Department of Military Science
Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)
Columbus State University, in conjunction with the Department of the Army, sponsors a Department of Military Science to instill the Army values and teach leadership principles to students in preparation for future service to the Nation. ROTC aids students in developing those abilities and attitudes which will make them academically successful. The ROTC program trains and educates select students to become commissioned officers for the Army, the Army National Guard, and the Army Reserve. Students may elect to take the first two years of training and instruction without any military obligation. Students who missed the first two years of military science requirements can receive credit for those courses by attending the 32 day Cadet Initial Entry Training Course (CIET) at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. These students will earn their commission after completing the remainder of commissioning requirements.
Benefits and Career/Job Placement
The ROTC program offers two, three, and three and a half year scholarships for students enrolled in or prospects contemplating participating in ROTC. These scholarships pay for tuition and fees or room and board along with a book allowance of $600 per semester. Scholarship students and contracted cadets receive up to $5,000 per year in subsistence allowance. For additional information, contact the ROTC department in Stanley Hall, room 110, call 706-507-8031/8030, or email ArmyROTC@ColumbusState.edu.
Students who are serving in the Army Reserve or National Guard while attending school can participate in the Simultaneous Membership Program and contract their sophomore year. This program offers enlisted Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers the opportunity to commission as a Second Lieutenant when they graduate with a bachelor's degree. Simultaneous Membership Program Cadets receive the monthly stipend through ROTC and their tuition is paid by their Reserve Force benefits.
As a newly commissioned active duty Second Lieutenant, your yearly pay and benefits include:
- Base Pay $35,211.00
- Basic Allowance for Housing Average: $14,112.00 (Non-taxable)
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence: $2,676.00 (Non-taxable)
- Full Health Care Coverage
- Yearly salary: $51,999.00
Basic Course
The basic course consists of ten semester hours (six lectures and four hour labs) and covers general military subjects. It is open to all full-time students enrolled in a four-year baccalaureate degree program or two-year graduate program and requires no obligation to the U. S. Army. Military Science courses 1215, 1215L, 1216, 1216L, 2225, 2225L, 2226, and 2226L comprise the basic course. Students that are veterans or members of the National Guard or Army Reserve may be exempted from the basic course at the discretion of the Professor of Military Science.
Cadet Initial Entry Training
Students who desire to enroll in the advanced course but were unable to complete the basic course may attend the Cadet Initial Entry Training Course (2420) at Ft. Knox, Kentucky during the summer. The course lasts for thirty days. Students will receive pay, transportation, housing, meals, and medical care while in attendance.
Advanced Course
The advanced course consists of twenty-four semester hours (twelve lecture, nine lab, and three internship hours) and completion of the Cadet Leader Course. The advanced course is open only to students that have completed the basic course, the Cadet Initial Entry Course, or that have received an exemption from the Professor of Military Science. Students enrolled in the advanced course must be contracted or ready to contract. Required courses are 3231, 3231L, 3232, 3232L, 3415, 4245, 4245L, 4795, and 4795L. Subjects include training in leadership, management, physical fitness, and general military subjects. The Cadet Leader Course (3415) at Ft. Knox, Kentucky lasts for five weeks. Nurses may also participate in the Nurse Summer Training program (3416) during which time they will spend three weeks training at an Army medical facility. Students will receive pay, transportation, housing, meals, and medical care while in attendance. Upon successful completion of the advanced course, students will receive a commission to Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, Army Reserve, or National Guard. They will also be eligible for a minor in Military Science.
Physical Fitness
Physical fitness is an important part of military life and non-contracted cadets are expected to participate along with contracted cadets. All students taking MSAL courses will participate in physical fitness as a requirement of the course taken. The physical fitness schedule is listed in combination with the class time when you search for classes during registration.
