Military Science Program

(Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps)

The Military Science Program is administered by Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AROTC) cadre on a cross-enrolled basis with the host program at Wake Forest University. The program offers an academic curriculum which prepares qualified students for service to the nation as Army officers. Completion of AROTC requirements and recommendation for appointment by the professor of military science may result in commissioning as a second lieutenant in either the active or reserve forces components of the Army of the United States, as determined by the Secretary of the Army. The program does not lead to a degree by itself but is taken in addition to the student’s major course of study. The AROTC program is composed of two courses—the Basic Course and the Advanced Course. Each is described in detail below. Even if the student does not wish to make a career of the Army, the leadership experience gained through the program will significantly enhance every other field of endeavor. Moreover, such experience is highly sought by civilian business and industry and, therefore, greatly improves a student’s job potential.

Army ROTC Basic and Advanced Courses

The AROTC Basic Course is composed of four core courses (MSC 1201, 1202, 2203 and 2204), with MSC 2114 taken each semester during the sophomore year as a co-requisite. No military obligation is incurred by enrollment in the Basic Course except by AROTC scholarship cadets, and then only at the beginning of their sophomore year. The Basic Course may be completed, partially or fully, by various alternative methods (i.e., through credit for specific types of AROTC or by other military training, as determined by the professor of military science, or through completion of a six-week Basic Camp [MSC 2609] at Fort Knox, Kentucky).

The Advanced Course is also composed of four core courses (MSC 3205, 3206, 4207 and 4208), with MSC 2114 taken each semester as a co-requisite, and a six-week Advanced Camp (MSC 3610) usually attended during the summer between the junior and senior years. MSC 3610 Army ROTC Advanced Camp may or may not be taken for credit; however, attendance is mandatory. Army ROTC three-year and two-year Scholarships are available to qualified applicants (both those already enrolled in the AROTC Program and those not yet enrolled) through annual competition.

Objectives of the AROTC Program

1. To commission the future officer leadership of the United States Army.
2. To develop a strong sense of personal integrity, honor, and responsibility.
3. To develop effective communication skills, both oral and written.
4. To develop intellectual and physical stamina and strength.
5. To provide an environment in which the student has the opportunity to become all he or she has the potential, desire, and drive to become.

Military Pay

Advanced Course cadets receive subsistence pay of $150 per month while participating in on-campus military science instruction (up to 10 months per year).

Cadets attending the Basic and/or Advanced Camps receive pay in addition to required uniforms, room, board, and transportation to and from the camp(s).

Scholarships

Army ROTC two- and three-year scholarships are available to qualified applicants (both those already enrolled in the AROTC program and those not yet enrolled) through annual competition.

Basic Course and Advanced Course Army ROTC scholarship cadets receive payments to cover full tuition at Winston-Salem State University, laboratory fees and certain on-campus educational fees. Moreover, scholarship cadets receive a flat rate for books and supplies and a $150-per-month subsistence allowance (up to 10 months each year) while participating in on campus military science instruction.

Simultaneous Membership Program

AROTC Advanced Course cadets are eligible to apply for acceptance into the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP), i.e., simultaneous service as a contracted Advanced Course AROTC cadet and as an active enlisted member of the US Army Reserve or Army National Guard as an officer trainee. An SMP participant receives the AROTC subsistence allowance and Reserve/Guard pay at the pay grade of Sergeant, E5. Army ROTC scholarship cadets may not become SMPs.