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)
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 relat
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
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
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 Laborato
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 persona
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 Laborat
MSL 202 Advanced Leadership/Management (2 Credits)
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 Laborat
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
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. Asp
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 ROT
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. L
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 terro
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 terro
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.