The Marshall University Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program, established at Marshall in September 1951, is open to both men and women. 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.

Two-Year Program

Students who have not taken the first two years of Military Science may gain credit by attending the Cadet Initial Entry Training (CIET) course (MS 251) at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Students are awarded six credit hours for this camp and are paid approximately $900 for attending the four week camp. The Cadet Initial Entry Training (CIET) is the premier leadership program of its kind in the United States. An intense four-week introduction to Army life and leadership training of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, the aim of the course is to motivate and qualify cadets for entry into the Senior ROTC program. Students interested in the two-year program should contact the military science department. Also, qualified veterans and students who have had junior ROTC in high school may be awarded credit for the first two years of ROTC.

Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in ROTC, an applicant must be a regularly enrolled full-time student capable of participating in a normal college physical education program. To progress to the Advanced Course, 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. Members of the Army Reserve and National Guard may enroll in Military Science classes and receive a commission.

Course Requirements

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 (depending on MS level) 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. Students who attain a high standard of academic and military achievement will be given the opportunity to accept an active duty commission with beginning salary of over $70,000 per year.