Military Science (Army ROTC)
Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (MIL)
The Army Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) program was established at College of Saint Mary in February 1975, when the University concluded an agreement to provide the program of instruction with the military science department of Creighton University. This makes College of Saint Mary the first women’s university in the western United States to offer Army ROTC to its students.
The ROTC program is prepared and presented by the military science department of Creighton University and the U.S. Army under an independent contract with College of Saint Mary.
Program Objectives
The program provides training designed to qualify students for an Army Commission while also preparing them for civilian executive and management positions. Hence, the student may earn a commission while earning an academic degree in a discipline of her choice. Leadership training is the core of the Military Science program and is required each semester. It is accomplished, in part, through a leadership laboratory conducted each week and field exercises held each semester. The Basic Course develops an understanding of teamwork and leadership techniques. Leadership is enhanced through practical application in drill, leader reaction exercises and tactical exercises in field situations. Additionally, there are opportunities for optional adventure training in Helicopter Rappelling and Air Assault, Airborne and Mountain Survival Training. Advanced course students plan, organize and conduct the Basic Course leadership program, thereby enhancing their management and supervisory skills. Further growth is achieved through field exercises and enrichment activities, Ranger Training, Physical Training, and Cadet Troop Leadership Training.
Advanced Course
Although Military Science Courses may be taken for credit by any student, only those students formally enrolling in and successfully completing the Advanced Course will receive a commission. If selected for and enrolled in the Advanced Course, the student must agree to complete the remaining two years of ROTC and to accept a commission, if offered, upon completion of the course.
Each Advanced Course student must attend a 32-day Advanced Camp, normally during the summer between their junior and senior year. Advanced Camp consists of the practical application of the instruction and skills learned at Creighton, with emphasis on leadership and physical fitness. Students are paid travel expenses to and from camp as well as a daily working salary. All accommodations, clothing, equipment, and food are provided.
Army Reserve/Army National Guard Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)
The ROTC Program is normally a four-year program; however, under the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP), qualified juniors (those who are veterans or those who have successfully completed three years of Junior ROTC or Basic Training with a reserve or national guard unit) may, upon the approval of the Profession of Military Science (PMS), enter the Advanced Course and earn a commission. The student may apply for Active Duty with the U.S. Army upon graduation.
Qualified SMP students may apply for scholarships under the Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty Scholarship program. This is a two-year scholarship that could be worth nearly $38,400. Other scholarships may also be available. In addition to the $350 per month and the Reserve unit pay, SMP students are still eligible for selected Montgomery GI Bill® college assistance programs. Total monetary entitlements for even a non-scholarship SMP student during the two-year program could exceed $28,000.
Special Opportunities
Students who have completed 12 months of service in one of the U.S. Armed Services and have achieved junior standing may, upon approval of the PMS, be granted credit for the Basic Course and enroll in the Advanced Course. ROTC credit earned at other universities is transferable to Creighton.
Numerous associated and allied programs and extracurricular activities are available to ROTC students. CTLT (Cadet Leadership Training) and NSTP (Nurse Summer Training Program) are great examples of opportunities available to ROTC students. During the summer after junior year, ROTC students are given the opportunity to travel to various Army Posts throughout the world. These are designed to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the military profession and to allow them to acquire and develop new skills.
ROTC Scholarships
Four-and three-year scholarships are available to all high school seniors who apply and are selected to receive these scholarships while they attend an institution offering a four-year Army ROTC program.
ROTC students who gain acceptance to a professional school in the medical field are eligible to apply for the Uniformed Services Health Professions Scholarship Program, which pays the recipient a monthly stipend plus tuition and other academic expenses. These scholarships are offered in medicine, osteopathy, and psychology (Ph.D., clinical or counseling). Students desiring graduate and professional education are permitted to apply for deferment of service obligation resulting from their ROTC enrollment until the completion of such additional studies. This educational delay is open to those pursuing advanced medical, legal, and seminary professions. Feel free to call if there are any questions at (402) 280-1155/2828.