• Contacts: rotc@marshall.edu
• Location: Gullickson Hall, Room 217
• Telephone: 304-696-6450

Department of Military Science

The Marshall University Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program, established at Marshall in September 1951, is open to all students. The objective of this program is to produce creative and adaptable leaders of character capable of service as commissioned officers in the U.S Army’s active and reserve forces. It provides a basic military education that, in conjunction with other college disciplines, develops the attributes essential for successful executive performance. Individuals who successfully complete all of the training may be commissioned in the United States Army, the United States Army Reserve or the National Guard upon graduation from the university.

Eligibility

To enroll in a 100 or 200 level ROTC course, an applicant must be a regularly enrolled full-time student capable of participating in a normal college physical education program. To progress to the 300/400 level of ROTC classes, students must meet several requirements, including age, physical condition, and moral standards; have a 2.0 overall Grade Point Average, and be entering their junior year of college. These students incur military obligation after college. While generally a four-year program, ROTC has options for students with as little as 2 years of college remaining as well as a program for current members of the National Guard and Army Reserves.

Curriculum
The ROTC Program is divided into two parts - the Basic Course and the Advanced Course. The Basic Course (MS I and MS II) consists of 100- and 200-level Military Science classes and is designed primarily for freshman and sophomore students. Students do not incur any military obligation for participating in the Basic Course. The Advanced Course (MS III and MS IV) consists of 300- and 400-level Military Science classes and is reserved for junior, senior and graduate students. The Advanced Course enrollment requires approval of the Professor of Military Science. Upon contracting, students incur a military obligation and begin receiving a monthly stipend of $420 in addition to any scholarship benefits.

The Military Science curriculum can be taken in conjunction with any of the four-year university degree programs and may be applied toward graduation requirements as electives. Additionally, Advanced Course completion is a recognized academic minor in Military Science and Leadership.

Military Science Extracurricular Activities
In addition to ROTC classes, the Military Science Department offers unique opportunities in various activities. These activities are designed to create new and lasting friendships as well as to develop leadership skills. The extracurricular activities are: the Color Guard, Intramural Sports, and Ranger Challenge Team (the varsity sport of Cadet Command).

Summer Training Opportunities
ROTC offers training opportunities to broaden experience and leadership. These include, but are not limited to, the Basic Airborne Course, Air Assault Course, and Cadet Troop Leadership Training. Some of these programs are conducted outside of the continental United States and with foreign countries. All programs are competitive and require the approval of the Professor of Military Science. 

Ranger Challenge
This Cadet Command Varsity Sport challenges students to become better leaders and hone such Army skills as marksmanship, land navigation/orienteering, rope bridge, hand grenades, patrolling, physical fitness, and ruck marching. Winning teams will have the opportunity to compete at the prestigious Sandhurst Competition at West Point Military Academy.

Scholarships and Allowances
Scholarships are available for two, three or four years. Scholarships are competitive, and if awarded, pay tuition and fees or $6,000 cash payment per semester and a $600 per semester book allowance. All Contracted Cadets receive a tax-free subsistence allowance each month. All uniforms and equipment are furnished at no cost to students.

For further information, contact the Military Science Department, Room 217, Gullickson Hall, or call 304-696-6450.