LTC Craig Starn, 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 cdstarn@nsu.edu.
Army Science Courses
MSL 101 Fundamentals of Leadership/Management (2 Credits)
Introduces cadets to personal challenges and competencies 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 on developing basic knowledge 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.
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)
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 on recruitment and retention of cadets. Cadre role models and building of stronger relationships among cadets through common experience and practical interaction are critical aspects.
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)
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 on continued development of knowledge of leadership values and attributes through an understanding of Army rank, structure, and duties and basic aspects of land navigation and squad tactics.
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)
Examines the challenges of leading tactical teams in the COE. Highlights dimensions of terrain analysis, 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. 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.
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)
Challenges cadets to study, practice, and evaluate adaptive leadership skills through challenging scenarios related to squad tactical operations. Cadets receive systematic and specific feedback on their leadership attributes and actions. Based on such feedback and self-evaluations, cadets continue to develop their leadership and critical thinking abilities. Focuses on developing cadets' tactical leadership abilities to enable them to succeed at ROTC's summer Leadership Development & 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)
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 Leadership Development & 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 on conducting military briefings and developing proficiency in Garrison operation orders.
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 401 Theory and Dynamics of Military Team (3 Credits)
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. Classroom and battalion leadership experiences are designed to prepare cadets for their first unit of assignment.
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 401D is required for commissioning.)
MSL 402 Theory and Dynamics of Military Team (3 Credits)
Explores dynamics of leading in complex situations of current military operations in COE. Cadets examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in face of international terrorism. Explores aspects of interacting with nongovernmental organizations, civilians on the battlefield, and host nation support. Emphasis on preparing cadets for their first unit of assignment, using 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 U.S. 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 402D is required for commissioning.)
MSL 402H Honors Theory/Dynamics of Military Team (3 Credits)
Explores dynamics of leading in complex situations of current military operations in COE. Cadets examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in face of international terrorism. Explores aspects of interacting with nongovernmental organizations, civilians on the battlefield, and host nation support. Emphasis on preparing cadets for their first unit of assignment, using 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 U.S. 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.