Military Science Minor

Affiliation: School of Social & Cultural Studies

Students enrolled in Military Science can earn a Military Science Minor and can be members of the U.S. Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Successful completion of ROTC and the earning of a bachelor’s (or master’s) degree, can lead to an officer’s commission in the United States Army, Army Reserve, or National Guard. All Truman academic majors can participate in ROTC.

GOALS

Army ROTC is a national program to attract, motivate, and prepare selected men and women with leadership potential, personal integrity, physical fitness, patriotism, and dedication for service as commissioned officers in the Active Army, U.S. Army Reserve, or National Guard. Military Science develops student leadership, ethics, and personal skills; reinforces a student’s sense of honor and personal responsibility; enhances communication and decision-making skills; and increases awareness of national defense issues. 

PROGRAMS OFFERED

Leadership, management, and adventure experiences are common to each Military Science program.

1. Four-year progression programs. Open to all freshmen students of good moral character. The freshmen- and sophomore-level courses do not obligate the student to the ROTC or military service.
2. Lateral entry programs. Available for students who have completed their freshman/sophomore year of college. Most students eligible for this program attend a four-week Leaders Training Course (LTC) prior to entering the MS 300 level course. This course provides placement credits for MS 100, MS 101, MS 200, and MS 201 military science courses and 7 credit hours toward graduation.
3. Nursing students. Nursing students may participate in either the four-year or two-year Nursing program. All Nursing students may participate in the Nurse Summer Training Program (NSTP) during the summer between their junior and senior year. The NSTP is a clinically focused practicum designed to provide Nursing students valuable clinical experience and further refine leadership, clinical and administrative nursing skills alongside an Army Nurse Corps officer. All Nursing students who complete either the two- or four-year Nursing program receive a commission as an officer in the Army Nurse Corps.
4. Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP). Students who are members of the U.S. Army Reserve or National Guard may receive placement credit for MS 100, MS 101, MS 200, and MS 201 and enrollment in the MS 300-level courses provided they meet all other conditions for enrollment. SMP students remain with their Reserve or Guard unit and receive Sergeant’s pay of $279 per month, plus the Montgomery GI Bill benefit of $333 per month, Montgomery GI Bill Kicker of $350 per month and up to 100% tuition assistance while simultaneously participating as an ROTC cadet at Truman and receiving an additional $350 per month ROTC subsistence allowance. Two- and four-year non-ROTC scholarship students may also participate in the SMP once enrolled in MS 300 and are accepted for enlistment in the Army Reserve or National Guard.
5. Veterans. Military veterans may be allowed placement credit for MS 100, MS 101, MS 200, and MS 201 and enrollment in the MS 300-level courses, provided they meet all other conditions for enrollment in the ROTC Program.
6. Junior ROTC graduates. Graduates of Junior ROTC programs in high school, junior college, or military schools may be given placement credit for MS 100, MS 101, MS 200, and MS 201 and can be enrolled in the MS 300-level courses, provided they meet all other conditions for enrollment in the ROTC program.

ARMY ROTC BENEFITS

The Army ROTC program at Truman offers students many benefits. Major ones are:

1. Opportunity for a challenging, important, and well-paid job at graduation in one of many professional fields. Army officers, after initial schooling, are given challenging leadership assignments in student selected fields at home or abroad. Starting compensation is approximately $43,000 per year with annual salary increases and continual opportunities for advancement.
2. College financial benefits. Students accepted into the Advanced Program (MS III and IV) of Army ROTC receive approximately $8,500 ($450-$500 per month for 20 months, plus pay and transportation expenses for the 4-week summer training session).
3. Scholarships. Qualifying students are eligible to compete for two- and three-year ROTC scholarships. These scholarships can provide full tuition, a $600 per semester textbook allowance, lab fees, and miscellaneous educational expenses, plus pay a $300-$500 per month subsistence allowance. Four-year and Three-year Advance Designee ROTC Scholarship recipients may additionally qualify for University room and board incentives.
4. An option of two careers-civilian or military. Students receiving commissions as second lieutenants have the option of requesting four years active duty, or joining the U.S. Army Reserve or National Guard. Reserve Officers fulfill their military commitment by joining a unit near home or wherever they choose to live after graduation. Reserve or National Guard duty can be guaranteed prior to enrollment in MS 200 for most students desiring it.
5. Competitive salary and benefits. In addition to a competitive starting salary, military officers receive special tax incentives, free medical, 30 days a year paid vacation, and special reduced-price shopping facilities.
6. Training in leadership and personnel management. Regardless of a student’s area of study or interest, the ability to work effectively with people is a key to personal satisfaction, effective service, and career advancement. Military Science provides constant student leadership experiences that provide practice in planning, supervising, training, counseling, and decision making.
7. Opportunity for additional training and travel. Cadets can compete for additional military training throughout the United States and overseas. Once commissioned, many Army officers train and travel overseas. Additionally, space-available travel is possible on military aircraft worldwide.
8. Multiple extracurricular and social activities. The Military Science Department sponsors many Truman student activities. They include the University Color Guard, Cannoneers, Ranger Challenge Team, Recondo, Military Fraternity (Mu lota Lambda) and Sharpshooters.
9. A meaningful contribution to the defense of freedom and democracy by serving as an Officer in the United States Army.
10. Opportunities to earn an advanced degree with governmental assistance or at governmental expense.
11. Career opportunities in over 45 fields and specialties.

SPECIAL FACILITIES

The Department of Military Science operates the rappelling tower and the leaders’ reaction course, located near the University tennis courts. 

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT LABORATORIES

As a unique feature of the Military Science program, the Leadership Laboratories provide students valuable hands-on experience that complements class instruction and enhances leadership skills. Army combat uniforms are provided and worn to labs and field training exercises.