Department of Military Science - University of Montana (UM)

Reserve Officers Training Corps - University of Montana
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph J. Yakawich, Chair
ROTC Branch - Montana Tech
Major, Jason Grider, Officer-in-Charge
(406) 243-4400
Jason.grider@mso.umt.edu

Army ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) offers college students the opportunity to serve as commissioned officers in the U.S. Army, the Army National Guard, or the U.S. Army Reserve upon graduation. ROTC enhances a student’s education by providing unique leadership and management training, along with practical leadership experience. Students develop organizational leadership skills basic to success while earning a college degree and an officer’s commission at the same time.

The Margin of Difference. Army ROTC cadets learn to be leaders and receive hands-on experience in managing physical, financial, and human resources. They develop self-confidence and superior decision making skills. Employers value these leadership qualities and recognize the associated potential in ROTC graduates.

Four-Year Program. The four-year Army ROTC program consists of two parts, the Basic Course and the Advanced Course.

Basic Course. The basic course is normally taken during the first two years of college and maybe taken without incurring any military obligation. This course covers such subjects as managment principles, national defense, military history, and leadership development. Basic course classes include adventure training such as rappelling, squad tactics, and small arms marksmanship. Additional opportunities also are available to conduct small unit training exercise throughout Western Montana. In addition, a variety of outside social and professional enrichment activities are available. All necessary ROTC textbooks, uniforms, and other essential materials for the basic course are furnished to students at no cost. After completing the basic course, students demonstrate the potential to become officers and met the physical and scholastic standards are eligible to enroll in the Advanced Course. Compression of the Basic Course into two semesters may be arranged for those students not taking military science courses during the freshman year.

Advanced Course. The Advanced Course is usually taken during the final two years of college. Instruction includes organization and management, tactics, ethics, critical thinking, creative problem solving and further leadership development. Uniforms and equipment in the Advanced Course are furnished to students at no cost. During the summer between their junior and senior years of college, Advanced Course cadets attend the Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC), a fully paid four-week leadership practicum. LDAC gives cadets the chance to apply what they have learned in the classroom and introduces them to Army life while also receiving academic credit. Completion of the Advanced Course requires two years of study. Each cadet in the Advanced Course receives a subsistence allowance of up to $4,500 for each year of attendance.

Two-Year Program. The two-year program is available to incoming juniors and community college graduates, students at four-year colleges who did not take ROTC during their first tow years of school, and students entering a two-year postgraduate course of study. To enter the two-year program, students must attend a fully paid four-week Leadership Training Course (LTC), normally held during the summer between their sophomore and junior years of college. At LTC, students learn to challenge themselves physically and mentally, and to build their confidence and leadership skills. Students attending LTC receive $900 over the four weeks and may qualify for a $5,000 bonus and other scholarships. After successfully completing LTC, students who meet all the necessary enrollment requirements may partificpate in the Advanced Course.

Scholarships and Financial Assistance. Army ROTC scholarships are offered for four, three and two years and are awarded on a competitive basis. Each scholarship pays 100% of student’s tuition and fees, $1200 a year for textbooks and supplies, and a monthly stipend totaling up to $4500 per year while the scholarship is in effect. Four–year scholarships are awarded to students who will be entering college as freshmen. Two and three–year scholarships are awarded to students already enrolled in college and to Army enlisted personnel on active duty. Additionally, students who attend the LTC of the two–year program may compete for two–year scholarships while at the course. Scholarship recipients can pursue degrees in any accredited four year program at the University of Montana. Students who receive scholarships are required to attain undergraduate degrees in the fields in which their scholarships were awarded.

Veterans. Veterans may apply their military experience as credit toward the ROTC Basic Course. If eligible, a veteran may enroll directly into the Advanced Course.

Simultaneous Membership Program. This program allows students to be members of the Army National Guard or the Army Reserve and enroll in Army ROTC at the same time. Students participating in the Simultaneous Membership Program receive up to $4500 per year in tuition assistance, $4500 per year in monthly stipends, and an additional $20,000 per year in other benefits. There are also scholarships available for students participating in the Simultaneous Membership Program that are interested in staying in the Army National Guard or the Army Reserve upon graduation that pay up $7500 per year for living expenses and $1200 a year for textbooks, supplies, and other equipment. These scholarships are in addition to the current benefits students receive as part of the Simultaneous Membership Program.

Service Obligation. There is no military service obligation for basic course students, unless on scholarship. Advanced course and scholarship (contracted) students incur an obligation to serve in the active Army, Army Reserve or National Guard.

Commission Requirements. In order to earn a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, each student must:

Complete all required Military Science instruction while attending college as a full-time student, and obtain a baccalaureate or higher degree.
Meet medical and physical fitness standards.
Be a U.S. citizen.
Successfully complete the Leadership Development and Assessment Course.
Be recommended by the Professor of Military Science.

Military Science Leadership (MSL)
A total of 24 credits are allowed toward the bachelor degree for contracted students. A total of 12 credits are allowed toward the bachelor degree for non–contracted students.

Faculty

Professor

Joseph J. Yakawich, M.A., Webster University, 2006 (Chair)

Assistant Professors

Jason A. Grider, B.S., History, Weber State University, 1997
Natalie L. Jewett, B.S., Biological Sciences, Austin Peay University, 1998
Dustin J. Kay, B.A., Recreation, University of Northern Iowa, 2003
Tracy A. Mitchell, B.A., Accounting, Carroll College, 2000
Patrick D. Van Hecke, US Army First Sergeant Course, 2007
Charles M. Robinson, US Army Maneuver Non-Commissioned Officer Course, 2004

Veterans’ Upward Bound

Providing Educational and Support Services to Montana’s Veterans

Educational Services

In-class, on campus college preparatory instruction:

College Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) – Billings
Cohort Program – Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell & Missoula

Tuition Assistance:

Tribal College Academic Bridge (TCAB) – Available at all Montana Tribal Colleges

Online, self-pace instruction:

Distance Learning Program
- Curriculum outline available on our webpage at: www.vubmt.com

Customized training for Reserve and Guard members:

Reserve Program
- List of workshops available enclosed

Support Services

College Transition: These services can be provided as a class or on an individual basis. Instruction and assistance provided in the steps necessary to enroll in college.
- Applying for federal financial aid
- Applying for college admissions
- Exploring local and state educational opportunities
- Degree and career exploration
- Assistance with understanding and starting your GI Bill education benefits
- Referral to campus support organizations: SOS, EOC, New Student Services, Campus Veterans’ Representatives
Referral to Veteran Service providers:
Including but not limited to:

Programs

Non-Degree

Military Science Leadership (MSL) Minor