Department of Military Science

(ARMY ROTC)
LTC Joseph L. Swindle, Chair
118 College Drive, Box 5042
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
601.266.4456
www.usm.edu/army-rotc
email: armyrotc@usm.edu

Crowe, Hardman, Jackson, Lewis, Smith, Strickland, Swindle

Mission

The mission of the Army ROTC program is to train and commission college students to officers and leaders of character in the total Army. 

ROTC Scholarship Program

The Army ROTC Scholarship Program is designed to offer financial assistance to outstanding young men and women in the ROTC program who are interested in commissioned service in the Army. There are three types of scholarships: four-year, three-year and two-year. Each scholarship provides tuition, textbooks and laboratory fees. All contracted cadets earn a stipend of $420.00per month.

Four-year scholarships are available to high school seniors. The application process can be found at: https://www.goarmy.com/rotc/high-school-students/four-year-scholarship.html. High school students should also contact their academic counselors to assist in this process. 

To obtain information about the three and two-year scholarships, students should visit the Department of Military Science and Leadership at Southern Hall. Applicants will be screened by a scholarship committee and recommendations will be forwarded to the Department of the Army for final selection. 

Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)

Qualified Army National Guard and Army Reserve members can enter the advanced course and remain in their units while combining and enhancing their pay and tuition benefits and earning their commission as a second lieutenant. Participants in the program are eligible for both state and federal tuition assistance applied directly to tuition costs and can compete for 4, 3, and 2 year Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) scholarships.

Minor in Military Science and Leadership

The minor in Military Science and Leadership requires 16 hours, including MSL 301 , MSL 302 , MSL 401 , and MSL 402 . All MSL 300-400 courses include weekly labs/ practicums wherein Cadets apply their classroom knowledge through practical exercises in a field or tactical setting.    

Restrictions:

Cadets must be contracted prior to graduating which requires at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA initially and they must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA each semester or higher if required by their academic major.  Additionally, Cadets take the oath of enlistment in the Reserve Component of United States Army as a condition of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program membership, commission as an officer upon graduation, meet and maintain the Army Physical Fitness Test standard and the screening weight or body fact percentage required by the Army Body Composition Program in accordance with Army Regulation 600-9, agree to undergo pre-commissioning drug and alcohol screening tests, undergo testing for HIV, fully disclose all pre-existing medical conditions, and undergo a pre-commissioning physical examination.

Program of Instruction

The ROTC program of instruction is divided into two courses: the basic course and the advanced course. The full program encompasses four years, but several options for lateral entry and compression are available. 

The basic course consists of two years of instruction and is one method of entry into the advanced course. The basic course is introductory in nature, and no military obligation is incurred. 

The advanced course is designed to prepare selected cadets for commissioning in the United States Army. All academic majors are accepted, and the Army ROTC may apply toward satisfying the requirements for an academic minor. Successful completion of a five-week advanced summer camp at Fort Knox, KY and recommendation by the professor of military science are required for commissioning. Active duty and reserve commissions are earned. A recipient of a reserve commission may opt for a short period of active duty and then join a reserve or National Guard unit. 

Basic course and advanced course students will be required to attend daily physical training sessions, a weekly leadership laboratory and participate each semester in practical training exercises at Camp Shelby. 

All advanced course cadets are required to complete a course or demonstrate proficiency in military history. 

Two-Year Program

A two-year program leading to a commission is available to the following categories of students:

1. A veteran whose military record is evaluated by the professor of military science and determined to have the necessary background for acceptance into the advanced course. 
2. Students who did not take the basic course during the freshman and sophomore years but who successfully complete a four-week leadership training course at Fort Knox, KY prior to applying for or while enrolled in the advanced course, 
3. Students who are currently enlisted in the Army National Guard or Army Reserves. 

Extracurricular and Enrichment Activities

ROTC cadets have the opportunity to participate in several professional organizations within the Corps of Cadets. These include the Scabbard and Blade (honorary military society), Color Guard and Ranger Challenge Team. 

Programs

• Army ROTC Program