Military Science Program

Military Science is the US Army ROTC program offered at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Its objective is:

to attract, motivate, prepare, graduate and commission students with leadership potential to serve as commissioned officers in the Regular Army or the US Army Reserve and National Guard components;
to provide an understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of Military Science;
to develop leadership and managerial skills;
to develop a basic understanding of associated professional knowledge with a strong sense of personal integrity, honor, and individual responsibility; and
to develop an appreciation of the requirements for national security.

Through Military Science classes and the ROTC program, the student who desires a commission may earn one while pursuing a degree.

The Reserve Officers Training Corps is a cooperative effort contractually agreed to by the Army and the University of Nebraska as a means of providing junior officer leadership in the interests of national security. It ensures that students educated in a broad spectrum of American institutions of higher learning are commissioned annually in the Army officer corps.

At the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Military Science is an elective program that a student may schedule in the same manner as any other elective course. The four-year program consists of a basic course, taken during the freshman and sophomore years, and an advanced course, taken during the junior and senior years. Academic credits earned may apply toward the student's degree, depending on the discipline. The program provides leadership training designed to qualify graduates for civilian careers in executive and management positions, or as commissioned officers in the US Army. The ROTC program promotes the mental, physical, moral, and leadership development of students.

Financial Assistance

Four-year ROTC scholarships are offered on a competitive basis through a national selection board process to high school seniors who plan to attend the University of Nebraska at Kearney and enroll in ROTC. Two-year to 3.5-year scholarships are available to qualified full-time undergraduate students actively participating in ROTC. Each scholarship could cover the cost of tuition or be used for room and housing (worth $5,000 per semester). A stipend of $600 (tax-free; you keep the leftover money) per semester will be awarded for books and supplies to scholarship cadets also. Lastly, all contracted cadets will receive an allowance of $420 per month (tax free) for the school year

In addition, a sum of approximately $850 is received while attending Advance Camp. Contact the department chair for further information regarding scholarships.

Obligations

ROTC graduates incur one of several obligations. As commissioned officers, they may serve in a part-time status in the National Guard or Reserve component for 6 to 8 years. A second option is to serve on active duty followed by service in the Reserve Forces for a total service of eight years. The third option is to become a Regular Army officer for 3 to 4 years.

Curriculum

Military Science is not an academic major. Students earn commissions at the same time they earn an academic degree in any discipline of their choice. Credits earned through the Army ROTC program may apply toward a student's bachelor's degree. The curriculum cuts across conventional subject boundaries and becomes interdisciplinary. It encourages reflective thinking, goal seeking, and problem solving.

Basic and advanced courses in Military Science are listed each semester in the University's Schedule of Classes. In the basic course, students earn from 1 to 2 credit hours each semester; in the advanced course, 3 credit hours each semester. A total of 24 credit hours can be earned over the four academic years. Uniforms, textbooks, and equipment are furnished at no cost to the student.

Leadership Training

Leadership training is required each semester as part of the Military Science curriculum. This training is accomplished through a leadership laboratory conducted two hours each week and one field training exercise each semester.

In the basic course, an understanding of teamwork and leadership techniques is developed. This foundation in leadership is enhanced through practical application in rappelling, land navigation and map reading, marksmanship, personal defense activities, survival swimming, military weapons training, drill and ceremony, leader reaction exercises, and simulated small unit tactical exercises in field situations.

Advanced course students plan, organize, and conduct the basic course leadership training program, field exercises, and enrichment activities. Leadership and managerial skills are further developed through these activities.

Enrollment in Military Science

Military Science academic (basic) courses may be taken for credit by any University of Nebraska at Kearney student with United States Citizenship. Military Science advanced courses may only be taken by students who have contracted to earn a commission.

Students register for Military Science courses in the same manner as for any other accredited University course.

Credit for Military Science

Students who have completed initial entry training in one of the armed services, Army Reserves, or Army National Guard, or attended one of the service academies may be granted partial or full credit for the basic course and enrolled in the advanced course. Additional credit for active military service or academy attendance may be granted by the Professor of Military Science.

ROTC credit earned at other universities or colleges is transferable to the University of Nebraska. Students who have participated in junior ROTC in high school for three years may be granted credit for the basic course and enrolled in the advanced course. Some credit is authorized for less than three years in junior ROTC upon review by the Professor of Military Science.

Obligations

There is no service obligation incurred by taking ROTC in the freshman or sophomore year (basic course). If selected for and enrolled in the advanced course, the student will sign a contract with the U.S. government to complete the remaining two years of ROTC and to accept a commission as a second lieutenant, if offered, upon graduation and completion of ROTC program.

ROTC graduates incur one of several obligations. As commissioned officers, they may serve on active duty for a minimum period of three months for branch qualification and the remainder of eight years in an active Reserve component. A second option is to serve on active duty followed by service in the Reserve Forces for a total service of eight years. The third option is to become a Regular Army officer.

Advanced Camp

Advanced course students must attend Advanced Camp, normally during the summer between their junior and senior year. At the discretion of the Professor of Military Science, attendance may be postponed until the end of the advanced course.

Advanced Camp consists of practical application of instruction that has been given by the ROTC program at the University. Students are placed in rotational leadership positions and lead others in the practice of land navigation, and employ the tactics they have learned. Cadets are evaluated in a variety of potentially stressful leadership situations. Leadership is emphasized. Students are paid travel expenses to and from the course and, in addition, receive pay of approximately $850 while there. All accommodations, clothing, and food are furnished.

Two-year Program

This program accommodates students already enrolled at or transferring to the University of Nebraska who have not taken the basic course. Students enrolled in the two-year program may select one of several options. The first and best option is to successfully complete Basic Camp (BC) during the summer before entering the advanced course. Students are paid travel expenses to and from BC. They receive approximately $850 in pay and free room and board. No military or ROTC obligation is incurred by BC attendance. A second option is to take both the first-year and second year basic course programs at the same time. Any one of these options substitutes for the two-year basic course program. Upon entering the advanced course the two-year student takes the same curriculum as all other advanced course students.

Supplementary Programs

Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)

Provisions of SMP permit full-time college students with two and, on a case-by-case basis three, years of college remaining to actively participate concurrently in the ROTC advanced course and a National Guard or Army Reserve unit.

Once accepted into the program, the students enroll in Army ROTC courses along with those courses required for degree completion. The students meet with the National Guard or Army Reserve one weekend each month and serve as a non-deployable officer trainee with a minimum pay grade of E-5 or higher and earn approximately $210. In addition, they are eligible for 100% tuition coverage and can earn a scholarship the same as any other cadet. The $420 monthly allowance for regular contracted cadets is still received from ROTC tax free. Participation in SMP will not interfere with other college assistance students may be receiving.

Upon successful completion of the training program and graduation, students will be eligible for a commission as a second lieutenant in the active Army, Army Reserve, or National Guard.

Airborne/Air Assault/Northern Warfare/Mountain Warfare Schools

Interested and qualified cadets may volunteer for these summer schools which take place on active army posts. These are taken for increased professional development.

Cadet Troop Leader Training (CTLT)

For selected advanced course cadets, three to four weeks of supplementary training are available in a junior officer position within an active Army unit after attending the Leader Development and Assessment Course. Selectees are given experience with command, training, administrative, and logistical functions of a company-level unit, and exposure to the on-duty and off-duty environment of junior officers.

Extracurricular Activity Programs

Ranger Challenge Team, Ranger Company, Antelope Artillery, and Color Guard offer activities to enhance social, professional, and fellowship opportunities while attending the University.

The minor in Military Science is available for students pursuing majors in other disciplines.

Military Science (MLSC)

Course Descriptions (Per Subject)

MLSC 101 – Foundations of Officership 1 credit hour

This course addresses the issues and competencies central to a commissioned officer's core responsibilities and to leadership in general. Life skills that are addressed specifically are values, physical fitness, time management, stress management and decision making processes. (Military membership is not required nor is any military obligation incurred.) MLSC 101L is required with this course.
Department Consent Required
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Corequisite: MLSC 101L.

MLSC 101L – Leadership Laboratory I 1 credit hour

This lab provides challenging, hands on learning environment through practical exercises and activities in military officership skill development. Students will develop confidence and learn the importance of teamwork in goal accomplishment. Activities may include rappelling, land navigation and map reading, rifle marksmanship, survival training, personal defense, survival swimming, military weapons, military drill, and first aid. (Military membership is not required nor is any military obligation incurred.)
Corequisite: MLSC 101.

MLSC 102 – Basic Leadership 1 credit hour

This course is a study of the foundations of leadership. Students will gain an understanding of problem solving, communications, military briefings, effective writing, goal setting, physical well-being, and techniques for improving listening, speaking and counseling. (Military membership is not required nor is any military obligation incurred.) MLSC 102L is required with this course.
Prerequisite: MLSC 101 or permission of instructor.
Corequisite: MLSC 102L

MLSC 102L – Leadership Laboratory II 1 credit hour

This lab allows students to observe and participate in challenging, hands on learning environment through practical exercises and activities in military officership skill development. Students will develop confidence and learn the importance of teamwork in goal accomplishment. Activities may include land navigation and map reading, survival training, personal defense, military weapons, military drill, first aid, tactics, and squad level exercises. (Military membership is not required nor is any military obligation incurred.)
Corequisite: MLSC 102.

MLSC 201 – Individual Leadership Studies 2 credit hours

This course is a study of the functions, duties and responsibilities of junior leaders through the assignment of team leader positions within the cadet corps chain of command. Emphasis is on the application of leadership skills in both military and civilian leadership roles. Leadership skills including communications, effective writing, leadership core competencies, military briefings, advanced land navigation and map reading, and leadership styles are addressed. (Military membership is not required nor is any military obligation incurred.) MLSC 201L is required with this course.
Prerequisite: MLSC 101 or MLSC 102 or permission of instructor.
Corequisite: MLSC 201L.

MLSC 201L – Leadership Laboratory III 1 credit hour

Second year leadership lab continues the development of confidence, military skills, and a sense of teamwork. Students will be assigned junior leadership roles within the cadet corps chain of command for practical experience on activities and exercises.
Corequisite: MLSC 201.

MLSC 202 – Leadership and Teamwork 2 credit hours

A study of the fundamental leadership techniques used to build effective teams. Activities and study will center of the role of the commissioned officer and non-commissioned officer in leadership. This course will also include the study of effective communications within groups, creativity in problem solving and how to motivate subordinates and peers. These skills will be applied in the context of military environments such as Army tactics, squad level exercises, team level exercises and land navigation and map reading. All students will be evaluated on leadership skills in a mentoring environment for further development. (Military membership is not required nor is any military obligation incurred.)
Prerequisite: MLSC 201 or permission of instructor

MLSC 202L – Leadership Laboratory IV 1 credit hour

Second-year leadership laboratory continues to be the development of confidence, military skills and a sense of teamwork. Maybe selected to fill leadership positions in the cadet corps. The variety of activities parallels those during the first year of the laboratory. (Military membership is not required nor is any military obligation incurred).
Total Credits Allowed: 2.00
Corequisite: MLSC 202.

MLSC 301 – Leadership and Problem Solving 2 credit hours

Conduct self-assessments of leadership style, develop a personal fitness regimen, and plan and conduct individual/small unit tactical training, while testing reasoning and problem solving techniques. Direct feedback on leadership abilities.
Department Consent Required
Total Credits Allowed: 4.00

MLSC 301L – Leadership Laboratory V 1 credit hour

This leadership laboratory consist of placement in leadership positions within the cadet corps organization, providing a greater challenge while building on the confidence and skills developed during the MLSC 101, 102, 201, 202. Concentration of physical conditioning and the furthering of military skills development particularly with respect to small unit tactics and individual military weapons. Practical exercises in preparation for summer Cadet Leader Course and leadership responsibilities of the final year.
Total Credits Allowed: 2.00
Corequisite: MLSC 301

MLSC 302 – Leadership and Ethics 2 credit hours

This course will use advanced small unit operations and tactical communications to improve student leadership skills. Students will explore the role of communications, values, and ethics in effective leadership. Students will also investigate ethical decision making, consideration of others, spirituality in the military and Army leadership doctrine. Additionally, students will improve written and oral communications by preparing and issuing operations orders and will receive direct feedback on leadership abilities.
Total Credits Allowed: 4.00
Prerequisite: MLSC 301 or permission of instructor

MLSC 302L – Leadership Laboratory VI 1 credit hour

This leadership laboratory consist of placement in leadership positions within the cadet corps organization, providing a greater challenge while building on the confidence and skills developed during the MLSC 101, 102, 201, 202, 301. Concentration of physical conditioning and the furthering of military skills development particularly with respect to small unit tactics and individual military weapons. Practical exercises in preparation for summer Cadet Leader Course or “Advanced Camp” and leadership responsibilities of the final year.
Total Credits Allowed: 2.00
Corequisite: MLSC 302.

MLSC 336 – ROTC Internship 6 credit hours

This course grants academic credit for participation at Advanced Camp at Fort Knox, KY. Advanced Camp consists of practical application of cadet leadership and academic knowledge. First aid, survival training, and physical conditioning techniques are also evaluated in a military environment using equipment and resources not available on campus. Advanced Camp is conducted during the summer session and lasts four weeks.
Department Consent Required

MLSC 399 – Independent Study 1-3 credit hours

Academic credit can also be earned by successful completion of four weeks of summer leadership training at the Cadet Initial Entry Training or “Basic Camp”. Opportunities may also be given on campus to expand study of the Army beyond the levels presented in programmed courses. Studies may approach military leadership, military history or contemporary issues from a broad perspective or more narrowly defined in-depth analysis.
Department Consent Required
Total Credits Allowed: 6.00

MLSC 401 – Developing Adaptive Leaders 2 credit hours

This course develops the student and his/her proficiencies in planning and executing complex operations, functioning as a member of a battalion staff and mentoring subordinates. The course focuses on training management, methods of effective staff collaboration, and developmental counseling techniques. Professionalism and ethics provide the student with opportunities to assess risk and make ethical decisions.
Prerequisite: MLSC 302

MLSC 401L – Leadership Laboratory VII 1 credit hour

This leadership laboratory provides the opportunity to practice leadership and manager skills through practical application. Leadership laboratory programs are developed, planned, and conducted by the students registered in this laboratory.
Total Credits Allowed: 2.00
Corequisite: MLSC 401.

MLSC 402 – Leadership in a Complex World 2 credit hours

This course includes case study analysis of military law and practical exercises in establishing an ethical command climate. Students will complete a semester-long Senior Leadership Project that requires: planning, organizing, collaborating, analyzing and demonstrating leadership skills. This course will prepare the stduent for Basic Officer Leader Courses II & III and for leadership in complex situations in the contemporary operating environment.
Prerequisite: MLSC 401

MLSC 402L – Leadership Laboratory VIII 1 credit hour

MLSC 499 – Independent Study 1-3 credit hours

Academic credit can also be earned by successful completion of professional development programs such as Airborne, Air Assault, Northern Warfare, Mountain Warfare or Cadet Troop Leading Training. Opportunity to expand study of the Army beyond the levels presented in programmed courses. Studies may approach military leadership, military history or contemporary issues from a broad perspective or more narrowly defined in-depth analysis.
Department Consent Required
Total Credits Allowed: 6.00

Military Science (MLSC)

MLSC 101 – Foundations of Officership 1 credit hour

MLSC 101L – Leadership Laboratory I 1 credit hour

MLSC 102 – Basic Leadership 1 credit hour

MLSC 102L – Leadership Laboratory II 1 credit hour

MLSC 201 – Individual Leadership Studies 2 credit hours

MLSC 201L – Leadership Laboratory III 1 credit hour

MLSC 202 – Leadership and Teamwork 2 credit hours

MLSC 202L – Leadership Laboratory IV 1 credit hour

MLSC 301 – Leadership and Problem Solving 2 credit hours

MLSC 301L – Leadership Laboratory V 1 credit hour

This leadership laboratory consist of placement in leadership positions within the cadet corps organization, providing a greater challenge while building on the confidence and skills developed during the MLSC 101, 102, 201, 202. Concentration of physical conditioning and the furthering of military skills development particularly with respect to small unit tactics and individual military weapons. Practical exercises in preparation for summer Leadership Development and Assessment Course and leadership responsibilities of the final year.
Total Credits Allowed: 2.00
Corequisite: MLSC 301

MLSC 302 – Leadership and Ethics 2 credit hours

MLSC 302L – Leadership Laboratory VI 1 credit hour

This leadership laboratory consist of placement in leadership positions within the cadet corps organization, providing a greater challenge while building on the confidence and skills developed during the MLSC 101, 102, 201, 202, 301. Concentration of physical conditioning and the furthering of military skills development particularly with respect to small unit tactics and individual military weapons. Practical exercises in preparation for summer Cadet Leader Course or Advanced Camp and leadership responsibilities of the final year.
Total Credits Allowed: 2.00
Corequisite: MLSC 302.

MLSC 336 – ROTC Internship 6 credit hours

MLSC 399 – Independent Study 1-3 credit hours

Academic credit can also be earned by successful completion of four weeks of summer leadership training at the Cadet Initial Entry Training or Basic Camp. Opportunities may also be given on campus to expand study of the Army beyond the levels presented in programmed courses. Studies may approach military leadership, military history or contemporary issues from a broad perspective or more narrowly defined in-depth analysis.
Department Consent Required
Total Credits Allowed: 6.00

MLSC 401 – Developing Adaptive Leaders 2 credit hours

MLSC 401L – Leadership Laboratory VII 1 credit hour

MLSC 402 – Leadership in a Complex World 2 credit hours

MLSC 402L – Leadership Laboratory VIII 1 credit hour

MLSC 499 – Independent Study 1-3 credit hours