Military Science

UNC Pembroke’s Army ROTC program, offered through the Department of Military Science, prepares students to become confident, capable leaders in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve or National Guard. Through hands-on training, academic support and leadership development, cadets gain the tools to excel both in military service and civilian life — while completing their college degree.

Program Overview

The objectives of the Army ROTC Program are to attract, motivate and prepare selected students to serve as commissioned officers in the active or reserve components of the Army; to provide a practical understanding of the concepts and principles of military science; to develop a strong sense of duty, honor and country; to promote teamwork and individual fitness; and to develop an understanding of and appreciation for international relations and national security. Attainment of these objectives prepares students for commissioning and establishes a solid foundation for their professional development and effective performance in the uniformed services or in civilian enterprises.

ROTC Ambush Training male UNCP student

Spring ROTC Commencement UNCP

Criteria & Courses

The Army ROTC Program is of modular construction and is composed of a Basic and an Advanced Course. Enrollment in the Basic Course is open to all full-time students and it carries with it no obligation for military service. Completion of the Basic Course is a prerequisite for application to the Advanced Course. Prior military service, high school ROTC or membership in a National Guard or Reserve unit may result in direct Advanced Course placement. Entrance into the Advanced Course is selective and is based on demonstrated performance and leadership potential. Students who satisfactorily complete the Advanced Course and graduate from the university are commissioned as second lieutenants.

The Basic Course is comprised of the freshman and sophomore level classes and does not require any military obligation. At most universities, these classes are considered electives and only meet once a week for approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours. The Basic Course covers topics such as Organization of the Army; Military Traditions and Courtesies; Basic Leadership Skills; Decision Making Process; Map Reading Skills; Introduction to Small Unit Tactics; and Basic Soldier Skills. In order to enroll in the Basic Course, an individual must:

  1. Be a full time student at UNC Pembroke
  2. Not be a Conscientious Objector
  3. Be of Good Moral Character
  4. Not have any Tattoos specifically prohibited by Army policy
  5. Be a U.S. Citizen
  6. Be in good physical condition

MSC 1010. Leadership and Personal Development
MSL 1010 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 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.

MSC 1020. Introduction to Tactical Leadership
MSL 1020 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 1020 experience.

MSC 1800. Military Physical Training (PED 1800)
Taught by a military instructor.

MSC 2010. Foundations of Tactical Leadership
MSL 2010 explores the dimensions of creative and innovative tactical leadership strategies and styles by studying historical case studies and engaging in interactive student exercises. Cadets practice aspects of personal motivation and team building in the context of planning, executing and assessing team exercises. Focus is on continued development of the knowledge of leadership values and attributes through an understanding of rank, uniform, customs and courtesies. Leadership case studies provide tangible context for learning the Soldier’s Creed and Warrior Ethos.

MSC 2020. Foundations of Leadership
MSL 2020 examines the challenges of leading in complex contemporary operational environments. Dimensions of the cross-cultural challenges of leadership in a constantly changing world are highlighted and applied to practical Army leadership tasks and situations. Provides a smooth transition into MSL 3010. Cadets develop greater self-awareness as they practice communication and team building skills. COE case studies give insight into the importance and practice of teamwork and tactics in real world scenarios.

The Advanced Course is comprised of junior and senior level classes and requires students to commit to a military obligation prior to entering the course. Once enrolled in the Advance Course, Cadets participate in academic classes and leadership labs each semester and also attend a 30 day Cadet Leadership Course (CLC) located at Fort Knox, Kentucky, during the summer between their junior/senior year. In order to enroll in the Advance Course, an individual must:

  1. Meet all of the previous requirements to enter the Basic Course.
  2. Not have any civil convictions, adverse adjudications or court marshal convictions other than minor traffic violations less than $250.
  3. Not have more than 3 dependents.
  4. Never have used drugs; or be a self admitted limited/experimental user of drugs who has not used within 6 months of contracting.
  5. Sign a loyalty oath.
  6. If prior service, have an honorable discharge from the Armed Services with a qualifying RE code of 1 on DD Form 214.
  7. Meet one of the following criteria: have credit for MSC 1010/1020/2010/2020, complete Cadet Command’s Cadet Initial Entry Training (CIET) or complete Basic Training in one of the Armed Forces.
  8. Have a college GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  9. Score at least 180 points with 60 points in each event on a single Army Physical Fitness Test.
  10. Successfully pass a Department of Defense Medical Evaluation Review Board physical. The most common non-waiver disqualifiers during this physical are: documented asthma after the age of 13; ADD/ADHD, depression treatment or academic skills disorders within the past 12 months; ulcerative colitis, crohn’s disease, scoliosis-curvature of the spine in excess of 30 degrees or prior service with a permanent profile.
  11. Be younger than the age of 31 at time of commissioning without a waiver

Upon completion of the Advance Course and successful graduation from the university, Cadets receive their commission as a United States Army Officer and subsequently begin a career in either the Active Army or Reserve/National Guard.

MSC 3010. Adaptive Team Leadership
MSL 3010 challenges cadets to study, practice and evaluate adaptive leadership skills as they are presented with the demands of the ROTC Leader Development Assessment Course (LDAC). Challenging scenarios related to small unit tactical operations are used to develop self-awareness and critical thinking skills. Cadets receive systematic and specific feedback on their leadership abilities. Cadets begin to analyze and evaluate their own leadership values, attributes, skills and actions. Primary attention is given to preparation for LDAC and the development of leadership qualities.

MSC 3020. Applied Team Leadership
MSL 3020 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 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 operations orders. MSL 3020 cadets are evaluated on what they know and do as leaders.

MSC 4010. Adaptive Leadership
MSL 4010 develops cadet proficiency in planning, executing and assessing complex operations, functioning as a member of a staff and providing leadership performance feedback to subordinates. Cadets are given situational opportunities to assess risk, make ethical decisions and provide coaching to fellow ROTC cadets. Cadets are challenged to analyze, evaluate and instruct younger cadets. Both their classroom and battalion leadership experiences are designed to prepare them for their first unit of assignment. Cadets identify responsibilities of key staff, coordinate staff roles and use situational opportunities to teach, train and develop subordinates.

MSC 4020. Leadership in a Complex World
MSL 4020 explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations. Cadets examine difference in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war and rules of engagement in the face of international terrorism. Aspects of interacting with non-government organizations, civilians on the battlefield and host nation support are examined and evaluated. Significant emphasis is placed on preparing cadets for their first unit of assignment. Case studies, scenarios and “What Now, Lieutenant?” exercises are used to prepare cadets to face complex ethical and practical demands of leading as commissioned officers in the United States Army.

MSC 4210. The American Military Experience (HST 4O60)
A survey of American Military History concentrating on the major factors and events which have influenced US foreign policy during periods of war and peace.

Battalion

ROTC Commissioning Ceremony male UNC Pembroke

Who We Are

UNC Pembroke is part of Campbell Battalion which consists of the following schools: Campbell University, Fayetteville State University and Methodist University. Each school in Campbell Battalion has a company name. UNC Pembroke's company name is Brave Company.

Since 1972, Campbell Battalion Army ROTC has earned acclaim as one of the nation’s top ROTC programs. The reason we perform so well year after year is that we continually get outstanding students like you to join our ranks. Our Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program is one of the finest in the country.

ROTC Classroom female student writing

Our Vision, Your Success

The Campbell Battalion is forward-looking, battle-focused, team-oriented, continuously improving and capable of accurately assessing ourselves. We create and maintain a climate where both cadre and cadets feel as though they truly have the opportunity to “be all that they can be”. We respect and appreciate individual differences. We work smart, have fun and go home and spend quality time with our families and/or friends. Each member of this team always feels empowered to learn, grow and excel. The end state of living this vision is commissioned officers that will lead our Army with distinction and soldiers that feel proud to refer to you as “My Lieutenant”.

Cadets

All students registered for Military Science (MSCI) classes are referred to as Cadets. A Cadet is a trainee enrolled in a military officer-producing program. The ROTC program has several categories of Cadets enrolled in it: Participating Cadets, Enrolled Cadets and Contracted Cadets.

  • Participating Cadets – Registered for the MSCI class through the university and responsible for attending all classroom activities.
  • Enrolled Cadets – Has completed all documents listed in the ROTC Enrollment Packet. These students are eligible to attend all extracurricular activities associated with ROTC, such as physical fitness training, leadership labs and Field Training Exercises (FTX), which include rifle ranges, land navigation training, obstacle courses and leader reaction courses.
  • Contracted Cadets – These students have completed all documents listed in the ROTC Contracting Packet and have been identified as possessing the character and attributes necessary of an officer candidate. They have signed the Army enlistment contract (DD 4/1, DD 4/2) and ROTC contract (DA 597-3 or DA 597) and are working toward becoming an Army Officer upon graduating with a bachelor's or master's degree. 
Cadet Chain of Command
ROTC UNC Pembroke Commissioning Ceremony

Creeds & History

Cadet Creed

I am an Army Cadet.
Soon I will take an oath and become an Army Officer committed to defending the values, which make this nation great.
HONOR is my touchstone.
I understand MISSION first and PEOPLE always.
I am the PAST: the spirit of those WARRIORS who have made the final sacrifice.
I am the PRESENT: the scholar and apprentice soldier enhancing my skills in the science of warfare and the art of leadership.
But, above all, I am the FUTURE: the future WARRIOR LEADER of the United States Army.
May God give me the compassion and judgment to lead and the gallantry to WIN.
I WILL do my duty.

Soldier's Creed

I am an American Soldier.
I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage and destroy, the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.
I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.

ROTC had its beginnings in the 19th century, when a handful of colleges offered military instruction to students. By the time the Civil War began, everyone could see the need to develop a source of military leaders and the college campus was a logical place to find those who could qualify.

In 1862, the Land Grant Act was passed authorizing grants of public land to state colleges that offered military training for all able bodied male students. As a result of the legislation, 105 colleges and universities were offering military instruction by the early 1900's. But as our nation became increasingly involved in international affairs, the need for a reserve corps of training military officers was more apparent.

In 1916, Congress recognized the need for an expanded military reserve to supplement the National Guard, and it passed the National Defense Act. The National Defense Act provided for the establishment of the Officers' Reserve Corps, to be composed of men trained in ROTC and in Army training camps. These officers not only served in World War I, but also went on to form the basis of the Officers' Reserve Corps in the 1930s.

Consequently, when World War II broke out, ROTC was able to provide the necessary military leadership required for the Army to mobilize. Within six months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, more than 56,000 Army ROTC officers were serving on active duty. By the end of the war, more than 100,000 ROTC officers had served our country.

Later, in Korea and Vietnam, Army ROTC graduates reaffirmed our national commitments to a defense force, led in a large part by citizen soldiers who had been prepared for leadership campuses of our colleges and universities. Because of the critical role played Army ROTC during these periods of conflict, Congress added additional strength to the program with the passage of the ROTC Vitalization Act of 1964.

The act provided for the establishment of Army ROTC scholarships, the creation of the two-year program and the increase in the amount of money ROTC students receive. These additional incentives stimulates enrollment in the program and introduced the rewards of military life to thousands of qualified young students.

Opportunities

Army student graduate UNC Pembroke

Green to Gold

UNCP’s Green to Gold program empowers enlisted soldiers to transform into commissioned Army officers by pursuing a bachelor’s or graduate degree through ROTC. Whether via scholarship, active-duty transfer or a non‑scholarship path, participants receive strong financial support — including tuition coverage, stipends and continued benefits — to help them graduate ready to lead.
UNCP Nursing students with child in simulation lab

Nursing Program

If nursing is your goal, Army ROTC offers a powerful path forward — combining hands-on leadership training with financial support and real-world experience. ROTC nurse cadets can compete for scholarships, gain valuable summer clinical experience and prepare to commission as officers in the Army Nurse Corps after graduation. You’ll build confidence, develop leadership skills and launch your nursing career with a strong foundation for success — whether in the Army or civilian healthcare.
“Nursing and ROTC are big on leadership. Being a good leader means you are a good follower. It’s not about being the most outspoken person in the room. It’s leading from the front and setting a good example.”
Second Lt. Keely Jones Aliseo
UNCP Graduate

FAQs

No. Students who enroll in ROTC don't join the Army.  They take an ROTC class for which they receive credit.  It's considered a college elective.

No. ROTC cadets go directly to college where they earn their degree.

Quite simply, leadership and management skills needed to become a U.S. Army officer or have a successful civilian career.

Students in ROTC learn through a unique program that involves both classroom and \"live\" situations.  For instance, an ROTC cadet might be found leading classmates through adventure training, down a river in a raft or up a mountain wall.

During the first two years, ROTC cadets have no military obligation (or the first year in the case of scholarship winners).
The ROTC program is divided into phases: The Basic Course studies Army history, organization and structure.  The techniques and principles of leadership and management are stressed throughout.  The Advanced Course concentrates on tactical operations and military instruction, as well as advanced techniques of management, leadership and command.
Yes.  Each year hundreds of students attending colleges nationwide receive ROTC scholarships.  ROTC awards them to students studying science, engineering, nursing, business, as well as a variety of other majors.
Scholarships are awarded at different monetary levels.  At some schools an ROTC scholarship is worth up to $80,000, which goes towards tuition and educational fees.  Also, scholarship winners receive an allowance of up to $1,500 a year.
ROTC scholarships are not based on financial need.  Instead, they're awarded on merit.  Merit is exhibited in academic achievement and extracurricular activities, such as sports, student government or part-time work.
No. Anyone can enroll in ROTC.  And regardless of whether you're a scholarship winner or not, all ROTC books, supplies and equipment are furnished at not cost to you.
Scholarships are awarded once a year. Students apply by November 15 and selections are made continuously thru May 15.  Four-year scholarship applications must be requested between March 1 and November 1.  Also, once cadets are on campus, two-year and three-year scholarships become available.
In college and after graduation, cadets find that the training and experience that they have received are assets - whether pursuing an Army or civilian career.   Employers place high regard on the management and leadership skills that ROTC instructors stress. Plus, ROTC looks great on a resume.  When cadets complete the ROTC course, upon graduation, they become commissioned officers in the U.S. Army.

Have Questions?

ROTC Building
910.775.4217
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Email Us:
patrick.young@uncp.edu
patrick.vazquez@uncp.edu
male military science student in class UNCP

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