Department of Military Science and Leadership (Army ROTC)

Chair

LTC Caleb Daniel
(859) 622-1207
Weaver 201

Military Science and Leadership Faculty and Staff

PMS Lieutenant Colonel Caleb Daniel, Administrative Coordinator Claire Jennings, CPT Corey Blankenship, CPT Brandon Dutton, Scholarship and Enrollment Specialist Eric Sheaks, SFC William Smith, Cadet HR Janiece Bishop.

Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)

Earning a degree does not necessarily guarantee employment, however, completing Army ROTC will. The Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is a premier leadership-training program that prepares you to be a leader in any organization or business. Army ROTC enhances any Bachelor's or Master's Degree program by improving leadership skills, time management skills, goal setting, decision making, team building, mentorship, and achieving success. The skills you develop in Army ROTC will give you an advantage over your job-seeking peer. After successful completion of the Army ROTC program, you will have a full-time job waiting for you as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Army or part-time in the Army Reserve or National Guard.

Career Opportunities

Students who successfully graduate from EKU’s Army ROTC program commission as Second Lieutenants and serve with other dedicated young men and women in our nation’s defense. As new Lieutenants, officers serve in a variety of branches (career paths), such as Aviation, Armor, Infantry, Transportation, Military Police, Engineers, and Army Nurses, to name a few, and can travel worldwide. Starting salary for an active duty Lieutenant is over $63,000, plus full individual and family medical coverage and 30 days paid vacation annually. For those who desire only a part-time commitment, the Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty option gives students assurance they will be able to serve their country from home, adding stability to their chosen civilian career in the National Guard or Reserves.

Leadership Development

EKU’s Department of Military Science and Leadership has a proud reputation dating back to 1936. The program has commissioned over 3,000 officers. The program’s unique approach to leadership development provides each student various opportunities to refine their own leadership skills and receive individualized performance feedback. The Training is designed around a hands-on, experiential learning curriculum. Army ROTC students will develop the skills necessary to lead others, but also build confidence by learning how to rappel, negotiate EKU’s Challenge Course, learn fundamentals of marksmanship by firing the M-4 Carbine, complete water survival training, and other adventure-type activities. Students also learn to live the seven Army Values – Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage by demonstrating these values as they participate in the Cadet Battalion, Color Guard, Ranger Company, and Raider Team.

Scholarships and Simultaneous Membership

Eligible students may compete for a variety of Army ROTC Scholarships available on-campus and through the Army National Guard and Army Reserves. These fully funded scholarships pay your choice of 100% tuition or $12,000 Room & Board with a $1,200 annual book allowance and a monthly tax-free living allowance of $420. Four-year ROTC scholarship recipients and qualified freshmen receive additional campus housing payments up to $3,500. Members of the National Guard or Army Reserves who join ROTC under the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) may also receive a monthly SMP Kicker of $350 in addition to the tax-free $420 ROTC living allowance, Montgomery GI Bill^® benefits worth $498, and E-5 drill pay or $350. National Guard members get 100% in-state tuition.

Eligibility and Obligations

Students may enroll in any of the MSL 100-200 level courses without any obligation. Students who desire to seek a commission must sign a contract before entering the Advanced Leadership Course (MSL 300-400 courses); they must also meet certain age, physical fitness, medical, citizenship, security clearance, and military experience requirements. Military experience can be satisfied in a variety of methods (check with the ROTC Scholarship and Enrollment Officer at (859) 622-1215 for details). Cadets who earn a commission will incur a military service obligation upon graduation.

Scholar-Athlete-Leader

Becoming an Army Officer doesn’t just happen; it requires a level of commitment, determination, and selflessness that few civilian careers will ever demand. Army Officers are intellectually curious, mentally adroit, physically robust, and possess a willingness and passion to take charge and make the right things happen. If you are a Scholar-Athlete-Leader who wants to join the world’s most sophisticated Army, then join EKU ROTC—“Where Leadership Excellence Begins.”

Information is current as of June 2025 and is subject to change.

Minor

Military Leadership (ARMY), Minor

Courses

Military Science and Leadership

MSL 101. Introduction to the Army and Critical Thinking. (2 Credits)

I. Cadets will learn how the personal development of life skills such as cultural understanding, goal setting, time management, stress management, and comprehensive fitness related to leadership, officership, and the Army profession. The focus is on developing basic knowledge and comprehension of Army leadership dimensions, attributes and core leader competencies while gaining an understanding of the ROTC program, its purpose in the Army, and its advantages for the student. Students are required to apply their knowledge outside the classroom in a hands-on performance-oriented environment during leadership labs (team building exercises, field training exercises, and/or simulation exercises). 1 Lec/1 Lab.

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MSL 102. Introduction to the Profession of Arms. (2 Credits)

(2) II. Cadets will learn how Army ethics and values shape the Army and the specific ways that these ethics are inculcated into Army culture. Cadets can expect to explore the seven Army Values, Warrior Ethos, explore the Profession of Arms, Army Leadership and critical communication skills. Students are required to apply their knowledge outside the classroom in a hands-on performance-oriented environment during leadership labs (team building exercises, field training exercises, and/or simulation exercises). 1 Lec/1 Lab

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MSL 201. Leadership and Decision Making. (2 Credits)

(2) I. Primarily is drawn from the Adaptability Army Learning Areas (ALA). The outcomes are demonstrated through Critical and Creative Thinking and the ability to apply Troop Leading Procedures (TLP). Comprehension of the officer’s role in leading change by applying innovative solutions to problems in concert with the Principals of Mission Command. The Army Profession is also stressed through leadership forums and a leadership self-assessment. Students are required to apply their knowledge outside the classroom in a hands-on performance-oriented environment during leadership labs (team building exercises, field training exercises, and/or simulation exercises). 2 Lec/1 Lab.

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MSL 202. Army Doctrine and Team Decision. (3 Credits)

(3) II. Begins the journey to understand and demonstrate cross-cultural competencies as they relate to Army doctrine and how they apply in a combatant commander’s engagement strategies. Army values, teamwork, and Warrior Ethos and their relationship to the Law of Land Warfare and philosophy of military science are also stressed. The ability to lead and follow is also covered through team building exercises in small units up to squad level. Students are required to apply their knowledge outside the classroom in hands-on performance-oriented environment during Leadership LABS. 2.5 Lec/2.5 Lab.

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MSL 210. Basic Camp. (5 Credits)

(5) Summer Only. A comprehensive leader training course which can be taken in lieu of 201 and 202. This course emphasizes an experiential, hands-on approach to leader development. Held at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Students are paid to attend.

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MSL 298. Independent Leadership Studies. (2,3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: departmental approval; may be taken once in lieu of MSL 201 or 202. Students record observed traits in a dimensional leadership journal and discuss observations with instructor. Independent examination of effective leadership, communications, goal setting, decision-making, problem solving, and quality improvement techniques. 2.5 Ind Stu/2.5 Lab.

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MSL 301. Training Management and the Warfighting Functions. (3 Credits)

(3) I. Prerequisites: 54 hours, MSL 201 and MSL 202 or MSL 210; or Departmental approval. Challenges cadets to study, practice and apply the fundamentals of Army Leadership, Officership, Army values and ethics, personal development, and small unit tactics at the platoon level. Cadets receive systematic and specific feedback on their leadership attributes values, and core leader competencies from instructor, other ROTC cadre, and MSL IV cadets using the Cadet Officer Evaluation System (OES). Students are required to apply their knowledge outside the classroom in a hands-on performance-oriented environment during leadership labs (team building exercises, field training exercises, and/or simulation exercises). 2.5 Lec/2.5 Lab.

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MSL 302. Applied Leadership in Small Unit Operations. (3 Credits)

(3) II. Prerequisite: MSL 301 or departmental approval. Builds on the lessons learned and leadership attributes gained and developed during MSL 301. This is an academically challenging course where cadets will study, practice, and apply the fundamentals of the Army leadership, officership, Army values and ethics, personal development and small unit tactics at the platoon level. At the conclusion of this course, cadets will be capable of planning coordinating, navigating, motivating and leading a squad and platoon in the execution of a mission during a classroom PE, a Leadership Lab, or during a Leader Training Exercise (LTX). Students are required to apply their knowledge outside the classroom in a hands-on performance-oriented environment during leadership labs (team building exercises, field training exercises, and/or simulation exercises). Lab 2.5 Lec/2.5 Lab.

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MSL 303. American Military History. (3 Credits)

I. Prerequisite: ENG 102 or ENG 105(B) or HON 102. Examines U.S. Military History from pre-revolutionary times to Global War on Terrorism, Applies the Threads of Continuity model, defines the (9) principles of war; (5) forms of maneuver, analyzes the political-economic-technological-social impacts on the military. Develops leadership through individual/group contribution participation in case studies, classroom presentations, book report, battle analysis, and battlefield staff ride/museum tour.

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MSL 310. Advance Camp. (6 Credits)

(6) Summer Only. Prerequisite: MSL 302. Refines student leadership and teamwork building skills through intensive practical application, rotating leader/command experience involving problem analysis, decision-making, and troop leading in both garrison and field environments. Held at Fort Lewis, Washington.

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MSL 311. Internship in Leadership. (3 Credits)

Summer Only. Pre and Corequisites: MSL 301, MSL 302 and enrolled in MSL 310. Students assigned to leadership positions with active army units for 3-4 weeks. Students are paid and receive a written evaluation of their leadership performance and potential and must complete an after action report upon returning. May only be taken once.

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MSL 401. The Army Officer. (3 Credits)

(3) I. Prerequisite: MSL 302 or departmental approval. 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 Army ROTC cadets. They identify responsibilities of key staff, coordinate staff roles and use situational opportunities to teach, train and develop subordinates. Students are required to apply their knowledge outside the classroom in a hands-on performance-oriented environment during leadership labs (team building exercises, field training exercises, and/or simulation exercises). .5 Lec/2.5 Lab.

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MSL 402. Company Grade Leadership. (3 Credits)

(3) II. Prerequisite: MSL 401 or departmental approval. Explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations in today’s operational environment. Cadets examine difference 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. Students are required to apply their knowledge outside the classroom in a hands-on performance-oriented environment during leadership labs (team building exercises, field training exercises, and/or simulation exercises). 2.5 Lec/2.5 Lab.

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MSL 403. Topics in Military Leadership. (1 Credit)

A. Prerequisite: MSL 402. Study of current issues relevant to the professional development and commissioning of Second Lieutenants in the United States Army. May repeat with different topics for a maximum of 4 hours. 1 Lec/1 Lab.

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MSL 498. Advanced Independent Leadership Studies. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: departmental approval; may be taken twice in lieu of MSL 301, 302, 401, or 402. Equivalent study of the materials covered in the course being replaced. 2.5 Ind Stu/2.5 Lab.

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