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The Department of Military Science emphasizes developing leadership and management skills required in both military and civilian employment. Classes include training in confidence building exercises such as rappelling, water survival training and land navigation, as well as dynamic classes in military history, military skills, tactics and organizational skills. Training is divided into a two-year Basic Course and a two-year Advanced Course.
The Basic Course is open to any ULM student. It is usually taken during the student’s freshman and sophomore year. Courses can be taken in any order—none have prerequisites—and the 1000 and 2000 courses can be taken simultaneously. The Basic Course has “NO” military obligation. One thousand level students meet for one hour of classroom instruction each week, along with one hour of leadership lab each week. Two thousand level students meet for two hours of classroom instruction each week, along with two hours of leadership lab each week. Credit for all or part of the Basic Course may be granted to students who have attended Basic Training. The Basic Course can be substituted by attending the ROTC Leadership Training Course (LTC), a 34-day paid leadership camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Students who attend may qualify for a two-year scholarship.
Admission to the Advanced Course is on a competitive basis, open to full-time undergraduate and graduate students who have completed the ROTC Basic Course, ROTC Basic Camp, or any military basic training, and who are in good academic standing (minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0) with the University. Students must demonstrate leadership potential, pass an aptitude test and a medical exam. Upon contracting into the Advanced Course, cadets receive a tax-free subsistence allowance of $350-$500 per month (up to $2,500 each year), in addition to earning other financial assistance through numerous programs. Cadets attend three hours of classroom instruction and two hours of practical application training each week, as well as participate in a physical fitness program. Students also participate in at least one weekend field training exercise each semester. After completing the first year of the Advanced Course, students attend a five-week Advanced Camp at Fort Lewis, Washington. Training includes participating in practical leadership and management exercises, weapons qualification, and execution of infantry tactics. Students are paid approximately $1,200 for the training, plus full travel allowance, as well as room and board. Additional training such as Airborne, Air Assault, Mountain Warfare School, or Northern Warfare School are also available. Cadets must also fulfill the professional development program required for lieutenants prior to commissioning.
After completing all program requirements, cadets are commissioned into either the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, or National Guard to fulfill a service obligation. This assignment and branch of utilization will depend upon the desires of the individual, the student’s performance and qualifications, as well as the needs of the Army.
Numerous financial and educational programs are available through the Military Science Department. Army ROTC Scholarships are awarded to students in good academic standing who have displayed leadership in campus activities. These scholarships pay tuition, books and fees, and also provide $350-$500 per month subsistence.
A number of extracurricular activities are offered. Students may participate in the Ranger Challenge Military Skills Team or the Ranger Company. The ULM Military Science Department sponsors a Ranger Challenge Team that competes with 21 universities in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. The Ranger Challenge Team competes in eight military events: The Army Physical Fitness Test, One-Rope Bridge, Grenade Throw, M16 Rifle Marksmanship, Weapons Assembly, 10K Road March, Land Navigation, and Patrolling.
A minor in Military Science is offered and may be selected by students with the approval of their academic dean and the Professor of Military Science. A minimum of nineteen credit hours must be earned in Military Science for it to be considered an academic minor.
As an integral part of their undergraduate education, in addition to other requirements, prospective officers are required to complete successfully at least one course in Military History prior to commissioning. |
