ROTC | University of the Cumberlands

Where training meets teaching, and correction meets support. University of the Cumberlands’ US Army ROTC program (Patriots Company) trains students to become leaders, listeners, problem solvers, and true heroes.

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 United States' 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 army program 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!

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.

The Army ROTC Program is based upon a four-year model divided into two parts called the Basic Course (taken during the freshman and sophomore years) and the Advanced Course (taken during the junior and senior years). Students taking course in the Basic Course are under no military obligation (unless the student is under contract as a ROTC scholarship winner). However, students who complete the Advanced Course will incur a service obligation with the U.S. Army (four- to eight-years depending upon the component selected).

Program Goals

Develop the students’ understanding of the Army’s mission, organization, culture, and problem-solving techniques.
Develop the students’ leadership attributes and competencies in accordance with the Army’s Leadership Requirements Model (ALRM).
Produce Commissioned Officers in the United States Army.

Minor Requirements

Required Courses (24 hours)

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I obligated to serve in the Army if I join the ROTC program?

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.

Will I have time to do other things while in the ROTC program?

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.

Are there scholarships available within the ROTC program?

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).

What are the minimum requirements for contracting?

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.

Can I join the ROTC program if I am a National Guard / Army Reserves Soldier?

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.

Can I guarantee my component of service?

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.).

What is the typical pay for a US Army Officer?

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).