Replicating Real-World Complexities
Professor of Military Science Jacob Phillips in front of the ROTC office, home of the Department of Military Science. Photo by Dan Loh.
Office Hours: Professor of Military Science Jacob Phillips
by Tony Moore
Professor of Military Science Jacob Phillips earned his master’s degree at the Naval War College. A lieutenant colonel in the U.S Army, he currently teaches the course Adaptive Military Leadership, chairs Dickinson’s Department of Military Science and leads the Blue Mountain Battalion of Army ROTC, based at Dickinson.
It's likely that when most people think of the liberal arts on one hand, they might not think about ROTC on the other. How do you integrate Dickinson's liberal-arts ethos into the Army ROTC program to cultivate well-rounded leaders?
The liberal arts and military training might seem like divergent paths, but at Dickinson we view them as complementary forces that, when combined, produce leaders who are both intellectually agile and ethically grounded. The Army is fundamentally about people—leading them, understanding them and working alongside them. Given that our operations often occur in diverse cultural contexts, it's imperative that our officers can connect with individuals from various backgrounds. Dickinson's liberal-arts curriculum fosters this by encouraging students to engage with a broad spectrum of disciplines and perspectives.
For instance, a cadet majoring in Russian gains valuable insights into language and culture, which are directly applicable in intelligence roles. Similarly, a student of international business who has studied abroad brings a nuanced understanding of global markets and diplomacy, enhancing our military's collaborative efforts with international partners.
Moreover, the ROTC program at Dickinson emphasizes critical thinking, ethical reasoning and effective communication—skills that are indispensable for military officers and civic leaders alike. Courses such as "Leadership and Decision Making" and "Leadership and Team Development" encourage cadets to explore diverse leadership theories, analyze historical case studies, and reflect on their personal leadership styles. This academic rigor is paired with practical leadership experiences, allowing cadets to apply their learning in real-world scenarios.
By integrating ROTC into the liberal-arts curriculum, we ensure that our cadets are not only tactically proficient but also intellectually agile and ethically grounded. This holistic approach prepares them to lead with insight and integrity, both in military contexts and in broader societal roles.
You earned your undergraduate degree at the University of New Hampshire and a master's at the Naval War College, and you're a lieutenant colonel in the Army. How did all of this come together to make you want to shape the next generation of military leaders through education?
My journey into military service was unanticipated but transformative. As a freshman at the University of New Hampshire, I was recruited to join the crew team. The early morning practices introduced me to the ROTC cadets who were also training at dawn. Their camaraderie and dedication resonated with me, leading me to explore and eventually commit to the ROTC program.
Over the years, the Army has afforded me and my family incredible opportunities. I've lived in over a dozen states, visited more than 30 countries and resided on four continents. My assignments have been diverse: conducting nighttime airborne operations with special forces, training African commandos in counterterrorism tactics, mentoring Afghan district governors on democratic governance and sustaining thousands of troops across multiple continents.
Throughout these experiences, what consistently brought me the most fulfillment was developing junior leaders. Witnessing their growth, resilience and commitment reaffirmed my passion for mentorship and education. This realization made the decision to become the professor of military science at Dickinson an obvious one.
In this role, I have the honor of coaching, teaching and mentoring over a hundred motivated and talented cadets. Each day, I’m inspired by their dedication and potential. Guiding them as they prepare to become the future leaders of our nation is not just a responsibility—it's a privilege.
In an era of evolving (or maybe never-ending) global challenges, what role does military science play in preparing future leaders to navigate complex international landscapes?
Military science plays a pivotal role in developing leaders who are not only tactically proficient but also intellectually agile and ethically grounded. At Dickinson, our military science program is designed to cultivate such leaders by integrating rigorous academic study with practical leadership experiences.
We recognize that modern military operations often occur in multifaceted contexts that demand critical thinking, cultural awareness and adaptability. To prepare our cadets for these challenges, we immerse them in scenarios that replicate real-world complexities. These exercises push cadets beyond their comfort zones, requiring them to make decisions under pressure, manage limited resources and lead diverse teams. Importantly, these simulations provide a safe environment where cadets can learn from both successes and failures, fostering resilience and continuous improvement.
Moreover, our curriculum emphasizes the development of strategic-thinking skills. Cadets engage with case studies, historical analyses and theoretical frameworks that enhance their understanding of global affairs and military strategy. This academic foundation, combined with experiential learning, ensures that our graduates are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of international landscapes and to lead with integrity and insight.
By blending the liberal-arts ethos of Dickinson with the practical demands of military leadership, our program prepares cadets to become thoughtful, adaptable and principled leaders ready to meet the challenges of the modern world.
(In early July, Dickinson received a letter from the Department of the Army notifying us that beginning in the fall of 2026, our ROTC program will merge with Shippensburg University's. Our program was established in 1952 and celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2022. For nearly 75 years it has remained an important part of the Dickinson experience, and we will continue to support ROTC in the years ahead.)
Explore more faculty news and Office Hours profiles.
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS
Published July 22, 2025