Fort Valley State University

As one of the only 23 host HBCU ROTC programs in the nation and the only host HBCU program in Georgia, Fort Valley State University offers courses in the basic and advanced courses in Military Science. The basic courses, taken during the freshman and sophomore years, are designed to teach principles of leadership and to develop in each student an understanding of the role of the Army in the defense of the United States. The purpose of the advanced courses, taken generally during the junior and senior years, are to provide extensive training and experience in decision making, officer ethics and professionalism. The advanced course also includes a paid, six-week leadership course between the junior and senior year. After completing the military science advanced courses and upon receiving a bachelor’s degree in any major, a student will be commissioned a Second Lieutenant in one of the career branches in the United States Army.

While participating in the first year of the advanced course, each student will be paid $450 per month during the academic school year, (not to exceed 10 months), and $500 per month during the second advanced year. Although the advanced courses are generally performed by juniors and seniors, graduate students and full time eligible veteran students that do not exceed the age of 30 in the year upon their commission are eligible to participate in the advanced program.

Two-Year Program

Those students desiring an Army commission who were unable, or did not elect, to enroll in the basic courses may participate in a two-year program. The requirements of the basic courses can be met by attending a paid, four-week summer Leadership Training Course (LTC). Eligible veterans may elect to participate in the advanced program with evidence of satisfactory prior service, appropriate academic standing, and approval by the Professor of Military Science (PMS). A special placement credit may be given to exceptional Scholar-Athlete-Leader (SAL) students to waive the first two basic course years at the discretion of the PMS. In addition, students that performed 3- or 4-years of JROTC may receive placement credit to enter the advanced program at the discretion of the PMS.

Three-Year Program

For those students that did not elect to enroll in the first year of the basic course, may take two basic courses at the same time. After completing the four basic courses in one year, a student may elect to continue in the advanced program for the following two years. In addition, students that performed 3- or 4-years of JROTC may receive placement credit for the first year of basic courses at the discretion of the PMS.

Scholarship Program

The Army ROTC Scholarship Program offers financial assistance to eligible outstanding young men and women. Each scholarship pays tuition or an extension of benefits if tuition is paid by another source, labs, and other associated fees, $900 for books, and a tiered monthly allowance beginning as $300 for freshman. The allowance increases $50 for basic course each year and $100 for Advanced Course. Each scholarship provides the same benefits unless otherwise noted.

• Four-year National – Open to all qualified high school students accepted to any four-year college/university with a ROTC program.
• ROCKs Four-year Historically Black College/University (HBCU) – Open to all qualified high school students who are accepted to any HBCU with a ROTC program.
• Four-year Green to Gold – open to Army veterans attending college after a completed enlistment in the Regular Army.
• Three-year Campus – Open to all qualified fulltime students with 3 years remaining in college before receiving a Bachelor’s degree.
• Two-year Campus – Open to all qualified fulltime students with 2 years remaining in college before receiving a Bachelor’s degree or Graduate degree.

The minimum requirements for these scholarships are:

• 920 SAT/ 19 ACT score
• 2.50 Cumulative Grade Point Average
• Holds U.S. Citizenship
• Does not become 31 years old the year commission is received
• Be of strong moral character
• Successfully pass military physical exam
• Successfully pass physical fitness exam

Requirements For ROTC

1. Character – Be of good moral character as evidenced by record in home, community, and the institution where enrolled.
2. Citizenship – Be at least 17 years of age for enrollment in the advanced course. Male applicants under 18 years of age and female applicants who are under legal age established by their state of legal residence require parental consent.
3. Age- Be 30 years old or less the year of commissioning.
4. Medical – Be physically fit as defined by AR 145-1 and AR 40-501.

Military Science Curriculum

Freshman Year

MILS 1110- Foundations of Officership (1 credit)
MILS 1120- Basic Leadership (1 credit)

Sophomore Year

MILS 2210- Individual Leadership Studies (2 credits)
MILS 2220- Leadership and Teamwork (2 credits)

Junior Year

MILS 3310- Leadership and Problem Solving (3 credits)
MILS 3320- Leadership and Ethics (3 credits)

Senior Year

MILS 4410- Leadership and Management (3 credits)
MILS 4420- Officership (3 credits)

*Summer MILS 2230
Leadership Training Course (4 credits)

*Note: This is only taken as an optional alternative for placement credit into the Advanced Course

MILS 1110 Foundations of Officership- (1 Credit)

Students learn the history, mission, roles, and organization of ROTC and the United States Army. This course introduces issues and competencies that are central to a commissioned officer’s responsibilities and establishes the framework for understanding officership, leadership, Army values, and “life skills” such as physical fitness and time management.

MILS 1120 Introduction to Basic Leadership- (1 Credit)

Students are introduced to the Army leadership doctrine and styles of leadership. This course establishes the foundation of basic leadership fundamentals such as problem solving, communications, briefings, effective writing, goal setting, techniques for improving listening and speaking skills, and professional ethics. In addition, students will be introduced to safety and risk assessment, and the primary weapon system (M16A2) of the U.S. Army

MILS 2210 Individual Leadership Studies- (2 Credits)

Students identify successful leadership characteristics through observation of others and self through experimental learning exercises. Students record observed traits (good and bad) in a dimensional leadership journal and discuss observations in small group settings. Basic instruction in the fundamental techniques of map reading, land navigation skills and life saving techniques used in the Army are provided. First Aid skills and other preventative medicine procedures are developed.

MILS 2220 Leadership and Teamwork- (2 Credits)

Students learn the individual and team aspects of military tactics, to include troop leading procedures, principals of offensive/defensive operations that involve the application of Army leadership and management techniques at the small unit level through various methods of influencing actions. Students examine communication in settings and achieving goals, the importance of timely decision making, and creativity in the problem solving process.

MILS 2230 Leadership Training Internship- (4 Credits)

Prerequisites: Permission of the Professor of Military Science
An intense summer program conducted at Fort Knox, Kentucky (4) weeks. Designed as an alternative method to meet the prerequisites of the advanced course to students who have had no basic core military science instruction. Training focuses on leadership development in a coaching, teaching, and mentoring environment. Students receive funded travel, $25.48 per day and University credit for attendance/participation.

MILS 3310 Leadership and Problem Solving (3 Credits)

Students conduct self-assessment of leadership style, develop personal fitness regimen, and learn to plan and conduct individual/small unit tactical training while testing reasoning and problem solving techniques. Students receive direct feedback through counseling, coaching and encouragement from experimental cadre their leadership style.

MILS 3320 Leadership and Ethics- (3 Credits)

Students examine the role communications, values, and ethics play in effective leadership. Topics include ethical decision-making, consideration of others, spirituality in the military, and improvement of oral and written communication abilities. Classroom subjects continue to reinforce the Army’s 16 leadership dimensions, leadership styles, motivation and counseling techniques, and small unit defensive operations.

MILS 4410 Leadership and Management- (3 Credits)

This course develops student’s proficiency in planning and executing complex operations, functioning as a member of a staff, and mentoring subordinates. Students articulate goals, develop confidence in their management skills. In addition, students explore training management, methods of effective staff collaboration, and developmental counseling techniques.

MILS 4420 Officership- (3 Credits)

Senior cadets, in this capstone course, engage in seminar experiences which prepare them for transition from cadet to a commissioned officer. Students reflect on leadership, identify and resolve ethical dilemmas, learn motivational techniques and counseling methods. Study includes case study analysis of military law and practical exercises on establishing an ethical command climate.