Military Science Overview
A student enrolled in the military science program seeking a commission in the U.S. Army Reserve may major in any recognized discipline within the College.
The military science program provides instruction and practical experience in leadership and management that will help students succeed in any desired career, civilian or military.
Requirements for Commission:
1. Completion of requirements for the bachelor’s degree.
2. Department core in military science under the four-year program. (5.5 course credits)
a. Introduction to MILS 111 and 112. (.25 course credits each)
b. Basic MILS 211 and 212. (.5 course credits each)
c. Intermediate MILS 311 and 312. (1 course credit each)
d. Leader Development and Assessment Course. (1.5 course credits placement credit)
e. Advanced MILS 411 and 412. (1 course credit each)
f. Maintain a B average in intermediate and advanced military science courses.
g. One additional Monmouth College course credit as approved by the WIU Military Science Department.
3. Departmental core in military science under the two-year program. (5.5 course credits)
a. Leader’s Training Course or equivalent training (up to 1.5 course credits placement credit, consult MILS Department).
b. Intermediate MILS 311 and 312. (1 course credit each)
c. Leader Development and Assessment Course. (1.5 course credits)
d. Advanced MILS 411 and 412. (1 course credit each)
e. Maintain a B average in intermediate and advanced military science courses.
f. One additional Monmouth College course credit as approved by the WIU Military Science Department.
4. Maintain a College cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 or better.
5. Meet prescribed medical fitness standards.
Advanced Placement
Students with prior military service or those who have completed one or more years at a service academy or three or more years of Junior ROTC may receive credit for advanced placement.
Extracurricular Activities
A variety of extracurricular activities is offered for all students enrolled in military science. Many involve team competition with other universities.
Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)
The ROTC program offers a variety of opportunities for qualified students to obtain commissions as officers in the United States Army. Commissions are earned while the students obtain their B.A. degrees in the academic discipline of their choice (a student does not major in military science). Many students earn their degrees with federal ROTC scholarship assistance and receive financial aid from ROTC. The opportunities to obtain a commission include a four-year program and a two-year program.
Four-Year Program
The normal progression to a commission is the four-year program. It consists of a basic course (first two years) and an advanced course (second two years. College academic credit is earned for all course work satisfactorily completed.
Basic Course
Basic Course enrollment is limited to Freshmen and Sophomores. (The permission of the department chair is required for other students.) In the spring of each year, Freshmen and Sophomores compete for several federal ROTC scholarships. Basic Course students are not required to wear uniforms or obtain haircuts. Basic Course students do not incur any military obligation. During the period of the Basic Course, the students decide whether they want to enter the Advanced Course. The military science department evaluates their qualifications and determines their eligibility for acceptance.
Advanced Course (Offered at Western Illinois University)
Advanced Course students include all students who have successfully completed the Basic Course or received credit for the Basic Course under one of the other options discussed below. Entry into the Advanced Course is a joint decision by the student and the military science department.
Requirements include being of good character, a U.S. citizen, under 30 years of age (waiver possible) upon graduating and commissioning, medically qualified, not a conscientious objector, and maintaining a 2.0 cumulative grade-point average. Students entering the Advanced Course sign a contract with the government and earn a tax-free stipend each month during their last two years of college. They continue to compete for numerous federal scholarships. Advanced Course students do incur a military obligation in either the Reserves, National Guard, or Active Army. The length of obligation varies depending on the type of commission received. Students can be guaranteed Reserve Forces duty or National Guard duty. Course work for the Advanced Course spans two years. Advanced Course students also attend Leader Development and Assessment Course of 33 days duration, normally between their junior and senior years. Students receive pay, travel allowance, and room and board while attending the course.
Two-year Program
The two-year program permits the student who has successfully completed the ROTC Leader’s Training Course, or who has a status of Veteran, prior service, NG, or USAR, to enter directly into the Advanced Course Program. The ROTC Leader’s Training Course is approximately four weeks long and provides military training in such subjects as leadership, rappelling, map reading, rifle marksmanship, physical training, tactics, communications, first aid, and water survival. The student attending ROTC Leader’s Training Course is paid to attend and receives free lodging, meals, and college credit (six elective hours). There is no service obligation connected with the camp. The camp is designed to provide the student with Basic Course credit. Students wishing to attend the Basic Camp should apply early in the spring semester.
Advanced Placement Credit
Veterans, prior service students, junior ROTC students (three or more years), and National Guard or USAR members may receive advanced placement credit for the Basic Course.
Financial Aid
During the last two years of military science, contracted Advanced Course students receive a subsistence allowance of approximately $9,500. This subsistence allowance is received in monthly installments during the school year. Simultaneous Membership Program cadets also receive pay from their Army Reserve or National Guard unit.
Commission as a Second Lieutenant
Students who successfully complete all requirements of the ROTC program are commissioned as Second Lieutenants. These Commissionees fulfill their contractual obligations by serving in the Army Reserve, National Guard, or in the Active Army. Service in the Reserve or National Guard is an ideal way of blending a full-time civilian career with part-time service to the country as an officer. Students may request to delay their military duties to attend graduate school or to attain professional degrees. Students desiring further information should call Western Illinois University at 309-298-1161 and arrange for a meeting at the ROTC office.