College of Liberal Arts
and Social Sciences

Who's Who in the Department of Military Science

Chair:
Lieutenant Colonel Brian R. Whalen

Professor:
Lieutenant Colonel Brian R. Whalen

Assistant Professors:
Major Paul Gass, Captain Dexter Caston, Captain Renee D. Russo, Master Sergeant Thomas Braaten, Sergeant First Class Tol E. Avery

Department Overview

The goal of the U.S. Army ROTC program is to develop technically competent, physically fit and highly motivated men and women for positions of responsibility as commissioned officers in the active Army, the Army Reserve and National Guard. Upon completion of the curriculum, students will have an understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of the military as an art and as a science. The leadership and managerial experience gained through ROTC provides great benefit for students in both their civilian endeavors and their military careers.

Statutory Authority

General statutory authority for establishment and operation of the ROTC program, including the scholarship program, is contained in Title 10, United States Code, Chapter 103 (Sec. 2102-2111). Specific rules and procedures are found in U.S. Army Regulation 145-1.

Course Credit

ROTC classes may be taken for elective credit toward any degree plan at the University of Houston. Freshman and sophomore level classes are open to all students, regardless of age or physical condition. No military obligation is incurred as a result of enrollment in these courses. Junior and senior level courses are more restrictive and do require a military obligation. ROTC scholarship students also incur a military obligation.

Four-Year Program

The four-year program is divided into two courses: the basic course, which is normally attended by students during their freshman and sophomore years, and the advanced course attended during the junior and senior years. Advanced course students attend a four-week advanced camp at Fort Lewis, Washington, normally between their junior and senior years.

Basic Course

The basic course consists of four semesters of military science which includes: MSCI 1210, 1220, 2210, and 2220. These freshman and sophomore level classes are open to all students without obligation.

Advanced Course

Students entering the advanced course must enter into a contract to pursue and accept a commission in the active Army, the Army Reserve or the National Guard. To be considered for contracting into the advanced course the student must: be a full-time student in a course of instruction that leads to a degree in a recognized academic field, have a minimum of two years of academic work remaining in a curriculum leading to a baccalaureate or advanced degree, be under age 30 when commissioned, and pass a physical examination.

Two-Year Program

The two-year program is designed for students who did not take the basic course but are otherwise eligible to enroll in the advanced course. This program allows students completing their sophomore year to attend a four week "Leader's Training Course" during June and July at Fort Knox, Kentucky, in lieu of taking the first two years of ROTC. There is no military obligation for attending Basic Camp. The Army provides transportation, room, and board. Students are paid approximately $700 for the four week period.

Laboratory Requirements

A military science laboratory is required for students enrolling in MSCI 1210, 1220, 2210, 2220, 3310, 3320, 4310 or 4320. This laboratory provides opportunities for marksmanship training, rappelling, drill and ceremonies, communications training, and other activities.

Veterans

Veterans who have served on active duty or in the Army Reserve/National Guard are also eligible for the ROTC program. Although veterans are not required to take the Basic Course, they are encouraged to do so. All students, including veterans, must have a minimum of 60 credit hours prior to enrolling in the Advanced Course.

National Guard and Army Reserve Members

Students enrolled in ROTC may also be members of the Army Reserve/National Guard. Through the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP), those students enrolled in the Advanced Course will be assigned in a leadership position as a cadet and receive pay and entitlements from the Guard or Reserve in the pay grade of Sergeant (E-5).

Scholarships

The United States Army offers, on a competitive nationwide basis, four-, three-, and two-year scholarships. The scholarships will cover up to $16,000 of tuition. Recipients will also receive benefits for educational fees (to include lab fees), a book allowance and a subsistence allowance of $250 per month. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and must be under age 27 on the anticipated graduation date. Applications are available from the military science department. Veteran applicants can extend the age limit up to a maximum of 3 years, based on prior active duty service.

Other Financial Aid

All students enrolled in the Advanced Course will receive a subsistence allowance of $300 per month. This amount could be as much as $500 per month depending on student's involvement in the Simultaneous Membership Program. For more information contact the Military Science Department. GI Bill recipients still retain benefits.

Tuition

Members of the Army or the National Guard, Texas State Guard, or other reserve forces may be exempted from the nonresident tuition fee and other fees and charges.

Special Training

Basic and advanced course students may volunteer for and attend the U.S. Army Airborne and Air Assault courses during June, July and August. Cadet Troop Leadership training positions are also available to Advanced Course cadets during the summer months.

Miscellaneous

Cadets in the Advanced Course are paid an allowance of $300 per month during the school year. Military textbooks and uniforms are furnished to all cadets. The Corps of Cadets sponsors an annual military ball in addition to other social events throughout the school year. The Department of Military Science sponsors extracurricular activities such as the University of Houston Color Guard; the Ranger Challenge Team; and the Society of Scabbard and Blade, a national honor society for military students.

Minor in Military Science

To qualify for a minor in military science, students must complete a minimum of 18 semester hours of course work, of which twelve must be advanced. Nine semester hours must be completed in residence, of which six must be advanced. Students must also attend advanced camp. Students must attain a 2.00 grade point average or higher in all Military Science courses attempted at this university. Students may receive credit for 1000 and 2000-level courses based on prior military training, completion of ROTC Basic Camp, completion of JROTC training, or completion of one year at a service academy.