Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)

I. Major Interest subjects required for commissioning

E. Total Units (20-34 units)

Professional Military Education (PME) Requirements

Contracted ROTC cadets are required to complete one course from each of five designated fields of studies: written communications, military history, human behavior, computer literacy and math reasoning. Visit the department office for further information.

Program Objective

The overall objective of the ROTC program is to develop in the student/cadet– through both classroom theory and practical application–the necessary traits, knowledge, proficiency and experience in order to be commissioned as an officer in the United States Army. The candidate’s course of study includes a broad educational base, including academic subjects of particular value in both civilian and military pursuits. Student/cadets develop expertise in the following subject areas:

1. general knowledge of the historical development of the United States Army and its role in support of national objectives;
2. working knowledge of general organizational structure and how the various components of an organization operate as a team in the fulfillment of overall objectives;
3. strong understanding of personal integrity, honor, and individual responsibility;
4. knowledge of the human relationships involved in an organization and an understanding of the responsibilities of military service assignments;
5. the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
6. sufficient knowledge of military life to ensure a smooth transition from the normal civilian environment.

The curriculum is designed to prepare the student for military service.

Program Description

The Military Science Department offers an academically challenging and practical curriculum which can be completed in eight semesters or a compressed program of either four or six semesters. The military science curriculum is intended to supplement the university’s baccalaureate or postgraduate studies. The Army is prepared to award a commission to any deserving student based on both ROTC and academic achievement upon graduation.

The scope of the military science curriculum is oriented toward developing the best all-around student who demonstrates leadership and managerial skill, reacts well under pressure and understands general military subjects. Student/cadets attend classroom conferences and a leadership laboratory program.

The leadership laboratory program provides academic credit and is an essential gauge in evaluating the student as a prospective second lieutenant. In the freshman and sophomore years, the leadership laboratory is an introduction to the skills required in the Army. The first two years of the ROTC program are called the Basic Program. Participation in these first two years incurs no military obligation. Practical exercise and hands-on training are emphasized. Subject areas include, but are not limited to: map reading, weapons familiarization; and familiarization with tactics, and leader reaction courses. However, some students may be prohibited from participating in practical exercises and other hands-on training, if the Professor of Military Science determines that these students do not meet the Army’s commissioning criteria. Such students would only be allowed to attend classroom instruction, but would receive full academic credit for their work.

The advanced program is only offered to those students who meet the Army’s commissioning criteria, and are either a progression cadet or have attended the Basic Camp. Participation in the second two years incurs a military obligation.

Junior-year leadership laboratory involves individual leadership training, drill and ceremonies, and field exercises. During the senior year, students perform actual military duties within the Military Science Department.

Basic Program

Freshmen (MIL 101-102): Introduction to the organization, mission, history and functions of each of the armed services, the Reserve, National Guard and the ROTC; familiarization with the combat and support role of squad-size units; knowledge of basic individual weaponry; basic leadership concepts and an understanding of the objectives and instruments of national power strategy and security.

Sophomores (MIL 201-202): Knowledge of the principles of small unit leadership with an emphasis on map reading, tactics and management at the squad level.

Advanced Program

Juniors or selected graduate students (MIL 301-302): Development of individual leadership qualities and capabilities through a study of effective leadership traits; examples of instruction methods; development of an appreciation of combat at squad and platoon levels, techniques of command, control, and management at all levels; attendance at the Army-funded, six-week, advanced summer camp immediately after spring semester (usually between the student’s junior and senior years.)

Seniors or selected graduate students (MIL 401-402): Seminar on the organization, mission, functions, and capabilities of company and smaller units and a discussion of the interrelationships of the combined arms team; study of the numerous administrative and logistical problems that confront leaders at platoon and company level; and introduction to military law.

The advanced course is open to pre-approved undergraduate and graduate students with at least four remaining semesters as full-time students. Students who successfully complete the basic program or the five-week ROTC basic summer camp, may apply for admission into the advanced program.

The basic summer camp is normally scheduled after the student’s sophomore year or during the summer preceding the student’s final four semesters at the university. The basic summer camp substitutes for the basic program and is geared for students who join the ROTC program late and wish to finish the curriculum in four semesters (two years).

As part of the advanced program, the student enters into a contract with the Army whereby the individual agrees, contingent upon continued university enrollment, to complete the ROTC program (including advanced summer camp) and to accept a commission, if offered, upon completion of the degree program. To be eligible for commissioning, a student must earn at least a baccalaureate degree.

To gain acceptance into the advanced program, a student must:

1. Be a citizen of the United States and be regularly enrolled as a full-time student at the university.
2. Be able to complete the course, graduate and be commissioned prior to the 30th birthday. (May be waived; see department for details.)
3. Have successfully completed such survey and screening tests as may be prescribed.
4. Have successfully passed a prescribed physical examination.
5. Be selected by the Professor of Military Science.
6. Have executed a written contract with the United States government.

Volunteer Extracurricular Activities

Ranger Challenge– A highly competitive organization that provides additional military training for students who are preparing to become Combat Arms Officers. The Wolf Pack Ranger Challenge Team competes annually against teams from other colleges and universities in the western United States.

Sierra Guard– The Sierra Guard is highly regarded for its professional competence and esprit de corps. The Sierra Guard presents the national and state colors at all Wolf Pack home football games, as well as other formal university functions. Additionally, the Sierra Guard is the formal escort for the Fremont Cannon and provides the cannon firing detachment for the ROTC department.

Financial Assistance

In the basic program, students receive no pay unless they have ROTC scholarships. Students awarded two-, three- and four-year ROTC scholarships by the Department of the Army receive a $250.00 -$300.00 per month subsistence stipend while enrolled in school (10 months per year maximum), as well as payment for tuition, fees, and to assist in paying for books.

All other students formally enrolled in the advanced course are paid a $350.00- $500.00 per month subsistence stipend while enrolled in school, not to exceed a total of 20 months. Students are paid one-half of the base pay of a second lieutenant while attending the five-week summer camp training plus travel pay to and from summer camp. The Military Science Department has a limited number of in-state and out-of-state fee waivers available each semester for students requiring financial assistance. Additionally, the Nevada Army National Guard pays 100% of the credit costs and 100% of book costs for students who elect to serve simultaneously in the Nevada Army National Guard and in advanced ROTC.

Textbooks, Uniforms and Equipment

The U. S. government provides students in the basic program with required textbooks, uniform and equipment.

Students in the advanced program, in addition to receiving the monthly stipend and instructional equipment at government expense, are provided with an officer-type uniform. ROTC students may purchase the uniform upon commissioning.