Military Science

Army ROTC

The department of military science is responsible for the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Program. ROTC is a program of leadership and basic military skills training which prepares students to serve as officers in the Total Army—the Active Army, the Army Reserve, and the Army National Guard—after graduation. Army ROTC can help you succeed during college and after graduation. You can gain the confidence and self-discipline needed to meet the academic challenge of Missouri S&T through military science courses and can acquire the leadership skills, which will impress employers when you enter the work force.

The Army ROTC program is flexible, and allows students to participate in the first two years of the program without obligation. Alternate entry programs for students with prior military service, transfer students, and students serving in the Army Reserve or National Guard are available. The advanced course (junior and senior years), focuses on preparing cadets for officership, and requires a commitment to the ROTC program. Students who wish to take military science courses, but who do not wish to participate in Army ROTC, may do so with the approval of the department chairman.

Military Science classes are taught on the Missouri S&T campus and are supplemented by up to two weekend field training exercise at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. each semester for contracted ROTC cadets. The ROTC program concentrates on the whole person and includes physical training, leadership development, marksmanship, individual tactical skills, and essential knowledge of today’s Army and its role in our society.

The minor in military science gives formal academic recognition for the leadership and management training received by those completing the minor requirements.

The military science program at Missouri S&T is described in detail in the Army ROTC (Military Science) section of this catalog. For more information on the military science program, scholarships, qualifications and obligation, and extracurricular activities, contact the department in 301 Harris Hall or phone 573-341-4744.

Adaptive Leadership Minor Curriculum

The minor in adaptive leadership provides students the opportunity to learn how to analyze, identify key elements and risk, ethically solve, package, communicate and lead the solution to a variety of problems as an individual and as part of a group. Students will progressively improve leadership skill through knowledge and practice of small group leadership, versatility and critical thinking through changing conditions/environments, interpersonal skills in depth and leadership capacity, ability to affect others’ skills in depth and leadership capacity, and understanding of how to develop group solutions in a complex and changing world. Feedback throughout the military science portions of the minor is provided both via the academic process and an after-action review process where successes and failures are defined using the U.S. Army’s leadership attributes (as described in the U.S. Army Doctrinal Publication 6-22). The goal of the minor is to develop and provide lifelong learning tools to build confidence, leadership skills and character to, as a leader, provide a team with the purpose, direction and motivation needed to ethically solve future challenges.

The minor consists of 15 credit hours.

Required courses:

MIL ARMY 3250Adaptive Tactical Leadership3
MIL ARMY 3500Leadership in Changing Environments3
MIL ARMY 4250Developing Adaptive Leaders3
MIL ARMY 4500Leadership in a Complex World3
HISTORY 3443The American Military Experience3

MIL ARMY 1000 Army Physical Readiness Program (LAB 1.0)

Course instruction includes planning, implementing and managing the Army physical fitness program; the conducting of an Army physical fitness test; physical fitness training to include conditioning, calisthenics, and cross-country running. Fundamentals of drills and ceremony will also be taught.


MIL ARMY 1250 Leadership and Personal Development (LEC 1.0)

Introduces cadets to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership. Cadets learn how the personal development of life skills such as critical thinking, goal setting, time management, physical fitness, and stress management relate to leadership, officership, and the Army profession.


MIL ARMY 1500 Introduction to Tactical Leadership (LEC 1.0)

Overviews leadership fundamentals such as setting direction, problem-solving, listening, presenting briefs, providing feedback, and using effective writing skills. Cadets explore dimensions of leadership values, attributes, skills, and actions in the context of practical, hands-on, and interactive exercises.


MIL ARMY 1700 Rifle Marksmanship (LEC 1.0)

The course teaches basic rifle marksmanship and firearm safety. Students will be required to learn common rules of firearms safety and fire airguns using standard firing positions. Targets will be scored. Students will also become familiar with military marksmanship techniques and weapons.


MIL ARMY 1750 Wilderness Survival And Life-Saving Techniques (LEC 1.0)

Basic life-saving techniques that will enable the student to assist an injured person or himself in an emergency, and survival techniques that will help the student survive in the wilderness.


MIL ARMY 1800 Ranger Operations (LEC 1.0)

Learn about one of the world's most elite fighting forces -the U. S. Army Rangers. Get some hands-on training with actual army equipment. Learn rappelling, land navigation, orienteering and combat patrolling.


MIL ARMY 2250 Innovative Team Leadership (LEC 3.0)

Develop knowledge of self, self-confidence and individual leadership techniques through problem solving and critical thinking skills. Apply communication, feedback, and conflict resolution skills.


MIL ARMY 2500 Foundations of Tactical Leadership (LEC 3.0)

Examines the challenges of leading tactical teams in the complex contemporary operating environment (COE). The course highlights dimensions of terrain analysis, patrolling, and operation orders. Further study of the theoretical basis of the Army leadership framework explores the dynamics of adaptive leadership in the context of military operations.


MIL ARMY 2750 Basic Leadership Laboratory (LAB 1.0)

Hands-on experience in basic military leadership skills, supplementing, but not duplicating classroom instruction in MSI and MSII courses. Training is conducted at squad (8 person group) level with emphasis on leadership development at that level. Topics include oral communication and presentations, decision making, drill and ceremonies, and squad tactics.


MIL ARMY 3250 Adaptive Tactical Leadership (LAB 1.0 and LEC 2.0)

Challenges cadets to study, practice, and evaluate adaptive leadership skills as they are presented with scenarios related to squad operations. Cadets receive systematic and specific feedback on their leadership attributes and actions. Based on such feedback and self-evaluations, cadets continue to develop their leadership and critical thinking abilities. Prerequisites: Mil Army 1250, 1500, 2250, 2500 - Exceptions to be made by Dept Chair Only In Accordance with Army (Cadet Command) Policies.


MIL ARMY 3500 Leadership in Changing Environments (LAB 1.0 and LEC 2.0)

Uses increasingly intense situational leadership challenges to build cadet awareness and skills in leading tactical operations up to platoon level. Cadets review aspects of combat, stability, and support operations. They also conduct military briefings and develop proficiency in garrison operation orders. Prerequisites: Mil Army 3250 - Exceptions to be made by Department Chair Only In Accordance With Army (Cadet Command) Policies.


MIL ARMY 4000 Special Problems (IND 0.0-6.0)

Problems or readings on specific subjects or projects in the department. Consent of instructor required. Prerequisites: Mil Army 4250 and 4500 - Exceptions to be made by Dept Chair Only in accordance with Army (Cadet Command) policies.


MIL ARMY 4001 Special Topics (LEC 0.0-6.0)

This course is designed to give the department an opportunity to test a new course.


MIL ARMY 4250 Developing Adaptive Leaders (LAB 1.0 and LEC 2.0)

Develops cadet proficiency in planning, executing, and assessing operations, functioning as a member of a staff, and providing performance feedback to subordinates. Cadets assess risk, make ethical decisions, and lead fellow ROTC cadets. Lessons on military justice and personnel processes prepare cadets to make the transition to Army officers. Prerequisites: Mil Army 3250 and 3500 - Exceptions to be made by Dept Chair Only in accordance with Army (Cadet Command) policies.


MIL ARMY 4500 Leadership in a Complex World (LAB 1.0 and LEC 2.0)

Explores the dynamics of leading current military operations in the contemporary operating environment. Cadets examine differences in customs, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in terrorism. They also explore aspects of interacting with non-government organizations, civilians on the battlefield, and host nation support. Prerequisite: Mil Army 4250 - Exceptions to be made by Department Chair Only In Accordance With Army (Cadet Command) Policies.


Chad D Pense, Recruiting Operations Officer
MED University of Central Oklahoma

Major Brett Weir, Professor of Military Science and Department Chair
DNP University of Maryland School of Nursing

Superscripts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 in the faculty listing refer to the following common footnotes:
1 Registered Professional Engineer
2 Registered Geologist
3 Certified Health Physicist
4 Registered Architect
5 Board Certified, American Academy of Environmental Engineers
6 LEED AP Certified