Military Science at NMU

The Military Science Department trains and commissions the future leadership of the U.S. Army and the nation. We also teach leadership skills that are highly sought by major corporations.

Participation in the NMU Military Science Program has a profound impact on any student, even through a single class. The program emphasizes modern leadership, team building, teamwork, problem solving, self-confidence development, and ethical behavior. Military science complements any student's major by broadening his or her educational experience and teaching a variety of personal and professional skills. We emphasize academic excellence with all our students in their academic major. Students who enroll in military science classes incur no military obligation, nor do they commit themselves to continue taking military science courses (until they commit to becoming a U.S. Army Officer in the active Army, Army Reserves or Army National Guard). Students may add, drop, or withdraw from military science courses as in any other academic program.

Military Science Program

Military Science Minor

The minor is an excellent complement to any major.  Those students intending to progress in responsibility and authority will find these classes invaluable.  Entrance into the program imposes no military obligation of any sort.  The minor requires two classes at each level (100-400) for a total of 20 credits.  Additional optional courses are offered to broaden the experience and perspective of the students.

Commissioning Program

Only those students who volunteer for and meet U.S. Army qualifications may enter the commissioning program.  Students contract with the U.S. Army to complete the required program of instruction in return for stipend and/or scholarship monies and the training required to earn a commission.    Veterans may also compete for U.S. Army ROTC scholarships without affecting their veteran’s benefits.  Qualified cadets may attend the U.S. Army Airborne, Air Assault or Northern and Mountain Warfare Schools during the summer when openings are available.  Overseas and other leadership training is also available on a regular basis.

Cadets are also required to take three classes to satisfy the Professional Military Education requirement.  These requirements may be satisfied through many liberal studies courses offered at NMU.  The classes cover computer literacy, communications and the history of the United States.

The ROTC Scholarship Program

See the Financial Aid Web pages for scholarship information. Special incentives exist for nursing students to become army nurses.

National Advanced Leadership Course

All contracted cadets must complete the five-week National Advanced Leadership Course (NALC) at Fort Lewis, Washington.  This is normally done during the summer between their junior and senior years, but is required prior to their appointment as a commissioned officer.  This training supplements campus instruction by providing practical leadership experience in the form of problem analysis, decision-making and small group leadership experiences.  This camp is an intense experience that matures and forges each individual.  The U.S. Army provides transportation, food, shelter, clothing and other basic necessities.

Options Upon Commissioning

Army ROTC provides careers in 21 branches and 47 different fields.  Candidates compete for an appointment to the active Army for three to four years, or they may serve on active duty for a period and then with an Army Reserve or National Guard unit for the remainder of their obligation (a total of eight years).  Service as a Reserve or National Guard officer allows the individual to pursue a civilian career while serving for approximately 38 days per year.

Department/Program Policies

Uniforms, Texts and Special Equipment

Basic course cadets are not required to wear a uniform to their military science classes but must wear a uniform to the leadership lab.  Advanced course cadets wear uniforms to their military science classes and to the leadership lab.  All cadets must comply with military appearance standards while in uniform.  Students who are taking military science classes only for academic credit or to fulfill the military science minor do not wear uniforms to class, nor are they required to comply with military appearance standards.  The department furnishes all required military equipment as a temporary loan to the students. Textbooks are provided by the department for 100 and 200 level courses. Students must purchase textbooks for MS 339, MS 359, MS 439 and MS 459.

Advanced Course Requirements

Advanced course students seeking commissions are required to participate in:

1. Physical Training—conducted by the department for one hour, three times a week.

2. Mandatory Training Events—including leadership laboratories, field training exercises, some extra-curricular events and social events.

Advance Placement Credit for Veterans

Students having prior military service may receive advance placement credit equivalent to the basic courses upon the recommendation of the professor of military science.