history, students will receive practical instruction in the application of military art and basic soldier skills.
One course credit. Open to all Millersville students. Meets 75 minutes per week.

210 Self and Team Development I
Explores the dimensions of creative and innovative tactical leadership strategies and styles by examining team dynamics and two historical leadership theories that form the basis of the Army leadership framework. Cadets practice aspects of personal motivation and team building in the context of planning, executing, and assessing team exercises and participating in leadership labs. Focus is on continued development of the knowledge of leadership values and attributes through an understanding of Army rank, structure, and duties and basic aspects of land navigation and squad tactics. Case studies provide tangible context for learning the Soldier's Creed and Warrior Ethos as they apply in the contemporary operating environment (COE).
Two course credit. Open to all Millersville students. Meets two hours per week each semester.

211 Military Leadership II
Examines the challenges of leading tactical teams in the COE. The course highlights dimensions of terrain analysis, patrolling, and operation orders. Further study of the theoretical basis of the Army leadership framework explores the dynamics of adaptive leadership in the context of military operations. MILS 211 provides a smooth transition into MILS 301. Cadets develop greater self awareness as they assess their own leadership styles and practice communication and team building skills. COE case studies give insight into the importance and practice of teamwork and tactics in real-world scenarios.
Two course credit. Open to all Millersville students. Meets two hours per week each semester.

301 Management and Leadership
Challenges Cadets to study, practice, and evaluate adaptive leadership skills as they are presented with challenging scenarios related to squad tactical operations. Cadets receive systematic and specific feedback on their leadership attributes and actions. Based on such feedback, as well as their own self-evaluations, Cadets continue to develop their leadership and critical thinking abilities. The focus is developing Cadets' tactical leadership abilities to enable them to succeed at ROTC's summer Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC).
Three course credit. Meets two hours per week each semester.

302 Military Tactics
Uses increasingly intense situational leadership challenges to build Cadet awareness and skills in leading small units. Skills in decision-making, persuading and motivating team members when "under fire" are explored, evaluated, and developed. Aspects of military operations are reviewed as a means of preparing for the ROTC Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC). Cadets are expected to apply basic principles of the Law of Land Warfare, Army training, and motivation to troop leading procedures. Emphasis is also placed on conducting military briefings and developing proficiency in Garrison operation orders. MILS 302 Cadets are evaluated on what they know and do as leaders.
Three course credit. Meets two hours per week each semester. Prerequisite: MILS 301.

401 Contemporary Military Issues I
Develops Cadet proficiency in planning, executing, and assessing complex operations, functioning as a member of a staff, and providing performance feedback to subordinates. Cadets assess risk, make ethical decisions, and lead fellow ROTC Cadets. Lessons on military justice and personnel processes prepare Cadets to make the transition to Army officers. MILS 401 Cadets analyze, evaluate, and instruct Cadets at lower levels. Both their classroom and battalion leadership experiences are designed to prepare MILS 401 Cadets for their first unit of assignment. They identify responsibilities of key staff, coordinate staff roles, and use situational opportunities to teach, train, and develop subordinates. 
Three course credit. Meets two hours per week each semester. Prerequisite: MILS 302.

402 Contemporary Military Issues II
Explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations in the COE. Cadets examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in the face of international terrorism. They also explore aspects of interacting with nongovernmental organizations, civilians on the battlefield, and host nation support. The course places significant emphasis on preparing Cadets for their first unit of assignment. It uses case studies, scenarios, and "What Now, Lieutenant?" exercises to prepare Cadets to face the complex ethical and practical demands of leading as commissioned officers in the United States Army. 
Three course credit. Meets two hours per week each semester. Prerequisite: MILS 401.