Military Science

Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)

Military Science is designed to enhance a student's education by providing unique leadership and management experience while preparing individuals, who by their education, inherent qualities, aptitude and interest, indicate a desire to receive a commission in the active Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard. Students incur absolutely no obligation for future program involvement or military duty by enrolling in ROTC and taking the introductory courses during their freshman and sophomore year. In order to enter the Advanced Course (junior and senior years of program), the student must satisfactorily complete the Basic Course, Basic Camp, or receive constructive credit from the Professor of Military Science for prior military service/training. For more information on the Basic and Advanced Course:

www.dickinson.edu/departments/milsc/index.html

Advice to Students New to the Program

First-year students: There is nothing to lose by enrolling in ROTC and taking the first-year course. First-year students begin by registering for MILSC101 or 102, Introduction to Military Science, or contacting Major Jennifer Hall by email at hallj@dickinson.edu. A student may enter the program at any time prior to the end of the sophomore year. Given the various points at which entry into the program is possible, perhaps the best way to start is with a visit to the department, located at 450 West High Street to obtain details about the program. No appointment is necessary. MILSC 101, 102 meets once per week for a one-hour period. It orients the student on the various roles of Army officers. Specifically, it stresses self-development: written and oral communication skills, leadership, bearing, and self-confidence. Thus, Military Science has the barest minimum of lectures and the absolute maximum of student participation and “hands-on” training."

Transfer Students: Non-academic credit received for ROTC involvement at other institutions is transferable. The type of advice given to transfer students would be dependent on their class status (first-year, sophomore, etc.) at the time of their transfer to Dickinson. For this reason, transfer students interested in ROTC are advised to visit the Military Science Department for program information. No appointment is needed.

 

Course Requirements / Description:

In addition to the Military Science courses described on the link below, students must also take one course in each of the following areas: American military history, written communication skills, and computer literacy (or demonstrate proficiency otherwise). www.dickinson.edu/departments/milsc/index.html

 

Credit for Prior Military Training

At the discretion of the department chairperson (the Professor of Military Science), students who have had prior military training through active service, high school or college ROTC, or service academy attendance, may receive up to 2 years of ROTC credit.

 

Credits towards Graduation for Military Science Courses

MILSC 321 and 431 each provide one academic course credit; MILSC 211 provides one-half academic course credit. MILSC 101 and 102 provide one-half academic course. Students completing requirements for the basic course receive credit for one physical education block. Students completing the advanced course will receive credit for one additional physical education block. Please consult the College Bulletin for details on credits.

Army Career: For those seeking a career in the Army, there is no better way to begin than with ROTC. It is certainly one of the more attractive options to becoming an officer, and program involvement does not remove the student from the mainstream of everyday life, which the service academies are often accused of doing.

Graduate School or Educational Delay: Opportunities for the career officer to attend graduate school at Army expense exist from approximately the fourth year of active service on. There also exists the possibility of attending graduate school immediately following graduation from Dickinson. However, this would be at the Army's convenience and at the individual's expense. There is, however, one exception. Individuals may apply for medical school scholarships. Historically, Dickinson graduates who have requested an educational delay to attend graduate school have been allowed up to a two-year delay prior to entering active duty (three years for those accepted into medical or law school).

Pay and Allowances: For the student's benefit, it is worth mentioning that a newly-commissioned second lieutenant entering onto active duty will make approximately $40,000 during his/her first year of service and receive a variety of other benefits, including 30 days paid vacation per year.

 

Service Obligations

All students who receive an ROTC commission incur an 8-year service obligation. The majority of students choose to serve 4 years on active duty upon graduation, followed by 4 years in the inactive reserve. Students, scholarship and non-scholarship, who have lined up good jobs in the civilian community before graduating and would prefer not to go on active duty for 4 years may request reserve forces duty. If approved, the student would serve only 3-6 months on active duty and the remainder of his/her obligation (7 ½ years) in an Army Reserve or Army National Guard unit.

 

ROTC Scholarships / Financial Assistance: www.dickinson.edu/departments/milsc/index.html

 

Program Extracurricular Activities: www.dickinson.edu/departments/milsc/index.html