Maj. Lisa Abel, US Army
Professor and Chair of Military Science
Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (AROTC)
(757) 823-8291
Program Overview
The Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is a leadership development program that prepares qualified students to serve as Army Officers in the Active Duty Army, Army Reserve and National Guard. Once a student completes the requirements of the Army ROTC program, as well as the requirements for their academic major, they are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the United States Army. The program consists of two phases of instruction, the Basic Course and the Advanced Course.
The Basic Course
The Basic Course consists of MSL 101 Fundamentals of Leadership/Management, MSL 102 Basic Leadership, MSL 201 Advanced Leadership/Management, and MSL 202 Advanced Leadership/Management as well as co-requisite Leadership Labs for each course. The Basic Course is normally taken by students during their freshman and sophomore years of college. Areas of emphasis include familiarization with the Army’s mission, branches, rank structure, and customs, as well as leadership and management skills such as communication, time management, problem solving, goal setting, team building, and physical fitness. The Basic Course requirements can take the place of several general education requirements (see chart) as well as free electives.
| NSU Course | AROTC Substitutions Course |
|---|---|
| HED 100 | MSL 101 or MSL 102 |
| HIS 100, HIS 101, HIS 102 | HIS 380 |
| PED 100 | MSL 201 or MSL 202 |
Students who enroll in the Basic Course do not incur a Military Service Obligation unless they apply for and are awarded an Army ROTC scholarship.
The Advanced Course
The Advanced Course consists of MSL 301 Advanced Leadership/Management, MSL 302 Advanced Leadership/Management, MSL 401 Theory and Dynamics of Military Team, and MSL 402 Theory and Dynamics of Military Team as well as co-requisite Leadership Labs for each course. Students who are enrolled in the Army ROTC Advanced Course are also required to take HIS 380 American Military History.
Advanced Course students also participate in a 30 day training event at Ft. Knox, KY during the summer between MSL 302 Advanced Leadership/Management and MSL 401 Theory and Dynamics of Military Team. The Advanced Course is normally taken by students during their junior and senior years of college or as a graduate student. Areas of emphasis include critical thinking, small-unit leadership, map reading and land navigation, advanced communication skills, cultural awareness, planning, and ethics.
Students must complete the Basic Course (or receive credit for prior military service or JROTC participation) and meet all the requirements to contract in order to enroll in the Advanced Course.
Enrollment Requirements
To enroll in the Army ROTC program, a student must:
- Be a full time student at Norfolk State University.
- Be a citizen of the United States.
- Be of good moral character.
- Not be a conscientious objector.
- Be physically healthy enough to participate in a normal college physical education course.
For more information about the Army ROTC program, including eligibility, requirements, benefits, scholarship opportunities, please contact the Recruiting and Enrollment Officer at 757-823-9296 or goldbar@nsu.edu.
Army Science Courses
MSL 101 Fundamentals of Leadership/Management (2 Credits)
MSL 101 introduces cadets to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership. Cadets learn how the personal development of life skills such as goal setting, time management, physical fitness, and stress management relate to leadership, officership, and the Army profession. Focus is placed on developing basic knowledge Practical application of drill and ceremony procedures, squad and platoon drill, land navigation training, practical exercises, first-aid training, and Army tactical communications equipment training. (One semester of 100 level Basic Leadership Laboratory required for continued advancement in ROTC.)
MSL 101D Basic Drill & Ceremony Module (1 Credits)
Practical application of drill and ceremony procedures, squad and platoon drill, land navigation training, practical exercises, first-aid training, and Army tactical communications equipment training. (One semester of 100 level Basic Leadership Laboratory required for continued advancement in ROTC.)
MSL 102 Basic Leadership (2 Credits)
MSL 102 overviews leadership fundamentals such as setting direction, problem-solving, listening, presenting briefs, providing feedback, and using effective writing skills. Cadets explore dimensions of leadership values, attributes, skills, and actions in the context of practical, hands-on, and interactive exercises. Continued emphasis is placed on recruitment and retention of cadets. Cadre role models and the building of stronger relationships among the cadets through common experience and practical interaction are critical aspects of the MSL 102 experience.
MSL 102D Basic Drill & Ceremony Module (1 Credits)
Practical application of drill and ceremony procedures, squad and platoon drill, land navigation training and practical exercises, first-aid training and Army tactical communications equipment training. (One semester of 100 level Basic Leadership Laboratory required for continued advancement in ROTC.)
MSL 201 Advanced Leadership/Management (2 Credits)
MSL 201 explores the dimensions of creative and innovative tactical leadership strategies and styles by examining team dynamics and two historical leadership theories that form the basis of the Army leadership framework. Cadets practice aspects of personal motivation and team building in the context of planning, executing, and assessing team exercises and participating in leadership labs. Focus is on continued development of the knowledge of leadership values and attributes through an understanding of Army rank, structure, and duties and basic aspects of land navigation and squad tactics. Case studies provide tangible context for learning the Soldier's Creed and Warrior Ethos as they apply in the contemporary operating environment (COE).
MSL 201D Basic Drill & Ceremony Module (1 Credits)
Practical application of drill and ceremony procedures, squad and platoon drill, land navigation training and practical exercises, first-aid training, and Army tactical communications equipment training. (One semester of 200 level Basic Leadership Laboratory required for continued advancement in ROTC.)
MSL 202 Advanced Leadership/Management (2 Credits)
MSL 202 examines the challenges of leading tactical teams in the COE. The course highlights dimensions of terrain analysis, MSL 101D One Credit BASIC DRILL AND CEREMONY MODULE (FO) PREREQUISITE: MSL 101 and comprehension of Army Leadership Dimensions while gaining a big picture understanding of the ROTC program, its purpose in the Army, and its advantages for the student. MTH 501A Three Credits GRAPHING CALCULATOR APPLICATIONS PREREQUISITE: MTH 184 Introduction to the use of graphing calculators as an aid to problem solving in mathematics and science including methods for the use of calculators in classroom instruction. MTH 505 Three Credits TOPICS IN CONTEMPORARY MATHEMATICS patrolling, and operation orders. Further study of the theoretical basis of the Army leadership framework explores the dynamics of adaptive leadership in the context of military operations. MSL 202 provides a smooth transition into MSL 301. Cadets develop greater self awareness as they assess their own leadership styles and practice communication and team building skills. COE case studies give insight into the importance and practice of teamwork and tactics in real world scenarios.
MSL 202D Basic Drill & Ceremony Module (1 Credits)
Practical application of drill and ceremony procedures, squad and platoon drill, land navigation training and practical exercises, first-aid training, and Army tactical communications equipment training. (One semester of 200 level Basic Leadership Laboratory required for continued advancement in ROTC.)
MSL 301 Advanced Leadership/Management (3 Credits)
MSL 301 challenges cadets to study, practice, and evaluate adaptive leadership skills as they are presented with challenging scenarios related to squad tactical operations. Cadets receive systematic and specific feedback on their leadership attributes and actions. Based on such feedback, as well as their own self-evaluations, cadets continue to develop their leadership and critical thinking abilities. The focus is developing cadets' tactical leadership abilities to enable them to succeed at ROTC's summer Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC).
MSL 301D Advanced Drill & Ceremony Module (1 Credits)
Practical application of land navigation, physical training, marksmanship, small-arms training, and squad and platoon tactics. (Leadership Laboratory is required for continued advancement in ROTC.)
MSL 302 Advanced Leadership/Management (3 Credits)
MSL 302 uses increasingly intense situational leadership challenges to build cadet awareness and skills in leading small units. Skills in decision-making, persuading and motivating team members when "under fire" are explored, evaluated, and developed. Aspects of military operations are reviewed as a means of preparing for the ROTC Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC). Cadets are expected to apply basic principles of the Law of Land Warfare, Army training, and motivation to troop leading procedures. Emphasis is also placed on conducting military briefings and developing proficiency in Garrison operation orders. MSL 302 cadets are evaluated on what they know and do as leaders.
MSL 302D Advanced Drill & Ceremony Module (1 Credits)
Practical application of land navigation, physical training, marksmanship, small-arms training, and squad and platoon tactics prepare cadets for Army ROTC Advanced Camp at Fort Lewis, WA. (Leadership Laboratory is required for continued advancement in ROTC.)
MSL 313 Advanced Camp (3 Credits)
Desgined to evaluate a cadet's leadership ability, and mastery of military skills. Successful, completion qualifies a cadet for commissioning as, an Army Officer.
MSL 401 Theory and Dynamics of Military Team (3 Credits)
MSL 401 develops cadet proficiency in planning, executing, and assessing complex operations, functioning as a member of a staff, and providing performance feedback to subordinates. Cadets assess risk, make ethical decisions, and lead fellow ROTC cadets. Lessons on military justice and personnel processes prepare cadets to make the transition to Army officers. MSL IV cadets analyze, evaluate, and instruct cadets at lower levels. Both their classroom and battalion leadership experiences are designed to prepare MSL 401 cadets for their first unit of assignment. They identify responsibilities of key staff, coordinate staff roles, and use situational opportunities to teach, train, and develop subordinates.
MSL 401D Advanced Drill & Ceremony Module (1 Credits)
Practical application of the development of leadership skills to ensure the successful transition from Cadet to Second Lieutenant. Successful completion of 411D is required for commissioning.
MSL 402 Theory and Dynamics of Military Team (3 Credits)
MSL 402 explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations in the COE. Cadets examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in the face of international terrorism. They also explore aspects of interacting with nongovernmental organizations, civilians on the battlefield, and host nation support. The course places significant emphasis on preparing cadets for their first unit of assignment. It uses case studies, scenarios, and "What Now, Lieutenant?" exercises to prepare cadets to face the complex ethical and practical demands of leading as commissioned officers in the United States Army.
MSL 402D Advanced Drill & Ceremony Module (1 Credits)
Practical application of development of leadership skills to ensure the successful transition from Cadet to Second Lieutenant. (Successful completion of 412D is required for commissioning.)
MSL 402H Honor Theory and Dynamics of Military Tm (3 Credits)
MSL 402 explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations in the COE. Cadets examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in the face of international terrorism. They also explore aspects of interacting with nongovernmental organizations, civilians on the battlefield, and host nation support. The course places significant emphasis on preparing cadets for their first unit of assignment. It uses case studies, scenarios, and "What Now, Lieutenant?" exercises to prepare cadets to face the complex ethical and practical demands of leading as commissioned officers in the United States Army.
MSL 421 Independent Studies (3 Credits)
Military research and/or professional reading and military book review designed to develop a cadet's professional reading list and prepare for future military service.