Military Science Department

MAJ (P) Ross Nelson, Chairperson
Burr House
414 E. Clark Street
(605) 677-6049
rotc@usd.edu
http://www.usd.edu/rotc

FACULTY

Professor:

MAJ (P) Ross Nelson

Assistant Professors:

CPT David Larson, Field Artillery
Mr. Damian Donahoe
Mr. Jeff Rarick

Senior Military Instructor:

MSG Michael Balis, Field Artillery

Military Instructor:

SFC Larry Pennington, Special Forces

MINOR:

Military Science

Military Science and the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) are on USD’s campus to motivate and train students to become leaders in the United States Army (or any profession). Qualified students earn federal commissions while they earn their Bachelor’s degree by taking Military Science courses, completing a five-week summer leadership course and maintaining established standards in academics, physical fitness and citizenship. After graduation and commissioning, new Second Lieutenants serve on Active Duty in the U.S. Army or in a variety of positions with Army National Guard and Army Reserve units throughout the country. Two, three and four-year scholarships that pay full tuition and fees are available to qualified students. A two-year program is also available for graduate students. Initial Military Science courses are tuition and obligation free. These 100 level and 200 level Military Science courses are open to any student on campus. Courses include instruction on rappelling, first aid, survival training, leadership development, problem solving and time management. Military Science courses at the 300 and 400 level are limited to enrollment by contracted ROTC cadets only. Summer internships and cultural exchange programs are also available for contracted cadets. The Military Science Minor is available only to those students who are fully-contracted/obligated ROTC cadets. There are 22 credits required for the minor. Students who have completed Basic Training/Advanced Individual Training may be awarded lower-division MSL course credit toward the minor with the permission of the department chair. MSL 494 will not count toward any requirements for the Military Science Minor.

SCHOLARSHIPS

National and Campus-based Army ROTC Scholarships

Available to H.S. Seniors, College First-year students and Sophomores
Eligibility criteria: U.S. citizen; minimum GPA 2.50; must meet age and medical qualifications
Benefits: Covers full cost of tuition and fees, book allowance, monthly stipend

Military Endowments:

Available to College First-year students and Sophomores
Eligibility criteria: Must be enrolled in Army ROTC
Benefits: Provides various cash awards