Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)
The Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is a college leadership program designed to train college students in leadership and management skills, equipping them for leadership in the United States Army.
Army ROTC is not a college major, but the Army ROTC program is compatible with most baccalaureate degree producing programs at Youngstown State University.
The Military Science Department (Army ROTC) has served the University and the nation since 1949 by preparing students for service as professional Officers in the United States Army. The military science program at YSU offers a four-year course of study that adds practical management training and leadership experience to students' chosen degrees.
The Army ROTC program expands a student's education by providing leadership and management experience. This training helps students develop self-discipline, physical stamina, and poise - qualities basic to success in any worthwhile career. Students genuinely interested in military service can earn a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army (which includes the Active Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve) while earning their college degree. Through ROTC, the Army gains Officers with diverse educational backgrounds and contemporary ideas.
Students who have career goals outside the Army that require leadership or managerial skills, and who wish to explore the benefits of the Army, are encouraged to enroll in the introductory lower-division Military Science courses. These courses can be applied as elective credit toward your degree. Participation in these classes is voluntary and carries no military obligation.
Army ROTC is one of the programs at YSU that provides leadership training. In Army ROTC, students quickly gain the confidence and self-discipline necessary to succeed in college. As they progress, students acquire skills and experience in taking charge of activities, setting goals, managing people and resources, and making decisions in demanding circumstances. When they complete the Army ROTC program and graduate from YSU, students will have gained both leadership and academic credentials necessary to take on responsibility as Army Officers and/or step into corporate America. A minor in Military Science is available in consultation with the academic major advisor and the Military Science Department.
Scholarships
The Army ROTC program offers four, three, and two year scholarships to those that qualify (subject to availability). Scholarships include full tuition, a monthly stipend of $300 - $500 and a $1200 book allowance. These scholarships incur a military obligation.
Youngstown State University Army ROTC also offers various alumni and endowment scholarships which are offered to students without any military obligation. Students interested in these scholarships can apply through the Army ROTC Department.
Opportunities for Veterans/Junior ROTC Graduates
Military Veterans and students with three years of Junior ROTC (high school), are eligible for Basic Course class credit (first two years of the ROTC program). These students may be eligible to begin the ROTC program in the Advanced Course (beginning with their junior year). Check with the Military Science Department for Advanced Course requirements.
Army ROTC/Army Reserve/Army National Guard
Students can further broaden their college experience and earn extra income by combining ROTC with service in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard through the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP). Students who qualify may join the Army Reserve or Army National Guard unit as an Officer trainee and simultaneously enroll in the Army ROTC Advanced Course. In addition to ROTC allowances for contracted students, SMP participants are paid for their Reserve or Guard drills and annual summer training sessions. Contact the Military Science Department for details.
Leadership Laboratory
The leadership laboratory is a practical exercise period for both Basic and Advanced courses. It provides hands-on experience in practical military skills and the development of essential characteristics of leadership through progressive evaluation and counseling:
| COURSE | TITLE | S.H. |
|---|---|---|
| MSCI 1530L | Basic Course Leadership Laboratories | 0 |
| MSCI 2630L | Basic Course Leadership Laboratories | 0 |
| MSCI 3730L | Advanced Course Leadership Laboratories | 0 |
| MSCI 4830L | Advanced Course Leadership Laboratories | 0 |
Extra-Curricular Activities
Cadets have numerous opportunities to participate in ROTC activities outside the classroom. During YSU home football games, YSU Cadets raise the national colors, and mark every Penguin score by firing the cannon and doing push-ups for the fans. Additionally, the Color Guard Team provides color guards for university and community events. Army ROTC Cadets also have the opportunity to participate in field training exercises at Camp Ravenna Joint Military Training Center which tests their land navigation and tactical leadership skills. Cadets also participate in Combat Water Survival Training, formal military banquets and ceremonies, and weekly "hands-on" leadership labs.
Cadets may have the opportunity to earn the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency by completing a fitness test, pistol qualification, demonstrating proficiency in first aid, and completing a road march. Cadets who qualify may also participate in the annual Army Ten Miler in Washington, DC, or honor fallen soldiers and their families at the Mountain Man Memorial March in Gatlinburg, TN.
For more information contact the Department of Military Science:
Email at: armyrotc@ysu.edu
Phone: 330.941.3205
Instagram: ysu_rotc
Facebook: YSU Army ROTC
visit the Department of Military Science
MSCI 1510 Introduction to ROTC 1 s.h.
Team and individual study and activities in basic drill, physical fitness, rappelling, leadership recreation course, first aid, making presentations, and basic marksmanship. Fundamental concepts of leadership in a profession in both classroom and outside laboratory environments. One hour lecture and Leadership Laboratory MSCI 1530L per week.
MSCI 1520 Introduction to Leadership 1 s.h.
Learn/apply principles of effective leading. Reinforce self confidence through participation in physically and mentally challenging exercises. Develop communication skills to improve individual performance and group interaction. Relate organizational ethical values to the effectiveness of a leader. One hour lecture and Leadership Laboratory MSCI 1530L per week.
MSCI 1530L Basic Course Leadership Laboratories 0 s.h.
Practical exercises with different roles for students at different levels in the program. Build self confidence, and team-building leadership skills that can be applied throughout life. Open only to (and required of) students in the respective MSCI courses. For MSCI 1510 and MSCI 1520 it is MSCI 1530L.
MSCI 2610 Self Team Development 2 s.h.
Apply ethics-based leadership skills that develop individual abilities and contribute to the building of effective teams. Develop skills in oral presentations, writing concisely, planning of events, coordination of group efforts, advanced first aid, land navigation, and basic military tactics. Fundamentals of ROTC's Leadership Development Program. Two hours lecture and leadership lab MSCI 2630L per week.
MSCI 2620 Individual/Team Military Tactics 2 s.h.
Introduction to individual and team aspects of military tactics in small unit operations. Includes use of radio communications, safety assessments, movement techniques, planning for team safety/security and methods of pre-execution checks. Practical exercises with upper-division ROTC students. Techniques for training others. Two hours lecture and leadership lab MSCI 2630L per week.
MSCI 2630L Basic Course Leadership Laboratories 0 s.h.
Practical exercises with different roles for students at different levels in the program. Build self confidence, and team-building leadership skills that can be applied throughout life. Open only to (and required of) students in the respective MSCI courses. For MSCI 2610 and MSCI 2620 it is MSCI 2630L.
MSCI 2640 Basic ROTC Summer Camp Challenge 3 s.h.
A five-week summer camp conducted at an army post. The student receives pay. Travel, lodging, and most meal costs are defrayed by the Army. The environment is rigorous, and similar to Army Basic Training. No military obligation is incurred.
MSCI 2650 American Military Operations 2 s.h.
American Military Operations teaches the development and implementation of United States Army doctrine, philosophy, strategy, tactics, logistics, leadership, and battle and campaign analysis in an historical context.
MSCI 3710 Leading Small Organizations 1 3 s.h.
Practical opportunities to lead small groups and lead again in situations of increasing complexity. Uses small unit tactics and opportunities to plan and conduct training for lower-division students both to develop such skills and as vehicles for practicing leading. Three hours lecture and leadership lab MSCI 3730L per week.
Prereq.: Permission of department chairperson.
MSCI 3720 Leading Small Organizations 2 3 s.h.
Continues methodology of MSCI 3710. Analyze tasks; prepare written/oral guidance for team to accomplish tasks. Delegate tasks and supervise. Plan for the unexpected in organizations under stress. Apply lessons from leadership studies. Examine importance of ethical decision making in setting a positive climate that enhances team performance. Three hours lecture and leadership lab MSCI 3730L per week.
Prereq.: Permission of department chairperson.
MSCI 3730L Advanced Course Leadership Laboratories 0 s.h.
Practical exercises with different roles for students at different levels in the program. Involves leadership responsibilities for the planning, coordination, execution, and evaluation of training and activities. Open only to students in the respective MSCI courses. For MSCI 3710 and MSCI 3720 it is MSCI 3730L.
MSCI 3740 ROTC Advanced Camp 4 s.h.
A five-week camp conducted at an Army post. Student receives pay. Travel, lodging and meal costs are defrayed by the Army. The Advanced Camp environment is structured and demanding, stressing leadership at small unit levels under varying conditions. Individual leadership and basic skills performance are evaluated.
MSCI 3750 Individual Study 1-3 s.h.
The individual study of a particular military problem or review of the literature relating to a specific military problem. May be repeated with a different problem for a maximum of 3 s.h.
Prereq.: Six s.h. of Military Science and consent of the instructor.
MSCI 4810 Leadership Challenges and Goal-Setting 3 s.h.
Plan, conduct and evaluate activities of the ROTC cadet organization. Articulate goals, put plans into action. Assess organizational cohesion and develop strategies to improve it. Develop confidence in skills to lead people and manage resources. Learn/apply various Army policies and programs. Two hours lecture and leadership lab MSCI 4830L per week.
Prereq.: Permission of department chairperson.
MSCI 4820 Transition to Lieutenant 3 s.h.
Continues the methodology from MSCI 4810. Identify and resolve ethical dilemmas. Refine counseling and motivation techniques. Examine aspects of tradition and law as related to leading as an officer in the Army. Prepare for a future as a successful Army lieutenant. Two hours lecture and leadership lab MSCI 4830L per week.
Prereq.: Permission of department chairperson.
MSCI 4830L Advanced Course Leadership Laboratories 0 s.h.
Practical exercises with different roles for students at different levels in the program. Involves leadership responsibilities for the planning, coordination, execution, and evaluation of training and activities. Open only to students in the respective MSCI courses. For MSCI 4810 and MSCI 4820 it is MSCI 4830L.