Military Science

Program Objective

Eastern Oregon University and the Oregon Army National Guard offer a unique leader development program specifically for the civilian career-minded student. The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program and curriculum provide motivated young students exciting and valuable instruction in a variety of areas such as decision-making, goal-setting, team building, and small-group leadership. Classroom and outdoor activities are designed to physically, mentally, and emotionally challenge you, build your self-confidence, and develop your leadership skills. If you qualify, you could earn a commission as an Army officer upon graduation. ROTC is a four-year program that provides on-campus military science instruction in two parts: the Basic Course and the Advanced Course. All classes are fully accredited and applicable towards fulfilling academic requirements for a baccalaureate degree.

Basic Course (Introductory Phase)

The Basic Course consists of 100 and 200-level courses usually taken in your freshman and sophomore years, and is open to any student enrolled at EOU. Your participation in this course is completely voluntary and requires no military commitment. Instruction is oriented on outdoor lab and classroom activities that give you insight into the military service, basic soldiering, and leadership. You also get to learn about the citizen-soldier and some of his/her social contributions, duties, and responsibilities. Through your personal involvement, you get to see whether this role appeals to you. For those students further into their academic cycle, Leader Training Course (MS 205) can substitute for the MS 100 and 200 courses.

Advanced Course

The Advanced Course integrates classroom instruction, military training, and practical experience to progressively develop your leader skills, qualities, and character. It is in this phase you decide to either contract to commission, or just continue with the course in order to earn a minor. In your junior and senior years, leader development occurs in 300 and 400-level upper-division Military Science and PES 180T Army Physical Fitness classes classes. We continuously assess your performance and provide you with the essential feedback and reinforcement you need to become a top-notch leader in business, the community, and the military.

Eligibility

You must meet the following seven requirements to be accepted into the Advanced Course:

1. Between 18 and 30 years old
2. A U.S. citizen
3. Have completed either MS 100 & 200 level courses or attended MS 205 - Leadership Training Course  
4. In good health as evidenced by a current physical
5. Be of good moral character and behavior
6. An admitted full-time student at Eastern Oregon University
7. Participate in the Basic Course to enter the Advanced Course (encouraged, but not required)

Financial Incentives

Several benefits are available to you once you decide to pursue a commission and participate in the ROTC program. As a full-time student, dormitory scholarships as well as two and three-year ROTC scholarships are available, both Active Duty competitive and the Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty scholarship, $10,000 tax-free towards room and board, $1,200 book stipend, and a monthly stipend of $420 while you attend school. Should you decide to join the National Guard, or already a Citizen Soldier, additional benefits are available, including the Montgomery GI Bill®, Federal Tuition Assistance, the state of Oregon Tuition Assistance, and the Eastern Oregon University Service-to-Country, scholarship. Your drill pay increases to E5/Sergeant if you enroll in the Simultaneous Membership Program. You may also compete for the Major General Willard K. Carey Scholarship awarded annually to a student who is physically fit, demonstrates academic excellence, and exhibits leadership potential and exceptional character traits. The bottom line is that students who enroll in the ROTC program receive significant financial assistance.

Commissioning

When you complete the Advanced Course and receive your degree, you are federally commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. You receive an officer specialty and are assigned to a unit based on your personal preference, academic background, ROTC recommendations, and the needs of the Army. As a newly commissioned officer, you normally attend a Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC) in your specialty shortly after graduation. BOLC is on average 15 weeks depending upon your specialty, for which you are paid as an active duty Second Lieutenant. Your Reserve commission permits you to serve in any state’s National Guard, Active Duty, or Army Reserve unit.

Programs

• Military Science and Leadership Minor