Department of Military Science

Cadets conducting an after action review following a simulated battle.

LTC John Peary, Department Head
Department of Military Science
DePuy Military Hall 200, Box 2236
605-688-6151

Faculty

Adjunct Professor

John Peary

Adjunct Assistant Professor

Andrew Simer

Overview

The Department of Military Science, Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), develops critical skills in management, leadership and analytical decision-making that are valuable to any civilian or military career. Classroom instruction, hands-on training and field training encompass the values and skill sets necessary for success. Opportunities abound for specialized training.

Department Objective

The Department of Military Science has a mission to train students of any major to be leaders in the US Army. SDSU Army ROTC has a long and proud tradition of commissioning nearly 3000 outstanding officers for the Active Army, the Army National Guard, and the United States Army Reserve since its inception in 1884.

Program

Minors

Military Science Minor

Training Programs

The Department has three on-campus training programs:

the four-year program consisting of the basic course for freshmen and sophomores, followed by the advanced course for juniors and seniors.
a three-year program where the basic course is compressed into the sophomore year followed by the advanced course.
a two-year program.

The first entry point is where placement credit is allowed for the basic course to qualified veterans and members of the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve. A second entry point is available to students who desire to be paid for the equivalent of the basic course by attending the ROTC Basic Course in the summer prior to their junior year.

By enrolling in the basic course or its equivalent substitute, students do not make any commitment to the U.S. Army unless they are scholarship recipients. Tuition is not charged for ROTC courses. ROTC textbooks, uniforms, and other essential materials are furnished to the Basic Course student at no cost. Fifty percent tuition credit for Advanced Course non-scholarship cadets is available to South Dakota residents. To be eligible for commissioning, cadets must complete a course in Military History and pass water survival training. Contact the department for requirements.

Army ROTC Scholarships

Qualified students can compete for 4-year, 3-year, and 2-year scholarships that cover full tuition, laboratory and instructional fees, or $6,000 per semester for room and board. A book stipend of $600 a semester plus a monthly subsistence allowance of $420 a month are provided each semester for contracted cadets in Army ROTC. A Four Year National High School Scholarship process is conducted by the Department of the Army for university bound high school students. Applications are available from high school counselors or online at www.armyrotc.com. Contact the SDSU Army ROTC for more information.

Student Support and Engagement Opportunities

The Department of Military Science provides students the opportunity to explore a wide variety of training options. The department offers participation in Color Guard as well as a Ranger Challenge Team. Training for qualified individuals includes Airborne, Air Assault, Northern Warfare Training, Cadet Troop Leader Training, Nurses Summer Training, Project Go (Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency), and professional Internships for specific majors. The Ranger Challenge Team is an elite group of students that train for competition in marksmanship, orienteering, weapons assembly, a ruck march, and physical fitness testing. Training, competition, and performance all sharpen skill sets and prepare the Cadets for the future.