Military Science (MILS)
This is an archived copy of the 2020-2021 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.wofford.edu.
The normal four-year sequence of ROTC instruction is divided into the Basic Program and the Advanced Program. Participation in the Basic Program, normally undertaken in the freshman and sophomore years, is voluntary and involves no obligation for military service. The four courses in the Basic Program are intended to develop leadership skills, to familiarize the student with military customs and organization, and to introduce basic soldier functions and tactics. All credits earned in these courses may be applied toward graduation.
Basic Program
Open to all students who have an interest in Military Science, the basic program is required of students who are awarded ROTC Scholarships; Scholarship students are obligated to serve in the Army upon graduation. For the general student, there is no military obligation associated with participation in the Basic Program courses. All military leadership courses are offered with a lab. The lab required for students seeking a commission but is not required for the general student in the 100- and 200-level courses, but is required of all students at the 300- and 400-level.
Advanced Program
The Advanced Program is offered for students who have successfully completed the Basic Program, who meet the academic and physical standards, and who are selected on the further basis of leadership potential. (Satisfactory completion of a five-week basic camp in the summer after the sophomore year, suitable prior military experience, or three years of JROTC, may substitute for a portion of the Basic Program for this purpose.) The Advanced Program, normally taken during the junior and senior years, offers a total of 12 credit hours. The four courses include instruction in leadership, ethics, tactics, military law, administration, and exercise of command. Advanced Program cadets receive a tax-free allowance of up to $420 each month for up to 10 months of the academic year, and are also paid during the four-week summer camp they are required to attend between the junior and senior years.
The Advanced Program Cadets can compete to serve on active duty or opt to participate in the Reserve Force Duty Program (RFD) as means for fulfilling the incurred obligation for military service. Under the RFD program, the student is commissioned in either the National Guard or the U.S. Army Reserve and is not able to serve on active duty.
In addition to the Basic and Advanced Programs of classroom instruction, the Department of Military Science at Wofford sponsors numerous extracurricular activities which are designed to complement skills learned in the classroom. Commission seeking Cadets will participate in one field training exercise per semester, learn tactical skills using paint-ball weapons, learn land navigation and other military skills. Cadets can also voluntarily compete for selection to attend Airborne or Air Assault schools during the summer.
MILS 101. Military Leadership I. 0 to 1 Hours.
A basic orientation to ROTC and the U. S. Army. Course topics include leadership, military customs and courtesies, map reading, the profession of arms, the Army values, and healthy lifestyle. Leadership laboratory, one weekend leadership laboratory and Physical Training is required in addition to the weekly labs for contracted and scholarship cadets. Open to first- and second-year students or by permission of instructor.
MILS 102. Military Leadership I. 0 to 1 Hours.
A continuation of Military Science 101. Course topics include leadership, US Army unit overview, Army values, warrior ethos, communication and Army writing style. Leadership laboratory, one weekend leadership laboratory and physical training is required in addition to the weekly labs for contracted and scholarship cadets. Open to first- and second-year students or by permission of instructor. Note: contracted and scholarship cadets may be selected for a one month long Cadet Initial Entry Training assignment at Fort Knox, KY at the end of their first or second year of enrollment.
Prerequisite: MILS 101 with a minimum grade of D.
MILS 201. Military Leadership II. 0 to 2 Hours.
The study of the importance of character in leadership and decision making. Course topics include cultural awareness, leadership theory, analytical and critical thinking, problem solving, troop leading procedures and military ethics. Leadership laboratory, one weekend leadership laboratory and physical training is required in addition to the weekly labs for contracted and scholarship cadets. Open to second-year students with permission of instructor.
Prerequisite: MILS 102 with a minimum grade of C.
MILS 202. Military Leadership II. 0 to 2 Hours.
The study of basic Army operations and the application of military leading principles. Course topics include Army doctrine and symbols, offensive and defensive operations, team building, unified land operations, tactics, equal opportunity, first aid, and emergency preparedness. Leadership laboratory, one weekend leadership laboratory and physical training is required in addition to the weekly labs for contracted and scholarship cadets. Open to second-year students with permission of instructor. Note: contracted and scholarship cadets may be selected for Cadet Initial Entry Training at Fort Knox, KY at the end of their first or second year of enrollment.
Prerequisite: MILS 201 with a minimum grade of C.
MILS 215. American Military History. 3 Hours.
A chronological review of the people, events, and trends that affected the development and employment of the United States Army from its colonial beginnings through the present. Students will combine directed readings, individual research, and classroom instruction to analyze themes from history to identify an 'American Way of War,' assess the manner in which it evolved, and project requirements for future change.
MILS 301. Military Leadership III. 3 Hours.
The study of advanced military leadership topics and the application of the war fighting functions. Course topics include squad and platoon level tactics, mission rehearsals, maneuver, mission command, individual Army briefs, and training management. One weekend leadership laboratory and physical training is required in addition to the weekly labs. Course is only available to students that are on scholarship or contracted cadets.
Prerequisite: MILS 202 with a minimum grade of C.
MILS 302. Military Leadership III. 3 Hours.
The study and application of situational leadership in a complex environment. Course topics include emotional intelligence, negotiating, platoon tactics, reconnaissance, motivating soldiers, and combat multipliers. One weekend leadership laboratory and physical training is required in addition to the weekly labs. Course is only available to students that are on scholarship or contracted cadets.
Prerequisite: MILS 301 with a minimum grade of C.
MILS 401. Military Leadership IV. 3 Hours.
A comprehensive study of leadership, training management, and the Army Officer Corps. Course topics include unit training management, risk management, training assessment, individual performance evaluation, diversity, resilience, self development, career planning, cultural awareness, and the law of land warfare. Additionally, senior cadets plan and execute staff functions for unit planning, training and administration. One weekend leadership laboratory and physical training is required in addition to the weekly labs. Course is only available to students that are on scholarship or contracted cadets.
Prerequisite: MILS 302 with a minimum grade of C.
MILS 402. Military Leadership IV. 3 Hours.
A comprehensive study of the contemporary operating environment, individual development, and company staff functions. Course topics include study of the geographic combatant commands, unified land operations, battle analysis, platoon leadership, unit operations, completion of a military staff ride and oral presentations. Additionally, senior cadets plan and execute staff functions for unit planning, training and administration. One weekend leadership laboratory and physical training is required in addition to the weekly labs. Course is only available to students that are on scholarship or contracted cadets.
Prerequisite: MILS 401 with a minimum grade of C.