Be more than a student; be a leader.

Pave your way to becoming a better leader and citizen and strive to grow into one of the best military officers in the world! The Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) rose to recognition in 1916 with the signing of the National Defense Act, opening up the world of leadership training and bravery in young people across the nation. UC’s ROTC will mold you into the strongest, wisest, and most successful version of yourself and prepare you to enter into both the working and military world. Start your journey to uncovering your potential!

Be All You Can Be!

ROTC students march on a mountain ridge

Minor in Military Science

Strengthen your understanding of the Army’s mission, organization, and culture by develop your leadership skills. By earning a minor in Military Science, you get an inside look into how the army operates and have the opportunity to become a great leader. With skilled and determined professors ready to help you thrive, success is inevitable. Find your place amongst likeminded people and discover what it takes to excel in the army.

Minor Requirements

MSL 101 Introduction to the Army

MSL 102 Foundations of Leadership

MSL 201 Leadership and Ethics

MSL 202 Army Doctrine and Decision Making

MSL 210 Basic Camp Practicum

MSL 301 Training Management and the War Fighting Functions

MSL 302 Applied Leadership in Small Unit Operations

HIST 336 American Military History

MSL 310 Advanced Camp Practicum

MSL 401 The Army Officer 

MSL 402 Company Grade Leadership

Reach Out For More Info

Frequently Asked Questions

No—Students are encouraged to take the course to determine if it is a path for them; however, students have until their junior year (MSL 300) to make the decision (except scholarship winners).  If a student elects to continue, he / she will sign a contract that brings a military service obligation. 

  • Yes. Unlike military academies, students in our ROTC program are able to have a life outside of ROTC. You may choose to work a part-time job, participate in academic clubs, join a university sports team, and more. 
  • Students within the ROTC program typically dedicate 10 - 14 hours a week to the program. 
  • Weekly Commitment: 2 hours for organized Physical Readiness Training (PRT); 4 hours for individual PRT; 1 - 3 hours for classroom instruction; 3 hours for lab instruction; 2 hours for individual classroom / lab preparation.  Semester Commitment (Contracted Students Only): A 72-hour Field Training Exercise (FTX) (over a weekend); A 5 hour recruiting event (a day on a weekend); A 5 hour team building event. 

Yes—There are scholarships for incoming high school students and for current college students.  High school students fill out their application on the Army ROTC Website during the summer to early winter of their senior year of high school.  College students compete in a Campus-Based Selection Board typically after the Fall Semester Mid-Term (contact the ROTC Department for details). 

Students must be a US Citizen, be able to commission before turning 35 years of age, possess a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher; meet Army Physical Fitness and Body Composition Standards; pass Department of Defense Medical Evaluation-Review Board guidelines; and obtain the Professor of Military Science endorsement. Students can contract as early as Freshman year.

Yes—Students can request enrollment within the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) through the Professor of Military Science. Becoming an SMP Cadet allows a Cadet to receive additional pay entitlements (E-5 Drill Pay at their monthly drills / annual training - and - $420 monthly stipend throughout the academic year), making them eligible to compete for a commission within either the Active or Reserve Component of the Army.

No—All Cadets compete amongst their peers from across the nation for their component and branch (infantry, armor, aviation, etc.); however, Cadets can take themselves out of the competition and elect to serve in the National Guard / Army Reserves. A Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GFRD) option is typically chosen for those who wish to primarily pursue a civilian career but also serve their nation (i.e. doctors, nurses, lawyers, etc.).

A few variables determine an Officer’s pay—the component of service, the duty location, and the dependent status (married / kids). To provide an example, a newly commissioned Second Lieutenant with no dependents and stationed at Fort Campbell, KY would earn approximately $58,509.39 a year. His / her basic pay is approximately $39,445.20. His / her basic allowance for housing is approximately $15,984.00 a year (non-taxable allowance that is designed to cover rent / utilities - fluctuates with the market and increases during promotions). His / her basic allowance for subsistence is approximately $3,080.16 a year (designed to cover the expenses at the duty location's dining facilities and ensure proper nutrition). What is not covered in the calculation are the items an Army Officer receives at no cost: Healthcare, Life Insurance, Moving Expenses, Gym Memberships, and On-Duty Location Retail Discounts (Post Exchange / Commissary).

ROTC: Growing Leaders

Cumberlands ROTC staff ensures our students are developed into tomorrow's leaders

Major Colin Corrigan

Major Colin Corrigan

Assistant Professor of Military Science
Military Science and Leadership

Major Colin Corrigan

Contact Information

colin.corrigan [at] ucumberlands.edu
Nicholson-Jones / Room 102B
Valerie Kelly

SFC Valerie Kelly

KY Army National Guard Recruiter KYARNG
Military Science and Leadership

SFC Valerie Kelly

Contact Information

valerie.l.kelly6.mil [at] army.mil
Nicholas Jones Building
Raymond Salas

Ray Salas

ROTC Program Coordinator
Military Science and Leadership

Ray Salas

Contact Information

raymond.salas [at] ucumberlands.edu
Nicholson Jones Building

Support ROTC Programs

Commit to a better future with us by helping to provide a quality, affordable education for our students.