Military Science

Mission

The Army ROTC Program provides college men and women training and experiences in the art of organizing, motivating, and leading others. This Program develops self-discipline, physical stamina, and personal bearing that contribute to success in any career. The first two years of military training in the Reserve Officer Training Corps are strictly voluntary for any student who is a United States citizen. An individual taking these ROTC courses incurs absolutely no obligation to future military service. These two years comprise the basic course, which is normally completed during the freshman and sophomore years.

Students who decide to pursue a career in Military Science after the completion of the freshman and sophomore years may attend the four-week ROTC Leader Training Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky in lieu of completing the freshman and sophomore ROTC courses.

The four-week Leader Development and Assessment Course at Fort Lewis, Washington is attended during the junior and senior years by those Cadets meeting the necessary qualifications. Upon successful completion of the Leader Development and Assessment Course, Cadets are qualified for commissioning in the Active Army, the Army Reserve, or the Army National Guard provided they complete their final year of Military Science and graduate from the University.

The Army ROTC offers four-, three-, and two-year scholarships. Students selected for scholarships receive a tax free subsistence allowance ranging from $300-$500 a month, for up to ten months. Additionally the scholarship will pay $1200 annually for textbooks, classroom supplies, and equipment. More information may be obtained by contacting the Military Science Department.

Green to Gold

If you are currently on active duty or have completed your service, you may already have fulfilled the requirements for the Basic Course. You may be eligible to enroll directly in the Advance Course and complete ROTC in just two years.

Basic Course Requirements for ROTC Participation

A candidate for ROTC training must:

1. be of good moral character;
2. be a citizen of the United States, however, foreign students may participate;
3. be physically able to participate in the program of instruction;
4. meet other entrance requirements as determined by the department chairperson, current Army regulations, and University policies, and
5. be a full-time student (undergraduate 12 CREDITS or more and graduate 9 credits or more)

A student who does not meet all of the above requirements should consult with the Department of Military Science to determine if waivers can be granted.

Texts and Uniforms

Basic course students do not receive monetary allowances unless on scholarship. The Department furnishes all textbooks and uniforms. Students will be required to reimburse the department/government for loss of uniform items or other equipment.

Advanced Course Requirements

You (Juniors, Seniors, and Graduate Students) must:

1. have a minimum of two years remaining at the University as a full-time student, graduate or undergraduate level;
2. meet all other requirements for the basic course;
3. meet medical requirements for the advanced course;
4. possess qualifications for becoming an effective Army officer;
5. agree to accept a commission if offered, as a U.S. Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard Officer and serve on active duty if required; and serve four years on active duty if required and
6. meet other requirements as determined by the department chairperson, current Army regulations, and University policies.

A student who does not meet all of the above requirements should consult with the Department of Military Science to determine whether waivers can be granted.

Financial Allowances

Each cadet on scholarship or enrolled in the advanced course receives subsistence pay ranging from $300-$500 per month.  Books and uniforms are furnished to all Cadets.  Cadets are paid a travel allowance to and from the Leadership  Development and Assessment Course (LDAC), and while at the LDAC , Cadets are paid approximately $900.00 per month.  The stipend allowance is up to $5,000.00 per year.

Air Force ROTC

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) is available to Bowie State University students through an agreement with the University of Maryland College Park. AFROTC courses are scheduled so that Bowie State students can complete all AFROTC requirements during one morning per week (Thursdays) at the College Park campus. In addition, students are eligible to compete for AFROTC scholarships and flying programs. The four-, three-, and two-year scholarships pay tuition, books, fees, and a monthly stipend. After graduation from the University and successful completion of the AFROTC requirements at the University of Maryland College Park, students are commissioned as second lieutenants in the Air Force. Students interested in AROTC may contact:

AFROTC Det 330
University of Maryland College Park
Cole Field House, Room 2126
College Park, MD 20742-4321
(301) 314-3242/7649; Afrotcdet330@umd.edu