Military Science
Department Chair: LTC Victor Trujillo II, PhD
Faculty: LTC Victor Trujillo II, PhD, MSG Victor Alarcon, MAJ Adam Stock, CPT Matthew Howell, SFC Joseph Dupee, SFC Dustin Katsilas, SSG Anthony Sieben
The Department of Military Science conducts the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program to prepare men and women to serve as Second Lieutenants in the United States Army, United States Army Reserve, and the Army National Guard. Upon completion of a bachelor or graduate degree, and completion of the ROTC program, students earn a commission as an Army Officer. Graduates serve in one of 18 basic career fields such as Infantry, Aviation, Military Intelligence, Signal Corps, and Nursing. Army ROTC accepts students from all majors at CSB/SJU.
The Fighting Saints Battalion Army ROTC program assists students in developing essential and marketable leadership skills. The core coursework includes 18 to 28 credits in topics such as the art and science of leadership, the Army Values, problem-solving skills, responsibility, basic military skills, military history, physical training, and adventure training. Students register and earn academic credit for Army ROTC courses in the same manner as other elective courses.
Programs
Three scholarship opportunities are available in the Department of Military Science for students to earn a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.
Four-Year Scholarship Program
The four-year program is divided into two parts- the basic course and the advanced course. The basic course is typically completed in the first two years of college. The freshman and sophomore classes are open to all students at CSB/SJU. After completing the basic course, students that meet the medical, physical, and academic standards, in addition to demonstrating leadership potential, contract into the advanced course. The advanced course includes four concurrent semesters of coursework. Students attend a paid four-week leadership course at Fort Knox, KY during the summer after the junior year.
Three-Year Scholarship Program
The three-year program is designed for students who decide to start ROTC as a sophomore. Students complete the basic course in one year instead of two. This option requires permission from the Department Chair or Scholarship and Enrollment Officer.
Two-Year Scholarship Program
The two-year program enables eligible students to contract in the advanced course at the time they are academic juniors or seniors with four semesters remaining before graduation. Eligible students are those with one or more of the following:
- Prior service in the military.
- Member of the National Guard or Reserve with basic training completed.
- Completion of three or more years of Junior ROTC in high school.
- Completion of the Army ROTC Basic Camp, summer before junior year
Students who are members of the National Guard or Army Reserve can participate in the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP), which provides additional income and the opportunity to serve in a leadership position in the student's unit of choice.
Benefits
The Department of Military Science offers many benefits to students. In addition to the financial benefits listed below, students will experience personal growth by gaining confidence, improving self-discipline, and building physical and mental toughness. The ROTC experience gives students a marketable asset: leadership skills.
Scholarships
Army ROTC processes scholarship applications throughout the year. Scholarships range from two to four years in duration. Scholarships cover tuition and fees, $1,200 per year for textbooks and course materials, and a monthly stipend. Two and three-year Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty scholarships are also available. These scholarships provide the same benefits but require the student to serve in the US Army Reserve or National Guard after graduation and commissioning.
Guaranteed Job after Graduation
Upon commissioning, students have a full-time job in the Active Army or part-time job in the National Guard or Army Reserve. The military obligation of service is eight years after commissioning (four years Active Army and four years in the reserve component, or up to eight years in the National Guard or Army Reserve). The actual obligation is determined at the time of contracting in the advanced course. Cadets are selected for specific career fields based on their preference, overall performance, and the needs of the Army.
Income
Students contracted in the advanced course and contracted scholarship students receive a stipend of $420 per month, for up to nine months of the year. Students with prior service, SMP Cadets, and members of the National Guard or Army Reserve may be eligible for Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) benefits, tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement, and an additional $350 per month.
Program content, benefits, requirements, and personnel are subject to change by the U.S. Department of the Army.