Basic Course
The term Basic Course refers to first and second year courses, MSC 101, 102, 201, and 202 with their respective labs, which are designed for beginning students who want to qualify for entry into the Advanced Course and for those students who may want to try Military Science without obligations. A number of popular or challenging extracurricular activities are associated with these courses. A student can also qualify for entry into the Advanced Course by completing Cadet Initial Entry Training, a four-week training course given in the summer at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
MSC 101 Introduction to ROTC
2 credits
Make your first new peer group at college, one committed to performing well and enjoying the experience. Increase self-confidence through team study and activities in basic drill, physical fitness, rappelling, leadership reaction course, first aid, public speaking, and basic marksmanship. Learn fundamental concepts of leadership in the military profession in both classroom and out of class laboratory environments. One hour and a required leadership lab, MSC 101 Lab, plus optional participation in PE 110, Military Principles of Physical Conditioning. Participation in a weekend exercise (once during the semester) is optional, but highly encouraged. Fall.
MSC 102 Introduction to Leadership
2 credits
Learn and apply principles of effective leading. Reinforce self-confidence through participation in physically and mentally challenging exercises with upper division ROTC students. Develop communication skills to improve individual performance and group interaction. Relate organizational ethical values to the effectiveness of a leader. One hour and a required leadership lab, MSC 102 Lab, plus optional participation in PE 110, Military Principles of Physical Conditioning. Participation in a weekend exercise (once during the semester) is optional, but highly encouraged. Prerequisite: MSC 101 preferred. Spring.
MSC 201 Self/Team Development
2 credits
Learn and apply ethics-based leadership skills that develop individual abilities and contribute to the building of effective teams. Develop skills in oral presentations, writing concisely, planning of events, coordination of group efforts, advanced first aid, land navigation, and basic military tactics. Learn fundamentals of the ROTC Leadership Development Program. One hour and a required leadership lab, MSC 201 Lab, plus optional participation in PE 110, Military Principles of Physical Conditioning. Participation in a weekend exercise is optional, but highly encouraged. Prerequisite: MSC 101 and 102 preferred. Fall.
MSC 202 Individual/Team Military Tactics
2 credits
Introduction to individual and team aspects of military tactics in small unit operations. Includes use of radio communications, making safety assessments, movement techniques, planning for team safety, security, and methods of pre-execution checks. Practical exercises with upper division ROTC students. Learn techniques for training others as an aspect of continued leadership development. One hour and a required leadership lab, MSC 202 Lab plus optional participation in PE 110, Military Principles of Physical Conditioning. Participation in a weekend exercise is optional, but highly encouraged. Prerequisite: MSC 101, 102, 201 preferred. Spring.
MSC 101 Lab, 102 Lab, 201 Lab and 202 Lab Leadership Laboratory
Open only to (and required of) students in the associated Military Science course. Practical application with different roles for students at different levels in the program. Learn and practice basic skills. Gain insight into the Advanced Course in order to make an informed decision about whether to apply for contracting. Build self-confidence and team-building leadership skills that can be applied throughout life.
Cadet Initial Entry Training (CIET)
A four-week summer camp conducted at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The student receives pay while attending this course, in addition to being reimbursed for all travel, lodging, and meal costs. The environment is rigorous, and is similar to Army Basic Combat Training. No military obligation is incurred by participating. Open only to students who have not taken all four of MSC 101, 102, 201, and 202 and who pass a physical examination (paid for by ROTC). Completion of the CIET qualifies a student for entry into the Advanced Course. Between five and seven different cycles are offered during the summer. Students also may compete for two-year scholarships, which they receive upon admission to the Advanced Course.
Advanced Course
The Advanced Course consists of the courses MSC 301, 302, 401, 402 and an approved Military History Course. It is open only to students who have completed the Basic Course or earned placement credit for it (various methods). The Advanced Course is designed to qualify a student for commission as an officer in the United States Army. Students must complete MSC 301 through 402 and the four-week Cadet Leader Course (CLC) during the summer, usually between the junior and senior years. The courses must be taken in sequence unless otherwise approved by the Professor of Military Science. Contracted students enrolled in MSC 301/302 receive a tax-free subsistence allowance of $450/month during the academic year. Contracted students enrolled in MSC 401/402 receive a subsistence allowance of $500/month during the academic year.
MSC 301 Leading Small Organizations I
3 credits
Equivalent credit may be granted by the WVU Director of Admissions and Records and the Professor of Military Science on the basis of prior military service, or ROTC training other than courses in military science taken at WVU. Series of practical opportunities to lead small groups, receive personal assessments and encouragement, and lead again in situations of increasing complexity. Uses small unit defensive tactics and opportunities to plan and conduct training for lower division students both to develop such skills and as vehicles for practicing leading. Three hours and a required leadership lab, MSC 301 Lab, plus required participation in PE 110, Military Principles of Physical Conditioning. Participation in one weekend exercise is also required. Prerequisite: Basic course or equivalent. Fall.
MSC 302 Leading Small Organizations II
3 credits
Continues methodology of MSC 301. Analyze tasks; prepare written or oral guidance for team members to accomplish tasks. Delegate tasks and supervise. Plan for and adapt to the unexpected in organizations under stress. Examine and apply lessons from leadership case studies. Examine importance of ethical decision-making in setting a positive climate that enhances team performance. Three hours and a required leadership lab, MSC 302 Lab, plus required participation in PE 110, Military Principles of Physical Conditioning. Participation in one weekend exercise is required. Prerequisite: MSC 301 or consent. Spring.
MSC 401 Leadership Seminar I
3 credits
MSC 401 prepares you to lead soldiers in today’s Army as a Platoon Leader. Areas of concentration include: tactical skills, operational planning, writing military orders and correspondence, briefing preparation and presentation. Preparation and study outside class is essential to your success in the classroom and in your ability to lead the cadet battalion. MSC 401 will be a combination of lecture, discussion, and practical exercise. Three hours and a required leadership lab, MSC 401 Lab, plus required participation in PE 110, Military Principles of Physical Conditioning. Participation in one weekend exercise is required. Prerequisite: MSC 302 or consent. Fall.
MSC 402 Leadership Seminar II
3 credits
Continues methodology of MSC 401. During MSC 402 you will put into action skills learned during MSC 401. You are required to write operational orders for battalion operations. Additionally, you will be responsible for the planning and execution of battalion training during the spring semester. Preparation and study outside class is essential to your success in the classroom and in your ability to lead the cadet battalion. MSC 402 will be a combination of lecture, discussion, and practical exercise. Three hours and a required leadership lab, MSC 402 Lab, plus required participation in PE 110, Military Principles of Physical Conditioning. Participation in one weekend exercise is required. Prerequisite: MSC 401 or consent. Spring.