2024-25 Academic Catalog

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps

Office: 1st Floor, Middleton Hall
Telephone: (662) 325-3503
www.armyrotc.msstate.edu
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5447, Mississippi State, MS 39762

LTC Posey, Maj. Bush, MSG Duran, SFC Proctor, Maj. Acevedo, Mr. Baker

Office: 2nd Floor, Middleton Hall
Telephone: (662) 325-3810
www.afrotc.msstate.edu
Mailing Address: P.O. Box AF, Mississippi State, MS 39762

Lieutenant Colonel Christopher S. Evans
Professor of Aerospace Studies

The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps is under the administrative and academic supervision of the College of Arts and Sciences. Army ROTC (Military Science) courses are indicated by the prefix MS; Air Force ROTC (Aerospace Studies) courses are indicated by the prefix AS. All ROTC courses are bona fide University courses. The total number of ROTC hours allowed as elective credit toward a specific degree varies. Most schools and colleges at the University accept six (6) or more hours of ROTC courses offered toward degrees conferred. The advanced ROTC courses are options for meeting social/behavioral science core requirements. A student should contact the appropriate college, school, or department to determine allowable ROTC course credit toward a particular degree.

Purposes and Objectives

The general objective of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps is to develop in each student:

  1. a basic understanding of associated professional knowledge necessary to be an officer in the US Armed Forces;
  2. a strong sense of personal integrity, individual responsibility and honor; and,
  3. an appreciation of the requirements of national security.
     

The Army ROTC Basic Course is designed to give the first and second year ROTC student an introduction to the Army and its career opportunities without incurring any obligation on the part of the student. The Advanced Course (third and fourth years) stresses the military skills and knowledge, and interpersonal skills required of commissioned officers of the Active Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard.

The Air Force ROTC General Military Course (GMC) is a two-year course normally taken during the freshman and sophomore years. The course covers two main themes - the development of air power and the contemporary Air Force and Space Force in the context of military organization. A student can enroll in the GMC without military obligation (unless on an AFROTC Scholarship). The Professional Officer Course (POC) is a two-year course of instruction, normally taken during the junior and senior years. The curriculum covers Air Force and Space Force leadership and management and American Defense Policy. A minor in Aerospace Studies is available to students completing the specified requirements in Air Force ROTC.

Army Program

Army Program

MS 1112Introduction to the Army2
MS 1122Foundations of Leadership2
MS 2113Leadership and Ethics3
MS 2123Army Doctrine and Decision Making3
MS 3114Training Management and Warfighting Functions4
MS 3124Applied Leadership in Small Unit Operations4
MS 4114The Army Officer4
MS 4124Company Grade Leadership4
Total Hours22

Professional Military Education (PME). In addition to the above, each cadet must complete, as a minimum, one university approved course in each of the following subject areas; Written Communication Skills, Human Behavior, American Military History (HI 4233), Computer Literacy, and Math Reasoning. The PME requirement is normally achieved by the cadet as part of a normal course of study. Students should coordinate with a Military Science instructor to determine a course of action to complete the PME requirement.

Requirements for commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army include thirty-three days at the Leadership Development Assessment Course (normally between the junior and senior years), completion of the Advanced Course, satisfactory academic progress, and the recommendation of the Professor of Military Science (PMS).

Entrance Requirements

Basic Course. The Army Basic Course is an elective course requiring only that the individual be a full time student and a legal U. S. citizen. ROTC credit hours earned at other universities are transferable.

Entrance into the Advanced Course is on a selective and competitive basis. The primary requirements for entry into the advanced program are satisfactory completion of the basic course or equivalent, good academic standing, demonstrated leadership ability, an approved physical examination and completion of 60 semester hours of college credit.

Two-Year Program. Equivalent credit for the basic course may be obtained by students with 54 semester hours of college credit or more for direct enrollment in the advanced course, based on any one of the following.

  1. Satisfactory completion of the four week Leader’s Training Course (LTC). LTC is an intensive 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. LTC is primarily intended for students who could not obtain the basic ROTC course during the freshman and sophomore years.
  2. at least 180 days of honorable service or active duty for training with the U.S. Armed Forces or Coast Guard.
  3. Substitute credit, which in varying amounts may be derived from attendance at service academies, junior ROTC courses, and National Defense Cadet Corps training.
  4. Successful completion of Basic Combat Training with the Army Reserve or the National Guard.
     

Interested students should consult the PMS during their first sophomore semester but not later than their junior year. Graduate students should apply prior to starting graduate work.

Simultaneous Membership program (SMP). Students who are members of a National Guard or Army Reserve unit may qualify for direct entry into the Army ROTC Advanced Course. Consult the PMS for additional information concerning the financial benefits of this program.

Summer Training

The Army Leader’s Training Course can be used by students desiring to enter the Advanced Course who are not eligible for advanced placement under any other process (e.g. Basic Course, veteran, four years of junior ROTC, completion of Basic Training, etc). The course is five weeks long and incurs no military obligation for attendance. The course is a substitute for the two year Basic Course. Students attending may compete for Army scholarships.

MS 3376 Advanced Leadership Course

The five-week Army Advanced Camp is required of all students enrolled in the Advanced Course and is normally attended between the junior and senior year.

Uniforms and Equipment

Uniforms and textbooks are issued without cost to students. However, all equipment and textbooks must be returned to the ROTC Department upon departure of the student, and any such article lost or damaged other than by fair wear and tear, must be paid for by the students. Each student enrolled in ROTC is responsible for the maintenance of his/her uniform. Students who fail to clear their accounts before leaving the institution will have their university records placed on hold.

Pay and Allowances

On Campus. Each student enrolled in the Army Advanced Course is paid a monthly subsistence allowance by the Federal Government of $450.00 per month for juniors and $500.00 per month for seniors.

Summer Training. While at the Leadership Training Course, the student receives pay at the rate of $26.42 per day (approximately $792.60 per month). Students attending the Leadership Development Assessment Course also receive pay at a rate of $28.19 per day (approximately $845.70 per month) less applicable taxes.

Army ROTC Scholarship Program

The Army awards ROTC scholarships to outstanding students each academic year. Army ROTC scholarships are for periods of two, three, or four years. They pay tuition, fees, books, and laboratory expenses incurred by the cadet and provide up to $500 per month subsistence allowance to the cadet for the duration of the scholarship (except during the summer). Additionally, 4-year Scholarship Winners and 3-year Designees that attend MSU may receive up to $2000 for room and board. The amount of the award depends on the number of scholarship winners and designees that attend MSU. All contracted cadets can compete for a scholarship. Both men and women are eligible to apply for these scholarships.

High school students should consult their guidance counselors early in September or October of their senior year to apply for the four year scholarship. College sophomores with a 2.5 GPA and greater who otherwise qualify may be eligible for a 2-year scholarship.

Obligations

Accepting a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army incurs a service obligation of eight years. This period may be served in a variety of ways to include: Active Duty, Reserves, National Guard, Individual Ready Reserve or a combination of these.

Air Force Program

Air Force Course Program. The General Military Course (GMC) and the Professional Officer Course (POC) consist of eight semesters as shown below. See the “Description of Courses” section of this catalog for further information. Each course has a mandatory laboratory.

AS 1011
AS 1102
Heritage and Values of the US Air Force-I
and Air Force ROTC General Military Course Leadership Lab (Fall)
3
AS 1021
AS 1102
Heritage and Values of the US Air Force-II
and Air Force ROTC General Military Course Leadership Lab (Spring)
3
AS 2011
AS 1102
Team and Leadership Fundamentals-I
and Air Force ROTC General Military Course Leadership Lab (Fall)
3
AS 2021
AS 1102
Team & Leadership Fundamentals-II
and Air Force ROTC General Military Course Leadership Lab (Spring)
3
AS 3013
AS 3102
Leading People and Effective Communication-I
and Air Force ROTC Professional Officer Course Leadership Lab (Fall)
5
AS 3023
AS 3102
Leading People and Effective Communication-II
and Air Force ROTC Professional Officer Course Leadership Lab (Spring)
5
AS 4013
AS 3102
National Security and Commissioning Preparations-I
and Air Force ROTC Professional Officer Course Leadership Lab (Fall)
5
AS 4023
AS 3102
National Security and Commissioning Preparation-II
and Air Force ROTC Professional Officer Course Leadership Lab (Spring)
5
Total Hours32

Requirements for commissioning as a US Air Force or US Space Force Second Lieutenant include completion of a degree according to the university’s rules and regulations, completion of the Professional Officer Course, completion of AFROTC Field Training, and approval of the Professor of Aerospace Studies. 

Entrance Requirements

GMC: To enter the GMC, a student must be full-time, be a U.S. citizen, be in good physical condition, and be of good moral character. Current college students must also possess a minimum 2.0 collegiate GPA.

POC: To enter the POC, cadets must have successfully completed the GMC, possess a minimum 2.0 collegiate GPA (2.5 for scholarship cadets), have passed the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT), and have passed the AFROTC Physical Fitness Test. They must be selected by a board of USAF Officers and have completed a two-week field training encampment. 

While Aerospace Studies courses are designed to prepare eligible students for commissioning as Second Lieutenants in the US Air Force or US Space Force, the AS academic courses are open to all interested students, even those who do not meet GMC or POC entry requirements. There is no armed forces service obligation for joining the GMC. AFROTC detachment personnel will explain any commitments associated with AFROTC scholarships or POC entry.

Field Training: AFROTC cadets who have completed the GMC course work and meet other requirements for POC entry will normally attend the two-week USAF field training encampment between their sophomore and junior years. This is a mentally and physically demanding period of concentrated USAF training.

Uniforms and Equipment: AFROTC issues uniforms and textbooks without cost to students. However, all equipment and textbooks remain property of AFROTC and must be returned before departure. Each student is responsible for the maintenance of his/her uniform.

Pay and Allowances: Each student enrolled in the POC is paid a monthly subsistence allowance of at least $450 while enrolled in the POC (maximum of 600 days). 

In-College Scholarship Program

Full-time students are eligible to apply for Air Force ROTC three- or two-year scholarships. The majority of scholarships pay full college tuition, laboratory and incidental fees, book costs, plus at least $350 per month, depending on academic year. Applicants are selected on the basis of college grade point average, ACT scores, and a recommendation from the Professor of Aerospace Studies. Final selection is made by a Central AFROTC selection board which considers qualified applicants nationwide. There is no maximum number of scholarships for any one school. 

Inquiries about AFROTC scholarships may be made directly to the Recruiting Flight Commander, AFROTC Detachment 425 at 662-325-3810 or afrotc@afrotc.msstate.edu.

Active Duty Obligations: Individuals who complete the AFROTC program and are commissioned as a Second Lieutenant incur an active duty service commitment of at least four years.

ROTC Extracurricular Activities

Cadet Military Societies.  Arnold Air Society (Air Force) and the Society of American Military Engineers (Army and Air Force) are chartered by appropriate national organizations. Selected GMC cadets with scholarships and POC cadets are eligible for membership in the Arnold Air Society, while the Society of American Military Engineers is open to all ROTC cadets and engineering students.

Drill Teams. The Blue Knights is a precision military drill team, composed of selected cadets from Air Force ROTC. The drill team participates in university and community events.

Ranger Challenge. The Army ROTC Lee’s Rangers is made up of selected volunteers from the Army. This unit participates in extra training in small unit tactics and leadership under simulated combat conditions. Emphasis is placed on maintaining a high level of physical conditioning and developing self-confidence. Participants must be enrolled in Army ROTC. The Lee Ranger Company sponsors the ranger challenge team.

Silver Wings. Silver Wings is a nationwide honorary organization of college students dedicated to the interests of the United States Air Force and Air Force ROTC. Silver Wings evolved from the previously all-female auxiliary of the cadet corps, Angel Flight. Silver Wings exists to further the cause of the United States Air Force by promoting the interest of college men and women in the Air Force ROTC program. Members of Silver Wings are considered associated members of Arnold Air Society. Participation in worthwhile projects such as the Red Cross blood drives and orphanage parties, as well as hosting at Air Force ROTC functions makes these students an outstanding asset to the campus. Silver Wings is open to anyone. 

Bulldog Battery. The Army ROTC’s Bulldog Battery exists to support military ceremonies and athletic events.

Bully Force. The Air Force ROTC’s Bully Force exists to support military ceremonies and athletic events.

Color Guard. Both the Air Force and Army Programs have Color Guards. The cadets present the Colors at athletic events and various community events.

Aerospace Studies - AFROTC Courses

AS 1011 Heritage and Values of the US Air Force-I: 1 hour.

One hour lecture. A survey course designed to introduce students to the United States Air Force and provides an overview of the basic characteristics, missions, and organization of the Air Force

AS 1021 Heritage and Values of the US Air Force-II: 1 hour.

(Prerequisite: AS 1011 or department approval). One hour lecture. A survey course designed to introduce students to the United States Air Force and provides an overview of the basic characteristics, missions, and organization of the Air Force

AS 1102 Air Force ROTC General Military Course Leadership Lab: 2 hours.

(Prerequisite: AFROTC Cadets only). Four hours laboratory. A dynamic and integrated grouping of leadership development activities designed to meet the needs and expectations of prospective Air Force second lieutenants and complement the AFROTC academic program

AS 2011 Team and Leadership Fundamentals-I: 1 hour.

(Prerequisites: AS 1021 or department approval). One hour lecture. Lecture provides a fundamental understanding of both leadership and team building. The lessons and course flow are designed to prepare cadets for field training and leadership positions in the detachment

AS 2021 Team & Leadership Fundamentals-II: 1 hour.

(Prerequisites: AS 2011 or department approval). One hour lecture. Lecture provides a fundamental understanding of both leadership and team building. The lessons and course flow are designed to prepare cadets for field training and leadership positions in the detachment

AS 2990 Special Topics in Air Force Aerospace Studies: 1-9 hours.

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)

AS 3013 Leading People and Effective Communication-I: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: AS 2021 or departmental approval). Three hours lecture. In-depth look at leadership with special emphasis placed on enhancing communication skills, and why that is important as a leader based on USAF Institutional Competencies

AS 3023 Leading People and Effective Communication-II: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: AS 3013 or departmental approval). Three hours lecture. In-depth look at leadership with special emphasis placed on enhancing communication skills, and why that is important as a leader based on USAF Institutional Competencies

AS 3102 Air Force ROTC Professional Officer Course Leadership Lab: 2 hours.

(Prerequisite: AFROTC Cadets Only). Four hours lab. A dynamic and integrated grouping of leadership development activities designed to meet the needs and expectations of prospective Air Force second lieutenants and complement the AFROTC academic program

AS 4000 Directed Individual Study in Air Force Aerospace Studies: 1-6 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged

AS 4013 National Security and Commissioning Preparations-I: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: AS 3023 or departmental approval). Three hours lecture. An overview of the issues facing the military and the foundation to understand the role of military officers and their relation to National Security

AS 4023 National Security and Commissioning Preparation-II: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: AS 4013 or departmental approval). Three hours lecture. Overview of the issues facing the military and the foundation to understand the role of military officers and their relation to National Security

AS 4990 Special Topics in Air Force Aerospace Studies: 1-9 hours.

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)

Military Science - Army ROTC Courses 

MS 1112 Introduction to the Army: 2 hours.

One hour lecture. Two hours laboratory. Increases self- confidence through team study and activities in basic drill, physical fitness, rappelling, first aid, and basic marksman- ship. Students learn fundamental concepts of leadership

MS 1122 Foundations of Leadership: 2 hours.

One hour lecture. Two hours laboratory. Applies principles of effective communications skills to improve individual performance and group interaction, and relates organ- izational ethical values to the effectiveness of leaders

MS 2113 Leadership and Ethics: 3 hours.

Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Applies leadership and problem-solving principles to complex case studies/simulations. Examines principles of subordinate motivation and organizational change. Develops effective communication skills

MS 2123 Army Doctrine and Decision Making: 3 hours.

Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Introduces basic tactics. Examines national and Army values. Applies principles of ethical decision-making. Examines the legal and historical foundations, duties and functions of officers. (Spring)

MS 2256 Introductory Leadership Courses: 6 hours.

(The equivalent of MS 1112, MS 1122, MS 2122; or MS 1113 and MS 2223). Summer leadership training course designed to introduce students to all facets of the military with a focus on understanding traditional military leadership values. (Pass/Fail). (Summer)

MS 2523 Military Leadership 1: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. A study of leadership skills and concepts. This course is designed for students who are not pursuing a military commission.(Same as AS 2523)

MS 2990 Special Topics in Military Science: 1-9 hours.

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offferings under on title within two academic years.)

MS 3114 Training Management and Warfighting Functions: 4 hours.

(Prerequisites: MS 1112, MS 1122, MS 2112, and MS 2122 or consent of instructor). Fall semester. Three hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Detailed instruction on squad offensive and defensive tactics, to include specialized operations. Additional instruction in combat leadership, and operations orders

MS 3124 Applied Leadership in Small Unit Operations: 4 hours.

(Prerequisite: MS 1112, MS 1122, MS 2112, MS 2122, MS 3113 or consent of instructor). Spring Semester. Three hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Advanced instruction on platoon tactical operations and small unit patrolling. Discussion on the operation and employment of weapons in the platoon

MS 3376 Advanced Leadership Course: 6 hours.

(Prerequisite: MS 3113 and MS 3123). Summer leadership training course designed to train and to evaluate cadet's leadership ability and officer potential. (Pass/Fail). (Summer)

MS 4000 Directed Individual Study in Military Science: 1-6 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged maximum of three hours

MS 4114 The Army Officer: 4 hours.

(Prerequisite: Military Science Senior Status or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Plan, conduct and evaluate activities of the ROTC organization. Develop confidence in skills to lead people and manage resources. Apply Army policies and programs. (Fall)

MS 4124 Company Grade Leadership: 4 hours.

(Prerequisite: Military Science Senior Status or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Theory and practice of the laws of war, leadership, and resolving ethical problems. (Spring)

MS 4990 Special Topics in Military Science: 1-9 hours.

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses.(Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years.)

MS 7000 Directed Individual Study: 1-6 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged