Department of Military Science and Leadership

Department Head:  LTC Eddie Walker

Main Floor - Rowe Hall

www.jsu.edu/rotc

The Department of Military Science is a cooperative venture between the United States Army and Jacksonville State University. The program provides a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program with a mission of commissioning students as officers in the Army upon completion of a baccalaureate degree or sufficient progress on a master’s degree. Satisfactory completion of the program may lead to a minor in Military Science. The program provides students an opportunity to learn and develop leadership skills necessary in the Army and in society. The emphasis of the program is on leadership development. Students apply accepted leadership theory to practical situations. A theoretical basis of knowledge is developed through attendance in military science classes and courses offered in colleges throughout the university. The program is only available to full-time students.

Enrollment

Several program options exist for enrollment: a four-year, three-year and a two-year program. These programs are addressed below. Under some circumstances, it is possible to complete the program in less than two years. Students can obtain information on alternative programs by contacting the department at 256-782-5601.

The four-year and three-year programs are divided into two phases, the Basic Course and the Advanced Course.

Basic: The Basic Course is typically taken during the freshman and sophomore years but may be compressed into one year. These courses are open to all students on an elective basis. The courses, taught to meet the requirements to enter into the Advanced Program, incur no military obligation and are open to all registered full-time students. Basic Course curriculum focuses on introductory leadership theory, basic military knowledge and skills, and the Army’s role in national security policy and practices.

Advanced: The Advanced Course is taken during the junior and senior year of the selected program. Students in this program must have completed the Basic Course as directed by the Professor of Military Science, have two years remaining in college (graduate or undergraduate studies) and enter into a contract with the United States Army to serve as an officer in the active or reserve forces upon graduation. The contractual obligation varies with the amount of participation and whether the student is a scholarship beneficiary.

Advanced Course students take classes in advanced leadership and participate in leadership laboratories where they apply theories of leadership in practical situations. Enrollment in the Advanced Course requires the approval of the Professor of Military Science.

The two-year program is designed for students who did not take Army ROTC during their first two years of college and for students entering or progressing in a two-year post-graduate course of study. Students can qualify for the Advanced Course in a number of ways. Prior enlisted personnel and members of the National Guard and Army Reserve receive Basic Course credit for successful completion of Basic Training. Successful completion of the four-week ROTC Basic Camp also qualifies students for the Advanced Course. The Professor of Military Science may also award Basic Course credit for satisfactory participation in Junior ROTC or for completion of an approved alternative course of study within the Department of Military Science.

Students must meet the following requirements in order to attend the Basic Camp:

  • overall GPA of 2.00 or higher on a 4.00-point scale
  • have junior standing
  • meet medical and physical fitness standards

Approval for attendance is required from the Professor of Military Science.

Additional Requirements

All contracted students are required to maintain eligibility requirements. These requirements include:

  • an appropriate grade point average
  • medical qualification
  • moral behavior
  • compliance with physical fitness standards

Students must be able to pass a swimming requirement prior to participation at Advanced Camp. Additionally, contracted students must participate in physical conditioning and a field training exercise each semester.

Commissioning

Students may be commissioned once they meet all pre-commissioning requirements and are awarded a baccalaureate degree. Students that have graduated with a baccalaureate degree are eligible to participate and commission while pursuing a  postgraduate degree. Students commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the United States Army may serve either on Active Duty, in the Army Reserve, or in the Army National Guard. Assignments are based upon the needs of the Army and the student’s request. Students who desire a commission in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard may elect the Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty option (if eligible) upon entry into the advanced course.

Scholarships

Competitive two, three and four-year scholarships are available to students. Four-year scholarship deadlines are normally January 10 of the student’s senior year in high school. Other scholarship deadlines vary from year to year. Currently, scholarships cover the cost of full tuition or room and board, fees, partial books and provide a monthly spending allowance. Limited dorm scholarships are also available. The Army National Guard and Army Reserve also offer tuition assistance and other benefits worth up to $24,000 per year in conjunction with ROTC. The Alabama National Guard offers an additional state tuition reimbursement up to $15,240 a year ($5080 a semester). Students interested in scholarships, the simultaneous membership program (SMP) with the Guard or Reserve, or other assistance should contact the Department of Military Science at 256-782-5601 for details.

Uniforms and Equipment

For all military specific courses, most texts and certain equipment are furnished by the United States Government at no expense to the student. Uniforms and equipment issued to participating/non-contracted and contracted cadets remain the property of the United States Government and will be turned in upon withdrawal from any MSC course or upon completion of the course. Certain equipment will be turned in upon completion of the specific training event. Students will be required to reimburse the government for losses or damage. For certain basic courses which are not military specific, purchase of texts may be required.

MSC 101  Introduction to the Army  (1)  

Corequisite(s): MSC 103 Lab required.

This course will introduce you to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership and communication. You will learn how the personal development of life skills such as cultural understanding, goal setting, time management, mental/physical resiliency, and stress management relate to leadership, officership, and the Army profession. As you become further acquainted with MSC courses, you will learn the structure of the ROTC Basic Course program consisting of MSC 101, 102, 201, 202, Fall and Spring Leadership Labs and LTC. The focus is on developing basic knowledge and comprehension of Army leadership dimensions, attributes and core leader competencies while gaining an understanding of the ROTC program, its purpose in the Army, and its advantages for the student.
MSC 102  Foundations of Leadership  (1)  

Corequisite(s): MSC 104 Lab required.

This course will introduce you to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership and communication. You will learn how the personal development of life skills such as cultural understanding, goal setting, time management, mental/physical resiliency, and stress management relate to leadership, officership, and the Army profession. As you become further acquainted with MSC courses, you will learn the structure of the ROTC Basic Course program consisting of MSC 101, 102, 201, 202, Fall and Spring Leadership Labs and LTC. The focus is on developing basic knowledge and comprehension of Army leadership dimensions, attributes and core leader competencies while gaining an understanding of the ROTC program, its purpose in the Army, and its advantages for the student.
MSC 103  Introduction to the Army Lab  (2)  
Required to be taken respectively in conjunction with 101 and 102. Students will demonstrate knowledge of subjects taught in lecture and additional topics taught in the lab through hands-on training. Emphasis is on developing leadership skills, physical fitness, and military knowledge. Students participate in physical fitness activities a minimum of one hour each week to learn the fundamentals of exercise and gain aerobic and muscular fitness.
MSC 104  Foundations of Leadership Lab  (2)  
Required to be taken respectively in conjunction with 101 and 102. Students will demonstrate knowledge of subjects taught in lecture and additional topics taught in the lab through hands-on training. Emphasis is on developing leadership skills, physical fitness, and military knowledge. Students participate in physical fitness activities a minimum of one hour each week to learn the fundamentals of exercise and gain aerobic and muscular fitness.
MSC 112  Basic Marksmanship  (2)  
Fundamentals, principles, and techniques of marksmanship including equipment, maintenance, shooting position, safety, and range operation. Students fire marksmanship rifles.
MSC 113  Survival  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): Medical clearance is required.

Examines options available in outdoor environments for survival. Students appraise and prioritize their physical and emotional needs incorporating Maslow's hierarchy. Demonstration of outdoor skills including rappelling, orienteering, and employment of game trapping methods.
MSC 115  First Aid  (3)  
Instruction in lifesaving measures for clearing the airway, rescue breathing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, controlling bleeding, preventing shock, treating fractures and emergency care for other serious injuries. Prevention of illness and injuries is emphasized.
MSC 151  Rangers  (1)  

Prerequisite(s): Medical clearance is required.

Students learn to apply leadership skills and employ techniques, problem-solving, and resourcefulness while in stressful leadership situations. Students are expected to pass stringent physical aptitude tests, and will participate in a 48 hour field exercise during the semester. May be duplicated for credit for a total of 8 semester hours.
MSC 201  Leadership and Ethics  (2)  

Corequisite(s): MSC 203.

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. Aspects of personal motivation and team building are practiced planning, executing and assessing team exercises. The focus continues to build on developing knowledge of the leadership attributes and core leader competencies through the understanding of Army 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.
MSC 202  Army Doctrine and Decision Making  (2)  

Corequisite(s): MSC 204 Lab required.

This course examines the challenges of leading teams in the complex operational environment. The course highlights dimensions of terrain analysis, patrolling, and operation 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.
MSC 203  Leadership and Ethics Lab  (2)  
Required in conjunction with MSC 201 and 202. Students demonstrate knowledge of subjects taught in lecture through hands-on experience. Emphasis is on developing leader and military skills, and enhancing military knowledge. Students participate in physical fitness activities a minimum of two hours each week to learn the fundamentals of exercise and gain aerobic and muscular fitness. MSC 201, 202 required.
MSC 204  Army Doctrine and Decision Making Lab  (2)  
Required in conjunction with MSC 201 and 202. Students demonstrate knowledge of subjects taught in lecture through hands-on experience. Emphasis is on developing leader and military skills, and enhancing military knowledge. Students participate in physical fitness activities a minimum of two hours each week to learn the fundamentals of exercise and gain aerobic and muscular fitness. MSC 201, 202 required.
MSC 205  Cadet Summer Training- Basic Camp  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): Pass a standard medical physical, take the Army Physical Fitness Test, and approval of the Department Head.

Students travel to Fort Knox, Kentucky, to attend a four-week course designed for those who wish to enter MSC 301 but did not participate in 100 and 200-level Military Science classes. The course provides an introduction to the Army, as well as an introduction to leadership theory and techniques. Students apply leadership theory in a hands-on environment. Students participate in Rappelling, Water Survival, Basic Marksmanship, and in a Leader's Reaction Course where small teams solve challenging problems in a field environment. All travel, lodging, and meal costs are paid for by the Department of the Army. No fee.
MSC 300  Leaders Training Course Prep  (1)  
MSC 301  Training Management and the Warfighting Functions  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): MSC 101, 102, 201, 202 or successful completion of the Leader Training Course, Army Basic Training, or a prescribed course of study approved by the Department Head.

Corequisite(s): MSC 301 Lab required.

Lecture: Builds on previous leadership courses by introducing advanced theories and applying previous learning during practical classroom and field training exercises. Emphasis is on problem solving and learning how to motivate self and others as well as small unit leadership techniques and military small unit tactics. Students learn how to evaluate/analyze military missions and plan and prepare orders for military operations. Students must participate in a two-day field training exercise during the semester. (2). Lab: Students learn small unit military tactics/operations. Students apply theory taught in MSC 301 while leading their peers in small unit operations. Students learn planning skills and are evaluated in their ability to plan activities and organize their peers to execute the events. Oral and written communication skills are stressed and evaluated. Students participate in physical fitness activities three hours each week to gain aerobic and muscular fitness. Lab is focused on preparation for the Leader Development & Assessment Course (LDAC).
MSC 302  Applied Leadership in Small Unit Operations  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): MSC 301.

Corequisite(s): MSC 302 Lab required.

Lecture: Reinforces dimensions of leadership taught in MSC 301 and addresses additional dimensions. Students study group dynamics, adult learning, personality models, and ethical decision making. Students refine oral communication skills and prepare and deliver information briefings. Students must participate in a three-day field training exercise during the semester. (2). Lab: Students learn small unit military tactics/operations. Students apply theory taught in MSC 302 while leading their peers in small unit operations. Students learn planning skills and are evaluated in their ability to plan activities and organize their peers to execute the events. Oral and written communication skills are stressed and evaluated. Students participate in physical fitness activities three hours each week to gain aerobic and muscular fitness. Lab is focused on preparation for the Leader Development & Assessment Course (LDAC).
MSC 303  Advanced Military Science III  (3)  
May-term class emphasizes and refines all MSC 301 and 302 skills. Students enhance personal orienteering, rifle marksmanship, communications and physical training skills and abilities. Students practice planning and executing small unit operations and lead their peers in small unit operations. Students participate in a major field training exercise. Course is mandatory for all students attending LDAC during the summer terms.
MSC 304  American Military History  (3)  
The evolution of warfare and the military in America's past. Required for commissioning.
MSC 305  Cadet Summer Training-Advanced Camp  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): MSC 301, 302, 303, and/or the approval of the Department Head.

Students fly to Fort Lewis, Washington to attend LDAC. During the five-week course, a student's basic military, organizational, communications, and leadership skills are evaluated as they interact with ROTC cadets from colleges and universities across the nation. Travel and living expenses are paid by the Department of the Army. No fee.
MSC 307  Training Management and the Warfighting Functions Lab  (2)  
Students learn small unit military tactics/operations. Students apply theory taught in MSC 301 and 302 while leading their peers in small unit operations. Students learn planning skills and are evaluated in their ability to plan activities and organize their peers to execute the events. Oral and written communication skills are stressed and evaluated. Students participate in physical fitness activities three hours each week to gain aerobic and muscular fitness. Lab is focused on preparation for the Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC).
MSC 308  Applied Leadership in Small Unit Operations Lab  (2)  
Students learn small unit military tactics/operations. Students apply theory taught in MSC 301 and 302 while leading their peers in small unit operations. Students learn planning skills and are evaluated in their ability to plan activities and organize their peers to execute the events. Oral and written communication skills are stressed and evaluated. Students participate in physical fitness activities three hours each week to gain aerobic and muscular fitness. Lab is focused on preparation for the Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC).
MSC 401  The Army Officer  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): Approval of the Department Head.

Corequisite(s): MSC 401 Lab required.

Lectrure: An examination of advanced leadership theory. In depth analysis of professionalism, ethical decision making, learning in organizations, the role of communications, and hierarchical staff functions. (2). Lab: Application of Leadership Theory in the organizational setting. Consists of role playing, problem solving, decision making, and application using practical situations.
MSC 402  Company Grade Leadership  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): Approval of the Department Head.

Corequisite(s): MSC 408 Lab required.

Lecture: Course provides in-depth analysis of the role of law in the conduct of Army operations, personnel management, logistics management, and applied doctrine. (2). Lab: Application of Leadership Theory in the organizational setting. Consists of role playing, problem solving, decision making, and application using practical situations.
MSC 403  Seminar on Leadership  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): Approval of the Department Head.

A directed study of various themes in leadership theory. Application of leadership theory, problem solving, decision-making, risk-analysis and communicative skills to selected topics. Student are required to conduct an oral presentation of their selected theme. Course includes intern work, where the student acts as an assistant to a member of the staff.
MSC 407  The Army Officer Lab  (2)  
Application of leadership theory in the organizational setting. Consists of role playing, problem solving, decision making, and application using practical situations. Approval of the Professor of Miliary Science is required.
MSC 408  Company Grade Leadership Lab  (2)  
Application of leadership theory in the organizational setting. Consists of role playing, problem solving, decision making, and application using practical situations. Approval of the Professor of Miliary Science is required.

Assistant Professor

Sloughfy, Eric

Instructor

Culver, Joseph C.

Okimoto, Derek

Robertson, Paul