Leadership Development That Lasts a Lifetime
Army ROTC is an elective curriculum you take along with your required college classes. It prepares you with the tools, training and experiences that will help you succeed in any competitive environment. You will have a normal college student experience like everyone else on campus, but when you graduate, you will be an Officer in the Army.

Our two-year program is designed for junior and sophomore level students who were unable to enroll in ROTC during their first two academic years. The two-year program substitutes a five-week Army Leadership Training Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky, for the Military Science 100- and 200-level courses. This leadership orientation is designed for sophomores with no prior military training. Students should attend the Leadership Training Course between their sophomore and junior years.
Our four-year program consists of 26 credit hours of Military Science courses on campus, which includes 20 hours of upper-level ROTC courses. First-semester sophomores who did not take Military Science during their freshman year may compress the basic program during their sophomore year by taking a 100-level and a 200-level course.

Army Commission

In addition to military science courses, students desiring to obtain an Army commission must take at least one course in military history. Additionally, students must demonstrate a basic swimming ability.

All students seeking a commission must attend two five-week advanced training and assessment experiences normally in the summer between freshman and sophomore years and junior and senior years. Attendance may be deferred until after senior year at the discretion of the Chairperson of Military Science. The Basic Camp and Advanced Camp are at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Additionally, students may compete throughout their time as a contracted cadet for selection to attend additional training at the Army Airborne School, Air Assault School, Northern Warfare School, Mountain Warfare School or Combat Diver Qualification course. Cadets will have the opportunity to compete for internships with both army and foreign military units either in the continental United States or overseas.

Advanced Placement

Prior active duty service members, Army Reservists and National Guardsmen who have completed basic training and high school junior ROTC graduates are eligible for placement directly into the advanced ROTC program (last two years of military science) with the consent of the Chairperson of Military Science. Eligible students request permission from the Chairperson of Military Science to enter the advanced course.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

In Missouri Western’s ROTC program, you will receive outstanding leadership training. The program offers many training events in addition to classroom instruction and practical lab exercises. Cadets are encouraged to train for and participate in any and all opportunities, such as ranger competition, rifle marksmanship, rappelling, combat water survival, situational training exercises, Bataan Death March Memorial and sports day. Cadets also utilize the department’s land navigation course on campus.

During the summer between their junior and senior years, cadets have the opportunity to attend “Warrior Forge,” a five-week leadership course in Fort Lewis, Washington. They may also attend Airborne School, Air Assault School, Mountain Warfare School and Leaders Training Course throughout their college career.

Internship Opportunities
Cadets have completed internships at the U.S. Armed Forces Recruiting Station in St. Joseph and at the Atchison Chamber of Commerce, Atchison, Kan.

There are also internships available in the Military Science Department, which helps cadets receive a greater understanding of the Army and Army administrative work.

ROTC cadets participate in obstacle course activity