Military Science
Department of Military Science Army ROTC Program
Reserve Officer’s Training Corps
Albany State University offers courses in Basic and Advanced Military Science. The basic courses, taken during the freshman and sophomore years, are designed to teach principles and techniques of leadership and to develop in each student an understanding of the role of the Army in the defense of the United States.
The purpose of the advanced course, taken during the junior and senior years, is to educate selected students in a balanced course of officer training, both theoretical and practical, which will qualify them to perform the duties of a commissioned officer in the Army of the United States. Upon receiving the Bachelor’s degree each student who successfully completes the advanced course will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in one of the career branches in the United States Army.
While participating in the advanced course, each student is paid a monthly stipend for the academic school year, not to exceed 10 months for each of the two years. Additionally, during the summer between the junior and senior years, while the student attends the Advanced ROTC Summer Camp, they will receive approximately one-half of a second lieutenant’s pay for the five-week period. Optional activities include participating in Ranger Challenge, Drill Team, Color Guard, Pershing Rifles Military Fraternity, planned weekly Field Training Exercises (FTXs), and a host of fund-raising activities throughout the school year.
Two-Year Program
For those students who were unable, or did not elect, to enroll in the basic course and who desire to pursue a commission, the Army has developed a two-year program. The requirements of the basic course can be met by attending a six-week course. Veterans who wish to pursue a commission may enter the advanced program with evidence of satisfactory prior service, appropriate academic standing and approval of the Professor of Military Science. Students with at least two to four years of JROTC desiring to pursue a commission and enter the advanced course, must provide a cadet performance report from their instructor, be academically aligned as a junior and approved by the Professor of Military Science.
Scholarship Program
The Army ROTC Scholarship Program offers financial assistance to outstanding young men and women. Each scholarship pays tuition, books, labs and other associated fees, plus an annual subsistence allowance (paid monthly). All scholarships provide the same benefits unless otherwise noted. Any recipient of a scholarship must fulfill an active duty or reserve duty (Army Reserve, or Army National Guard) service obligation upon completion of required academic ROTC courses. Please see the Professor of Military Science for more details. Army ROTC offers a variety of scholarships. They are:
- Four-year National open to all qualified high school students accepted to any four-year college/university with an ROTC program.
- The four-year scholarship pays full tuition and fees, or room and board at a flat rate of $5,000 per semester. $600 for books per semester will be provided with either option.
- Four-year Green to Gold open to Army veterans attending college after a completed enlistment in the Regular Army.
The minimum requirements for these scholarships are: U.S. citizenship, be at least 17 years old by October the year of the award and no older than 30 at graduation (waiver required if Cadet does not commission prior to 31st birthday), high school graduate or equivalent, min. 2.5 GPA, and pass a military physical exam and an Army fitness exam.
- Three-year Campus Based open to all full-time students regardless of whether they are currently enrolled in ROTC. Those winners not currently enrolled must agree to compress freshman (MILS 1111, MILS 1121) and sophomore (MILS 2211, MILS 2221) classes or be able to receive placement credit (i.e., JROTC or veterans). Same scholarship requirements listed in the paragraph above. 2.5 GPA, minimum of 30 semester hours, have three full academic years remaining, pass a physical exam and pass the Army Physical Fitness (APFT) with 60 points in each event.
- Two-year Campus Based open to all full-time students but compression of classes is not allowed. Non-enrolled winners must be veteran, have taken at least three or four years of JROTC, or agree to attend a six-week basic camp (not Basic Training or Boot Camp) at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Travel to and from camp, free meals, and lodging are provided at no expense to the student. The student also receives approximately $800 for attending the camp. Qualifications min. 2.5 GPA, a minimum of 60 semester hours, have two full academic years remaining, pass a physical exam, pass the APFT and complete Basic Camp.
- Two-year On Campus same as the three-year except compression is not allowed. Non-enrolled winners must either be veterans or agree to attend a 29 day basic camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Travel to and from camp, free meals, and lodging provided at no expense to the student. Qualifications min. 2.5 GPA and two years left to complete degree requirements.
- Two-year Basic Camp special scholarship offered to basic camp graduates not already scholarship winners. Qualification: minimum 2.5 GPA.
Departmental Mission
The mission of the ROTC program is to instruct and train the ROTC cadet so that each graduate shall have the qualities and attributes essential to a progressive and continuing career as an officer in one of the branches in the United States Army. Inherent to this mission are the objectives:
- Mental to provide a collegiate education in a mutually agreed discipline leading to a Bachelor’s degree.
- Moral to develop in the cadet a high sense of duty and the attributes of character, with emphasis on integrity, discipline and motivation essential to the profession of arms.
- Physical to develop in the cadet those physical attributes essential to a career as an officer in the United States Army.
- Military to provide a broad military education rather than individual proficiency in the technical duties of junior officers. Such proficiency is of necessity, a gradual development, the responsibility for which evolves in the graduates themselves and upon the commands and schools to which they are assigned after being commissioned.
*Any student who successfully completes military science courses (MILS 1111, MILS 1121, MILS 2211 OR MILS 2221) with a “C” or better can substitute 2 units of Physical Education toward graduation credit.
MILS 1111 - Leadership & Personal Development (1 Credit)
Introduces students to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership. Students 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 course places special emphasis on developing basic knowledge and understanding of Army leadership dimensions while gaining insight of the ROTC program, its purpose in the Army, and its advantages to the student. Offered: Fall.
Lecture hours: 1
Lab hours: 2
MILS 1121 - Intro to Tactical Leadership (1 Credit)
An introduction to the leadership fundamentals such as setting direction, problem-solving, listening, presenting briefs, providing feedback, and using effective writing skills. Students explore dimensions of leadership values, attributes, skills, and actions in the context of practical, hands-on, and interactive exercises. Continued emphasis is placed on recruitment and retention of studuents. The Cadre uses role modeling to facilitate building stronger relationships among the students through common experience and practical interaction which are critical aspects of the course. Offered: Spring.
Lecture hours: 1
Lab hours: 2
MILS 2211 - Innovative Team Leadership (2 Credits)
Students explore 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. Aspects of personal motivation and team builiding are practiced planning, executing and assessing team exercises and participating in leadership labs. The focus continues to rank structure and duties as well as broadening knowledge of land navigation and squad tactics. Case studies will provide a tangible context for learning the Soldier's Creed and Warrior Ethos as they apply in the contemporary operating environment. Offered: Fall.
Lecture hours: 2
Lab hours: 2
MILS 2221 - Foundations of Tactical Leadership (2 Credits)
Students examine the challenges of leading tactical teams in the complex contemporary operating environment (COE). This course highlights dimensions of terrain analysis, patrolling and operation orders. Continued study of the theoretical basis of the Army leadership framework explores the dynamics of adaptive leadership in the context of military operations. Students 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. Offered: Spring.
Lecture hours: 2
Lab hours: 2
MILS 2901 - Leadership Development (2 Credits)
MILS 2901 examines the challenges of leading teams in the complex operational environment. The course highlights dimensions of terrain analysis, patrolling, and operational orders. Further study of the theoretical basis of the Army Leadership Requirements Model explores the dynamics of adaptive leadership in the context of military operations. MILS 2901 prepares Cadets for MSL 301. Cadets develop greater self-awareness as they assess their own leadership styles and practice communication and team building skills. Case studies give insight into the importance and practice of teamwork and tactics in real-world scenarios. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Lecture hours: 2
Lab hours: 2
MILS 3311 - Adaptive Team Leadership (3 Credits)
Students are challenged to study, practice and evaluate adaptive team leadership skills as they are presented with the demands of the ROTC Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC). Challenging scenarios related to small unit tactical operations are used to develop self awareness and critical thinking skills. Students will receive systematic and specific feedback on their leadership abilities. This course is to integrate the principles and practices of effective leadership, military operations and personal development in order to adequately prepare for the summer Leadership Development Advanced Course (LDAC). Offered: Fall.
Lecture hours: 3
Lab hours: 2
MILS 3321 - Leadership in Changing Environments (3 Credits)
Continues methodology of instructions from MILS 3310. Students continue to be challenged with various leadership roles requiring them to analyze tasks, prepare written and oral operation orders, issue guidance for team members to accomplish tasks, delegate tasks and supervise, classroom subjects continue to develop and reinforce the Army's 16 leadership dimensions, leadership styles, motivation and counseling techniques, and small unit patrolling and defensive operations. This course uses tough realistic scenarios related to small unit tactical operations to evaluating adaptative leadership skills develop, self awareness and critical thinking skills as related to the demands of the ROTC Leader Development Assessment Course (LDAC). Offered: Spring.
Lecture hours: 3
Lab hours: 2
MILS 4411 - Developing Adaptive Leaders (3 Credits)
Develops student proficiency in planning, executing, and assessing complex operations, functioning as a member of a staff and providing performance feedback to subordinates. The cadet is given situational member opportunities to assess risk, make ethical decisions and lead fellow ROTC cadets. The cadet receives lessons on military justice and personnel processes which better prepares to make the transition to becoming an Army Officer. The cadets are provided opportunities to lead cadets at lower levels, both in a classroom and battalion leadership experiences are designed to prepare the cadet for their first unit of assignment. You will identify responsibilities of key staff, coordinate staff roles, and use battalion operation situations to teach, train and develop subordinates. Offered: Fall.
Lecture hours: 3
Lab hours: 2
MILS 4421 - Leadership in a Complex World (3 Credits)
Capstone course for all military science courses. The course is conducted as a seminar and prepares senior cadets for their transition to commission officer. The students will explore the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations in the contemporary operating environment (COE). You will examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war and rules of engagement in the face of international terrorism. You will explore aspects of interacting with non-government organizations, civilians on the battlefield, and host nation support. The course places significant emphasis on preparing you for BOLC II and III and your first unit of assignment. It uses case studies, scenarios, and "What Now, Lieutenant?" exercises to prepare you to face the complex ethical and practical demands of leading as a commissioned officer in the United States Army. Offered: Spring.
Lecture hours: 3
Lab hours: 2
MILS 4901 - Advanced Leadership Developmen (3 Credits)
MSL 4901 explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations in the full spectrum operations (FSO). You will examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in the face of international terrorism. You also explore aspects of interacting with non-government organizations, civilians on the battlefield, and host nation support. This course places significant emphasis on preparing you for BOLC B, and your first unit of assignment. It uses case studies, scenarios, and "What Now, Lieutenant?" exercises to prepare you to face the complex ethnical and practical demands of leading as a commissioned officer in the United States Army. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Lecture hours: 3
Lab hours: 2