Military Science

LTC John Cyrulik, Chair
Main Office: Activity Therapy Building
Telephone: (269) 387-8120
Fax: (269) 387-8112

CAPT Calvin Bergenheier, Executive Officer
MAJ Jon Brunner
CPT Aaron Coombs (Grand Rapids Campus)
CPT Kenneth Gaylor
MAJ Jeffrey Gibson
CPT Jeffary Hoose
LTC (RET) Brett E. Johnson, Scholarship and Enrollment Officer
MSG David Mitchell
SFC Thomas Revette
SFC Kenneth Skibbe
SFC Dorthy Tissue, Michigan Army National Guard Recruiter
Mr. Darrel Donaldson, Huam Resource Assistant
Mr. Donald Johnson, Supply and Transporation Technician
Mr. Richard Rigsby, Human Resource Assistant (Grand Rapids Campus)
Mrs. Cris Obreiter, Office Associate

The Department of Military Science offers a four-year and a two-year Military Science program leading to an officer’s commission in the Army Reserve, Army National Guard, or Regular Army upon successful completion of the curricula. Freshman and sophomore courses are open to all University students. Courses are intended to develop leadership, individual confidence, values and tactical skills, and to broaden students’ knowledge of the role of the military in society. 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 program and conduct all classes offered by the department. The government provides uniforms for all students as well as additional financial assistance for students who contract into the program.

Career Opportunities

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

The active duty career option is usually three years for non-scholarship students, and assignment to a leadership position similar to the junior management level in the civilian sector. Starting salary for a second lieutenant on active duty is approximately $39,700, 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 a military branch school for the Officer Basic Course) and the remainder of an six-year obligation in the reserve forces.

ROTC Admission Requirements

Freshman and sophomore year Army ROTC courses are open to all University students with no military obligation.

In order to enter into the Advanced Course, 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 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 entrance physical exam.

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. Students incur a military obligation at the time they begin receiving scholarship benefits.

ROTC scholarships pay for fulfill tuition at WMU and provide $1200 annually for book expenses. They also provide between $3,000 and $5,000 annually (depending on academic year) as a 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 $3,000 for students living on campus.

Facilities

The department is located on Oakland Campus with a drill hall and classroom facilities. Additional training is also conducted at Fort Custer Army Reserve Training Center near Augusta, Michigan.

More information about the WMU Army ROTC program is available at the Bronco Battalion Headequarters on Oakland Campus in the AT Building. Appointments are arranged by calling (269) 387-8120 or (269) 387-8122.