College-graduate junior executive managers for the US Army are provided by the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program administered by the Department of Military Science. Traditional four-year baccalaureate degree aspirants may qualify for a commission as an officer by completing military science courses. These courses may count as elective courses or as a supplement, amounting to 10 to 15 percent of the normal college studies. Various field trips are conducted to further enrich the student’s appreciation of national defense in its broadest sense and to develop leadership and managerial skills.

The United States Army commissions 2nd Lieutenant rank to the individual who completes either the two-year or four-year ROTC program and obtains a baccalaureate degree from Benedictine College. Currently, a college graduate who is commissioned through ROTC is placed on active or reserve duty, depending on his or her desires and on the needs of the service at the time of graduation.

ROTC Programs

This leadership program consists of 26 credit hours of military science offerings on campus: 6 credit hours from the basic ROTC program MILS-1000- and 2000-level courses, and 20 credit hours from the advanced ROTC program MILS-3000- and 4000-level courses. First semester sophomores who did not take military science during the freshman year may compress the basic program during their sophomore year by taking a 1000-level and a 2000-level course (for three credit hours total) each semester.

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 and complete the Cadet Command Enhanced Skills Training Program (ESTP).

All students seeking a commission must attend a five-week advanced training and assessment experience normally the summer between the junior and senior years. Attendance may be deferred until after the senior year at the discretion of the Chairperson of Military Science. The Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) is at Fort Lewis, Washington. Additionally, students may compete for selection to attend additional training after LDAC at the Army’s Airborne or Air Assault schools or to participate in a three-week summer internship with Army field units in either the continental United States or overseas.

Advanced Placement

Prior active duty service members, Army Reservists and National Guardsmen who have completed basic training, high school junior ROTC graduates, and nursing students 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.