Department of Military Science

LTC Thomas Warren, Dept. Head (West End, Mem. Gym. 83844-2424; phone 208-885-6528; armyrotc@uidaho.edu).

Military Science (Army ROTC) lecture classes are open to all students, including those not interested in pursuing a commission as an Army officer. Students who are interested in exploring a potential commission are strongly encouraged to participate in labs and the organized physical training sessions.

The primary objective of the program is to develop leadership and management skills in students. Supplementary objectives include enhancement of the student's abilities in speaking and writing, situational assessment, goal setting, and problem solving. The Department cultivates within its students a strong sense of personal integrity, self-discipline, and responsibility.

For those interested in or actually pursuing an Army commission, all levels of course work combine classroom instruction with practical exercises. The two-year basic course (100 and 200 level classes) consists of a one-credit lecture course each freshman semester and a two-credit lecture course each sophomore semester. For most students, these classes are taken simultaneously with no-credit lab courses. The curriculum covers confidence building exercises, map reading, leadership, management principles, first aid, and other life skills with broad applications beyond the military. Students in labs participate in several activities, including drill and ceremonies, rappelling and rifle marksmanship.

Other than scholarship students, no military commitment is required of students in the first two years of the program. These students survey Army opportunities and decide whether to continue in the program as advanced course students who will commission as Army officers. Students who have made a contractual commitment to seek a commission receive monthly stipends ranging from $300 to $500 depending on status. Scholarships from two to four years are available to some students.

The advanced course consists of three-credit lecture and no-credit lab courses normally taken each semester during the last two years of university study. The program also includes a four-week advanced camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky (normally after the junior year). Study centers on leadership styles and techniques with special emphasis placed on small unit leadership.

Army ROTC is the major source of commissioned officers for the U.S. Army. After successfully completing the program and baccalaureate degree requirements in almost any field, the student receives a commission as a second lieutenant. Active duty is not a requirement but is something for which students compete. Graduates also choose from among 26 different Army branches or specialties. Those not choosing active duty serve with the Army Reserves or Army National Guard on a part-time basis.

Prior to commissioning, all cadets must demonstrate proficiency in communications and military history. This may be achieved through taking UI course offerings in those subject areas. See your Army ROTC class advisor for a list of approved courses.

Departmental members will answer questions about specific programs and courses. Contact the department by going to the west end of Memorial Gymnasium, by calling 208-885-6528 or 1-88-88-UIDAHO, or by e-mailing at armyrotc@uidaho.edu. Further information is available on the web at www.armyrotc.uidaho.edu.

Military Science

MS 101 Introduction to the Army and Critical Thinking (1 credit)

Introduces Cadets to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership. Cadets learn how the personal development of life skills such as critical thinking, goal setting, time management, stress management, and comprehensive fitness relate to leadership, officership, and the Army profession. Labs include leader’s reaction/ropes course, basic survival skills, drill and ceremony, and emergency preparedness. One lecture hour and one leadership lab hour; lab is optional – but highly encouraged – for noncontracted cadets

MS 102 Introduction to the Profession of Arms (1 credit)

Overviews basic leadership fundamentals such as setting direction, problem-solving, listening, presenting briefs, providing feedback, and using effective writing skills. Cadets explore dimensions of leadership attributes and core leader competencies in the context of practical, hands-on, and interactive exercises. Labs include orienteering, a teambuilding exercise, first aid, cultural protection, and ethics problem solving. One lecture hour and one leadership lab hour; lab is optional – but highly encouraged – for noncontracted cadets.

MS 103 Leadership Lab I (1 credit, max 2)

This leadership lab is a requirement for those Freshman on an ROTC contract or scholarship. It is conducted outside and allows cadets to apply their classroom skills from MS 101 and MS 102 in a practical environment.

Coreqs: MS 101 or MS 102

MS 150 Army Physical Fitness Training I (1 credit, max 2)

Physical training, three days a week, is a requirement for all Freshman in the Army ROTC program that are on scholarship or contracted. This program is designed to build and maintain a level of fitness that allows cadets to pass the Army Combat Physical Fitness test which is a commissioning and scholarship requirement.

Coreqs: MS 101 or MS 102

MS 201 Foundations of Leadership I (2 credits)

Develops leadership skills and introduces different leadership theories. Furthers personal development such as time management and effective communication and briefing skills. Cadets explore tactics and techniques such as troop leading procedures, tactical movement, problem solving, and land navigation. Labs deepen understanding of the leader’s reaction/ropes course, basic survival skills, drill and ceremony, and emergency preparedness. Two lecture hours and one leadership lab hour; lab is optional – but highly encouraged – for noncontracted cadets.

Prereqs: MS 102 or Permission

MS 202 Foundations of Leadership II (2 credits)

Examines the challenges of leading teams in the complex operational environment. The course highlights dimensions of terrain analysis, patrolling, and operation orders. Further study of the theoretical basis of the Army Leadership Requirements Model explores the dynamics of adaptive leadership in the context of military operations. Prepares Cadets for third year MS classes. Cadets develop greater self awareness as they assess their own leadership styles and practice communication and team building skills. Case studies give insight into the importance and practice of teamwork and tactics in real-world scenarios. Labs deepen understanding of orienteering, teambuilding exercise, first aid, cultural protection, and ethics problem solving. Two lecture hours and one leadership lab hour; lab is optional – but highly encouraged – for noncontracted cadets.

Prereqs: MS 201 or Permission

MS 204 (s) Special Topics (1-16 credits)

Credit arranged

Prereqs: Permission

MS 210 Leadership Lab II (1 credit, max 2)

This leadership lab is a requirement for those Sophomores on an ROTC contract or scholarship. It is conducted outside and allows cadets to apply their classroom skills from MS 201 and MS 202 in a practical environment.

Coreqs: MS 201 or MS 202

MS 255 Army Physical Fitness Training II (1 credit, max 2)

Physical training three days a week is a requirement for all Freshman in the Army ROTC program that are on scholarship or contracted. This program is designed to build and maintain a level of fitness that allows cadets to pass the Army Combat Physical Fitness test which is a commissioning and scholarship requirement.

Coreqs: MS 201 or MS 202

MS 298 (s) Internship (1-16 credits)

Credit arranged

MS 299 (s) Directed Study (1-16 credits)

Credit arranged

MS 301 Adaptive Team Leadership (3 credits)

Challenges cadets to study, practice, and evaluate adaptive leadership skills as they are presented with challenging scenarios related to squad tactical operations. Cadets receive systematic and specific feedback on their leadership attributes and actions. Based on such feedback, as well as their own self-evaluations, cadets continue to develop their leadership and critical thinking abilities. The focus is developing cadets’ tactical leadership abilities to enable them to succeed at ROTC’s summer Cadet Leader Course (CLC). Cadets help lead joint labs with the first two MS levels. Three lecture hours and one leadership lab hour.

Prereqs: MS 202 or Permission. Permission may be granted to students who have attended Leadership Training Camp or Basic Training from any U. S. military branch of service

MS 302 Applied Team Leadership (3 credits)

Uses increasingly intense situations applying team leadership challenges to build cadet awareness and skills in leadership tactical operations at the small unit level. Cadets review aspects of full spectrum operations. They also conduct military briefings and develop proficiency in the operation orders process. The focus is on exploring, evaluating and developing skills in decision-making, persuading, and motivating team members in the contemporary operating environment. Cadets help lead joint labs with the first two MS levels. Three lecture hours and one leadership lab hour

Prereqs: MS 301 or Permission. Permission may be granted to students who have attended Leadership Training Camp or Basic Training from any U. S. military branch of service

MS 303 Leadership Lab III (1 credit, max 2)

This leadership lab is a requirement for all Juniors in the Army ROTC program. It is conducted outside and allows cadets to apply their classroom skills, from MS 301 and MS 302 in a practical environment. This includes instructing, leading, and training our Sophomore and Freshman cadets.

Coreqs: MS 301 or MS 302

MS 355 Army Physical Fitness Training III (1 credit, max 2)

Physical training three days a week is a requirement for all Freshman in the Army ROTC program that are on scholarship or contracted. This program is designed to build and maintain a level of fitness that allows cadets to pass the Army Combat Physical Fitness test, which is a commissioning and scholarship requirement.

Coreqs: MS 301 or MS 302

MS 401 Mission Command and the Army Profession (3 credits)

Explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations. Cadets will examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in the face of international terrorism. Cadets also explore aspects of interacting with non-government organizations, civilians on the battlefield, the decision making processes and host nation support. The course places significant emphasis on preparing Cadets for BOLC B and their first unit of assignment. It uses mission command case studies and scenarios to prepare you to face the complex ethical demands of serving as a commissioned officer in the United States Army. Three lecture hours and one leadership lab hour.

Prereqs: MS 301, MS 302

MS 402 Mission Command and the Company Grade Officer (3 credits)

Explores the dynamics of leading in complex situations during Unified Land Operations. It examines the Art of Command and how to properly communicate with your NCOs and Soldiers. During Cultural Awareness and Cultural Property Protection (CPP), they will discuss numerous situations on how ethical decisions impact personnel and the unit mission. Through the understanding of their roles and responsibilities, they will learn about Comprehensive Soldier Fitness (CSF), Being Ready and Resilient (R2C), and Individual and Family Readiness can assist them in preparing their Soldiers and their Families on reducing and managing stress during times of uncertainty. The course places significant emphasis on preparing Cadets for BOLC B and their first unit of assignment. It uses mission command case studies and scenarios to prepare them to face the complex ethical demands of serving as a commissioned officer in the United States Army. Three lecture hours and one leadership lab hour.

Prereqs: MS 301, MS 302

MS 404 (s) Special Topics (1-16 credits)

Credit arranged

MS 406 Leadership Lab IV (1 credit, max 2)

This leadership lab is a requirement for all Seniors in the Army ROTC program. It is conducted outside and allows cadets to apply their classroom skills from MS 401 and MS 402 in a practical environment. This includes planning training events, organizing as a staff, and evaluating our Junior cadets.

Coreqs: MS 401 or MS 402

MS 455 Army Physical Fitness Training IV (1 credit, max 2)

Physical training three days a week is a requirement for all Freshman in the Army ROTC program that are on scholarship or contracted. This program is designed to build and maintain a level of fitness that allows cadets to pass the Army Combat Physical Fitness test, which is a commissioning and scholarship requirement.

Coreqs: MS 401 or MS 402

MS 460 Army Physical Fitness Training V (1 credit, max 2)

Physical training three days a week is a requirement for all fifth-year Seniors in the Army ROTC program that are on scholarship or contracted. This program is designed to build and maintain a level of fitness that allows cadets to pass the Army Combat Physical Fitness test which is a commissioning and scholarship requirement.

Prereqs: MS 455

MS 499 (s) Directed Study (1-16 credits)

Credit arranged

2023-2024 Catalog

Department of Military Science

Minors

Military Science

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