Department of Military Science and Leadership

Florida A&M University maintains a senior Army Reserve Officer Training Corps, one of the most demanding and successful leadership programs in the country, creating leaders who go on to rewarding careers in the military as Officers in civilian worlds. This is an elective course that provides Adaptive Soldier Leader Training and Education using experimental learning methodology, student centered and facilitated discussion with Socratic questioning and critical thinking.

Basic Military Instruction teaches leadership and discipline, management techniques, cultural awareness and problem solving skills. The basic course consists of freshman (MSI) and sophomore (MSII) level courses designed to develop basic military skills and fundamentals of leadership. In order to transition to the Advance Military Instruction as a junior (MSIII) and as a senior (MSIV), you must compete for a contract with US Army Cadet Command. Eligibility includes being a U.S. Citizen, a qualified medical examination, ages 18-27, good moral character, pass the Army Physical Fitness Test, meet the height/weight requirements, be a Full time student pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree and lastly, have a 2.7 GPA or higher and be approved by the Professor Military Science.

For students not taking military science during their freshman year, both MS I and MS II courses may be attended simultaneously as designated compression students. Upon completion, these students will qualify for the advanced course in one academic year. Students must maintain academic alignment (i.e., all ROTC MS III third year cadets should have junior class status).

Advanced Course and Cadet Summer Training (CST)

The advanced course is designed to prepare students for commissioning as Army officers. The third year course (MS III) consists of individual skills development in preparation for the Cadet Summer Training. The final year (MS IV) consists of professional leadership and management development and completes pre-commissioning preparation. All advanced course participants are eligible to receive a minimum of $450 per month stipend and are paid during CST. Successful CST completion, combined with the bachelor’s degree, qualifies the student for commissioning as second lieutenants in the U. S. Army. Army Reserves, or Army National Guard.

Furnished Items

All uniforms, textbooks and equipment for the ROTC courses are furnished by the Army.

Commissions

All cadets must pass both the swimming diagnostic test and the combat water survival test prior to commissioning. Professional military education requirement for commissioning is to demonstrate classroom proficiency in military history. Students who receive commissions will serve as officers either on active duty or in the reserve or National Guard. Officers serving full-time on active duty will receive a reserve commission. All reservists receive United States reserve commissions.

Faculty

Professors: LTC Edwin H. Escobar
Associate Professors: Captain Regina Lewis, Master Sergeant Joshua Anderson, Ms. Samantha Lucas, Mr. Vernon Powell

Scholarship Program

The Army ROTC Scholarship Program is designed to offer financial assistance to outstanding young men and women interested in serving as officers in the United States Army, Army Reserve or National Guard. One and a half through four-year scholarships are available. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis. The selection process, which begins in the fall of each year, considers the student’s scholastic standing, standardize test score(s), leadership and athletics.

Scholarships offer free tuition, academic expenses, laboratory fees, textbooks and materials, and a monthly stipend (10 months of the school year). Applications for four-year scholarships must be submitted no later than the 10th of January, during the senior year of high school. Three-year scholarships are processed at the college level. For further information, contact the Professor of Military Science, Army ROTC, Howard Hall.

Programs

Minor

Leadership Science Minor