Contact Information
Military Science at NMU
The Military Science Department offers a minor in military science and trains and commissions the future leadership of the U.S. Army and the nation. The department’s courses 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 after taking just a single class. The program emphasizes modern leadership, team building, teamwork, problem solving, self-confidence development and ethical behavior. Military science courses or enrollment in the department’s military science minor complement any student’s major by broadening his or her educational experience and teaching a variety of personal and professional skills.
Students who enroll in military science classes or in the minor program incur no military obligation, nor do they commit themselves to continue taking military science courses (unless 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.
Student Organization
- Ranger Club
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 a stipend and/or scholarship 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, Nurse Summer Training Program 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 one history class to satisfy the Professional Military Education requirement. This requirement may be satisfied through several history courses offered at NMU.
The ROTC Scholarship Program
NMU U.S. Army ROTC has scholarships available to qualified students wanting to earn a commission in the U.S. Army. Special incentives exist for nursing students to become army nurses. For information about NMU scholarship opportunities, contact the department. To learn more about U.S. Army ROTC scholarship opportunities and requirements, visit the U.S. Army ROTC scholarship Web site at http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/scholarships.jsp.
Basic Camp
Basic Camp is a four-week introduction to the United States Army. Cadets usually attend Basic Camp between freshman and sophomore year but may also attend in between their sophomore and junior years if they missed either the first or second year of Military Science classes. Once complete, the characteristics of an Army officer will be instilled and allow for entry into the Advanced Course of ROTC (Military Science 300 and 400 level courses). Basic Camp allows cadets to adapt, make clear and concise decisions and gain confidence in their actions. While at camp, Cadets will learn the basics to an Army lifestyle. These experiences will provide the necessary tools to succeed in the advanced courses of ROTC.
Advanced Camp
All contracted cadets must complete the four-week Advanced Camp. This is normally done during the summer between a cadet’s junior and senior year, but is required prior to his or her 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 to be a successful Army officer. Advanced Camp is one of the final evaluated training experiences before a Cadet becomes an Officer in the United States Army. 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
If already contracted and issued a uniform, basic course cadets are required to wear a uniform to their military science classes to leadership labs. 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 students. Textbooks are provided by the department for required minor courses.
Advanced Course Requirements
Advanced course students seeking commissions are required to participate in the following activities:
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 extracurricular events and social events.
Advanced Placement Credit for Veterans
Students having prior military service may receive advanced placement credit equivalent to the basic courses upon the recommendation of the department head.
Programs
Bulletin Year: 2023 - 2024 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.