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Military Science Curriculum


Participation in military science courses during the first and sophomore years results in no military obligation. Individuals who elect to continue in and successfully complete the program during their junior and senior years can receive a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, National Guard or Army Reserves upon graduation. Upon graduation and commission, they will incur an eight year service obligation.

Suggested Four Year Program

First Year: 101, 102
Second Year: 202
Third Year: 301, 302
Summer between third and fourth years: 5-week ROTC Advanced Camp
Fourth Year: 401, 402

NOTE: Options are available for those individuals who encounter scheduling conflicts or who desire to begin participation after their first year. Contact the department for further information.

Advanced Leadership Practicum: A five-week summer training program at an Army installation which stresses the application of military skills to rapidly changing situations. Participants are evaluated on their ability to make sound decisions, to direct group efforts toward the accomplishment of common goals, and to meet the mental and physical challenges presented to them. Completion of this practicum is required prior to commissioning and it is normally attended between the junior and senior years. Participants receive room, board, travel expenses, and medical care, and are paid for the five-week period.

Leadership Laboratory: Students who enroll in the ROTC program as cadets are required to attend a leadership laboratory one hour a week as a practical application and reinforcement of military skills introduced in the classroom. Non-scholarship students who take MISC 101, 102 who do not desire to enroll as cadets are encouraged to attend the leadership laboratory, but are not required to do so.

Financial Assistance: Books and equipment for military science courses and the ROTC program are provided free of charge to all cadets. All juniors and seniors in the ROTC program (advanced course) and scholarship cadets are paid a tiered, tax-free subsistence allowance of $350-$500 a month with an additional $1200 each year for books. Additionally, students can qualify for room and board grants from Dickinson College, an extra incentive not available at all schools. The total scholarship incentive can exceed $40,000 per year depending on the degree of choice.

Physical Education Credit: Two blocks of physical education for military science may be earned (one block after two years participation and a second prior to graduation).

Scholarships: Army ROTC scholarships based on merit are available. Recipients receive full tuition benefits with some fees paid as well. In addition, all scholarship recipients receive $1200 annually for books, a tax-free stipend of up to $500 per month and are eligible for a room and board grant from Dickinson College. High school seniors may apply for four-year scholarships. During the academic year, Dickinson students (whether enrolled or not in ROTC) may compete for two and three-year scholarships (availability subject to funding). Information may be obtained from high school counselors or any Army ROTC professor of military science. Scholarships are also available for students entering a medical school or pursuing graduate studies in the basic health sciences. For additional information contact CPT Justin Chaudrue (717) 245-1221.

Corresponding Studies Program: Students participating in an off-campus study program in the U.S. or abroad may continue participation in either the Army ROTC basic course or advanced course and receive the same course credit and benefits as a student enrolled in the on-campus program. Army ROTC scholarship students are also eligible to participate in this program. For more information contact the CPT Justin Chaudrue (717) 245-1221.

Non-Dickinson Students: Students pursuing a baccalaureate or advanced degree program at nearby colleges are eligible to cross-enroll in the Dickinson College ROTC program. These schools have procedures which allow full or partial credit toward graduation for military science courses taken through Dickinson. Contact this department for more information.

Army ROTC Global Perspectives Certificate

Students who meet the following requirements will receive notation on their transcript at graduation that they have completed a Global Preparedness Certificate:

1. All current requirements of the U.S. Army ROTC curriculum;
2. Study of a foreign language - preferably, but not limited to, the critical languages of Arabic, Chinese and Russian through the intermediate level;
3. Study at a non-US, Dickinson approved site for at least a semester -preferably a year - and where feasible, housing with a host family;
4. Complete all requirements for the Security Studies Certificate (note: students will not earn both certificates).

Courses

  • 101 Introduction to Military Leadership I
    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, physical fitness, and stress management related to leadership, Officership, and the Army profession. The focus is on developing basic knowledge and comprehension of Army leader attributes and core leader competencies while gaining a big-picture understanding of ROTC, its purpose in the Army, and its advantages for the student.
    One-half course credit. Open to all Dickinson students. Meets 75 minutes per week.

  • 102 Introduction to Military Leadership II
    A critical inquiry into the evolution of the relationship between military policy and the foreign and economic policies of the United States. A careful study of military history designed to foster in the student a balanced judgment of both political leaders and soldiers and of their mutual problems in the conduct of military affairs in peace and war. By means of both written and oral presentations regarding the history of military art, battle history, technical studies and the relationship of the armed forces with society, students will be encouraged to develop a habit of critical reflection. To complement their investigation of military history, students will receive practical instruction in the application of military art and basic soldier skills.
    One-half course credit. Open to all Dickinson students. Meets 75 minutes per week.

  • 201 Foundations of Military Leadership I
    Explores the dimensions of creative and innovative tactical leadership strategies and styles by examining team dynamics and two historical leadership theories that form the basis of the Army leadership framework. Cadets practice aspects of personal motivation and team building in the context of planning, executing, and assessing team exercises and participating in leadership labs. Focus is on continued development of the knowledge of leadership values and attributes through an understanding of Army rank, structure, and duties and basic aspects of land navigation and squad tactics. Case studies provide tangible context for learning the Soldier's Creed and Warrior Ethos as they apply in the contemporary operating environment (COE).
    One-half course credit. Open to all Dickinson students. Meets two hours per week each semester.

  • 202 Foundations of Military Leadership II
    Examines the challenges of leading tactical teams in the COE. The course highlights dimensions of terrain analysis, patrolling, and operation orders. Further study of the theoretical basis of the Army leadership framework explores the dynamics of adaptive leadership in the context of military operations. MISC 202 provides a smooth transition into MISC 301. Cadets develop greater self-awareness as they assess their own leadership styles and practice communication and team building skills. COE case studies give insight into the importance and practice of teamwork and tactics in real-world scenarios.
    No course credit. Open to all Dickinson students. Meets two hours per week each semester.

  • 301 Adaptive Military Team Leadership
    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 Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC).
    One course credit. Meets two hours per week each semester.

  • 302 Applied Military Team Leadership
    Uses increasingly intense situational leadership challenges to build Cadet awareness and skills in leading small units. Skills in decision-making, persuading and motivating team members when "under fire" are explored, evaluated, and developed. Aspects of military operations are reviewed as a means of preparing for the ROTC Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC). Cadets are expected to apply basic principles of the Law of Land Warfare, Army training, and motivation to troop leading procedures. Emphasis is also placed on conducting military briefings and developing proficiency in Garrison operation orders. MISC 302 Cadets are evaluated on what they know and do as leaders.
    No course credit. Meets two hours per week each semester.

  • 401 Adaptive Military Leadership
    Develops Cadet proficiency in planning, executing, and assessing complex operations, functioning as a member of a staff, and providing performance feedback to subordinates. Cadets assess risk, make ethical decisions, and lead fellow ROTC Cadets. Lessons on military justice and personnel processes prepare Cadets to make the transition to Army officers. MISC 401 Cadets analyze, evaluate, and instruct Cadets at lower levels. Both their classroom and battalion leadership experiences are designed to prepare MISC 401 Cadets for their first unit of assignment. They identify responsibilities of key staff, coordinate staff roles, and use situational opportunities to teach, train, and develop subordinates.
    One course credit. Meets two hours per week each semester. Prerequisites: MISC 302.

  • 402 Military Leadership in a Complex World
    Explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations in the COE. Cadets examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in the face of international terrorism. They also explore aspects of interacting with nongovernmental organizations, civilians on the battlefield, and host nation support. The course places significant emphasis on preparing Cadets for their first unit of assignment. It uses case studies, scenarios, and "What Now, Lieutenant?" exercises to prepare Cadets to face the complex ethical and practical demands of leading as commissioned officers in the United States Army.
    No course credit. Meets two hours per week each semester. Prerequisite: MISC 401.