Military Science and Leadership

LTC Decker B. Hains, Chair
Main Office: Activity Therapy Building
Telephone: (269) 387-8120
Fax: (269) 387-8112

Mr. Brett E. Johnson
Mrs. Cris Obreiter
Mr. Jeffary Hoose
Mr. Kenneth Gaylor
Mr. Steve Price
Mr. Aaron Strong
Mr. Eric Deuker
Mr. Anthony Strong
Mr. Benjamin Carter
Mr. Scott Sinclair

The Department of Military Science and Leadership 1000 and 2000 level courses are open to all University students. Courses are intended to develop responsibility, individual confidence, leadership and tactical skills, and to broaden students’ knowledge of the role of the military in society. The department offers a four-year and a two-year Military Science and Leadership program, which can lead to an officer’s commission in the Army Reserve, Army National Guard, or Regular Army upon successful completion of the program. ROTC scholarships are available to highly qualified students.

The chair of the department and all instructors are officers or noncommissioned officers of the United States Army assigned or contracted to the department by permission of the University. They administer the Military Science and Leadership program and conduct all classes offered by the department. The government provides uniforms for all Advanced Course students as well as additional financial assistance for students in the last two years of the program.

Career Opportunities

Army ROTC increases opportunities for students by providing options and developing leadership potential for a civilian and/or military career. To enter the Advanced Course, a student agrees to finish the ROTC instruction, then accept a commission as a second lieutenant and an assignment in either active or reserve forces duty.

The active duty career option is usually a minimum of three years for non-scholarship students and assignment to a leadership position similar to the junior management level in the civilian sector. Scholarship students generally have longer active duty commitments. Scholarship students generally have longer active duty commitments. Starting salary for a second lieutenant on active duty is approximately $46,500, plus benefits.

The reserve forces career option combines the benefits of a civilian job with the leadership and management experience gained in the Army Reserve or National Guard. The reserve forces obligation is three to six months on active duty attending the Basic Officer Leader Course and the remainder of an eight-year obligation in the reserve forces.

ROTC Admission Requirements

The 1000 and 2000 level ROTC courses are open to all University students with no military obligation as participating students.

To be eligible to enter into the Advanced Course (Commissioning Program) and take 3000 and 4000 level ROTC courses students must be a full time student; be a U.S. Citizen; be not more than 31 years of age at the time of commissioning; have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0; not be a single parent; satisfy the Basic Course requirements either through attendance at ROTC Leader’s Training Course, prior military service, or successfully passing all Basic Course (1000 and 2000 level ROTC courses) academic requirements; be able to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test; be of good character as evidenced by no record of disciplinary problems or civil convictions; not be an alcohol abuser or drug user; and pass a military medical examination.

Scholarships

Army ROTC has one of the largest scholarship programs in the nation.

Awards are competitively based on ability, not on income. ROTC scholarships are offered for two, three, and four years. Four-year scholarships are awarded to incoming college freshman. Three-year and two-year scholarships are awarded to students already enrolled in the university. It is not a requirement to be enrolled in ROTC to compete for a scholarship.

ROTC scholarships pay for full tuition at WMU and provide $1200 annually for books and fees. They also provide between $3,000 and $5,000 annually (depending on academic standing) living stipend. Nursing scholarships are available which cover all of the above plus pay for select nursing fees. Additionally, WMU may provide Army ROTC scholarship winners with a supplemental allocation up to $3,500.

Facilities

The department is located in the Activity Therapy Building adjacent to the College of health and Human Services and features two drill halls, classroom facilities, a computer lab, a weapons simulator, and supply facilities. Leadership labs are conducted in the field areas near the department’s building. The department also operates the Rappel Tower located on campus and field training also conducted at Fort Custer Army Reserve Training Center near Augusta, Michigan.

More information about the ROTC program is available at the ROTC office in the Activity Therapy Building or by calling (269) 387-8120 or (269) 387-8122.