Department of Military Science

About the Department
Summer Training

Program Offerings & Course Descriptions

Major James S. Arthurs, Chairperson

Professor: Major Arthurs
Assistant Professors: Major (Ret.) Cordell, Sergeant First Class (Ret.) Livermore
Senior Military Science Instructor: Master Sergeant Jackson

About the Department

The Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program of instruction is designed to prepare university students for commissioning as officers for the active Army, the Army Reserve, and the Army National Guard. This is an integral aspect of national security because Army ROTC provides over 70 percent of the commissioned officers serving in the Army Reserve components and the active Army. It is for this reason that Army ROTC seeks quality men and women who are willing to accept the responsibilities inherent with officership. The training program is designed to teach military skills and enhance the individual’s abilities in communications, leadership, and physical aptitude.

The four-year Army ROTC program is divided into the basic course (first two years) and the advanced course (last two years). Students who are not scholarship winners or not under SMP or ROTC contract incur no military obligation during the first two years. Students who enroll in the advanced course (juniors and seniors) must meet all eligibility requirements not later than the second semester of their sophomore year.

Basic Course. Enrollment in the basic course is open to all full-time students who are U.S. citizens. Immigrant aliens may enroll with prior approval from the department chair. During the first two years, students are trained in military leadership and problem-solving techniques that will assist them in their adjustment to the university environment. Course content includes wilderness survival skills, land navigation with a compass and topographic map, safety, first aid, rappelling, and physical conditioning, all of which are taught in both the classroom and outdoor settings. Course content also includes the structure of the Army and its relationship to American society, the customs and courtesies of the Army, leadership, values, and interpersonal communications. Eligible students may receive some credit for the basic course via prior military service to include Army National Guard or U.S. Army Reserve basic training, or completion of the Army ROTC Basic Camp. Eligibility is determined through verification of prior service and an Army ROTC degree plan to verify alignment with MILS courses for remaining semesters towards graduation.

Advanced Course. The junior- and senior-level courses offer an in-depth study of leadership and individual and group behavior. During the junior year the emphasis is on individual- and small-unit combat tactics, physical training, and basic soldier skills. This culminates between the junior and senior years with attendance at the Army ROTC Advanced Camp. During the senior year, students study ethics and leadership and prepare for becoming a lieutenant. In addition, they participate in planning and executing training for the other cadets. Students are required to develop skills in oral and written communications as well as techniques of instruction.

Military Science Organizations. This department sponsors the local chapter of Scabbard and Blade, the national military honor society. It also sponsors intramural athletic teams and the following organizations:

Ranger Challenge Team. This eleven-member team represents the Texas Tech Army ROTC program at competitive meets. The purpose of the Ranger Challenge Team is to test the abilities of the top cadets in small-unit competition designed to promote exciting, challenging training and the opportunity to compete with top cadets from other schools. Team members are selected competitively based on physical fitness, endurance, and proficiency in basic soldier skills.
Rogers Rangers. Members of the unit are afforded the opportunity to apply leadership and tactics instruction in realistic situations. In addition to weapons and tactics instruction, participation in the unit develops confidence in each member’s leadership ability, teamwork, and spirit. Membership is open to all Army ROTC students who meet unit and university standards.

Awards and Recognition. Awards and decorations are presented each semester to military science students in recognition of outstanding performance in academics, military science, athletics, and physical training. Awards range from cadet ribbons and certificates to organization decorations and scholarships.

Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP). Advanced course students who are eligible to enlist or are already enlisted in either an Army Reserve or Army National Guard unit may serve in both ROTC and the reserve component simultaneously. The financial benefits generally exceed $1,200 per month. Members must have at least four years of military service remaining on their enlistment contract prior to signing an ROTC contract.

Leader Training Exercises. Leader Training Exercises (LTXs) are conducted one weekend each semester, including such activities as rappelling, land navigation, marksmanship, and small-unit tactics. These weekend activities are optional for basic course students but required for advanced course cadets and intended to reinforce skills learned in the classroom and lab environment.

Leadership Laboratory. All students enrolled in military science are required to enroll in Leadership Lab 501. Students are given the opportunity during lab to practice skills learned in the classroom. Each student is assigned to a specific cadet company within the cadet battalion and normally advances in leadership position in accordance with class level and experience. The laboratory location will vary from the classroom to a field training area. Lab training includes such activities as rappelling, rope bridging, land navigation, and first aid training.

Summer Training

Basic Camp. Basic Camp is a 28-day camp designed to instruct and educate those cadets with little or no prior military experience in basic military skills. It is a requirement for all scholarship contracted freshmen and select contracted sophomores and will be conducted the summer after their freshmen year for freshmen and before their junior year for sophomores. It is held at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and all transportation, lodging, and meals are paid by the U.S. Army. Exceptions are available on a case-by-case basis for those cadets who have completed basic military training.

Basic Camp-Lateral Entry. Students who desire to enter the military science program, have no prior military service, and have only two to two and one-half years remaining until graduation may choose to attend the four-week Basic Camp-Lateral Entry at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Satisfactory completion of this camp satisfies the requirements for the basic course. Upon completion of Basic Camp-Lateral Entry students may then contract and enter the advanced course. Transportation, room and board, and an allowance will be paid for the four-week period of Advanced Camp. All advanced course students must complete this four-week camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky, between their junior and senior years or immediately following completion of their senior year. Successful completion of Advanced Camp is a commissioning requirement. Transportation, room and board, and an allowance will be paid for the period. The program of instruction is designed to be the culmination of the military education up to and including the junior year.

Nurse Summer Training Program. Students seeking a B.S.N. and a commission in the Army Nurse Corps attend the regular Advanced Camp. Students can then be assigned to an Army hospital for four weeks. During this time, nursing students work one-on-one with an Army nurse putting into practice the clinical skills learned in college. Students participating in this program can receive college credit from the TTUHSC School of Nursing (subject to approval).

Special Schools. Army ROTC students may apply for summer training in Army Airborne, Air Assault, or Northern Warfare Schools. Junior-level students also may request assignment to a Cadet Troop Leadership Training (CTLT) position for experience training with an active Army unit. CTLT training is normally for three weeks; however, a few positions may be available for extended training (five weeks) overseas.

Program Offerings & Course Descriptions

Programs

Undergraduate Minor

Military Studies, Undergraduate Minor

Courses

MILS - Military Science (Undergraduate Courses)