Army ROTC/Military Science

Since 1848, Fordham's cadet program has prepared talented and diverse students in the New York metropolitan area to serve their country as leaders within the Armed Forces.

Today, Fordham hosts one of New York City's premier officer training programs, including crosstown enrollment of visiting students from more than 30 partner universities and colleges. The Yankee Battalion, formally known as Fordham University Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), exists for college and university students in New York City and the Hudson Valley who

• Belong to a diverse service-oriented team

• Grow as organizational leaders

Our program enhances a student's college education by integrating leadership and management theory with leadership practicum modules in the curriculum. 

Through coursework and in-class practical experience, students develop decision-making, team-building, and time-management skills—leadership qualities essential to success in any field, including corporate and research careers.

Students completing the ROTC program may earn a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard. Students may participate in the first two years of Army ROTC with no commitment to military service, unless they accept an ROTC contract or scholarship during that time.

We offer a four-year program composed of the Basic Course (typically during the first and sophomore years) and the Advanced Course (typically during the junior and senior years). Graduate students and upper-level students may enroll directly into the Advanced Course under certain conditions.

Four-Year Program

The four-year curriculum combines classroom and leadership laboratory work. Any student is eligible to participate in leadership development courses regardless of academic grade.

During the summer between junior and senior year, students participate in a four-week intensive leadership development exercise at Fort Knox, Kentucky (near Louisville). Upon graduation from college and successful completion of the Advanced Course, students receive commissions as officers in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, or Army National Guard.

Two-Year Program

The two-year program is designed for students who did not complete the first two years of the Army ROTC program. If students have at least four semesters remaining in their academic program or are interested in pursuing a graduate degree, they may be eligible to participate in the Advanced Course. Students must validate Basic Course requirements through a variety of options, including attending a paid four-week summer course, taking additional coursework during their first year provided they meet eligibility requirements, demonstrating completion of any service's enlisted Basic Training Course, or graduating from a certified Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program.

Once students validate Basic Course requirements, they are eligible to receive the same benefits as members in the four-year program.

Scholarships

Army ROTC scholarships are available on a competitive basis to qualified applicants. Two-, three-, and four-year scholarships are available each year, and are awarded through a national selection board, or on-campus through the Professor of Military Science. High school seniors may apply for four-year scholarships through the national board. Scholarships pay full tuition and all mandatory fees, plus $1,200 for books and supplies each year, and a tax-free stipend ranging from $420 per month. The scholarship is flexible in that it can be used for either of the following: tuition and all mandatory fees, or room and board.

Non-Scholarship Contracts

Contracts are available to students who have not yet received a scholarship or who do not desire to apply for one. Some contracts provide students a tax-free stipend ranging from $300 to $500 per month, and others afford students the chance to simultaneously study in ROTC while belonging to an Army Reserve or National Guard unit. These simultaneous membership programs offer additional benefits and incentives.

Program of Instruction

The Army ROTC curriculum provides distinctive leadership and management training in conjunction with realistic experience. The program emphasizes leadership theory and practice, organizational management, public speaking, leadership techniques and tactics, professional military ethics, history, resiliency, and wellness.

In the first two years of the program, students attend class once per week. Students may also join weekly practical applications and group workouts three times a week. If students sign a contract or accept scholarships, these weekly practical applications and group workouts become mandatory. Collegiate athletes who meet Army fitness standards are excused from physical fitness training while their sport is in season. 

In the program's final two years, all students attend a weekly class and practical exercise, plus three group workouts a week. Students also participate in a field training exercise each semester that explores small unit leadership training, military tactics, land navigation, rappelling, obstacle negotiation, and familiarization with military equipment like helicopters, tanks, and communications equipment.

Extracurricular Events

The Fordham ROTC program offers students challenging and rewarding extracurricular activities, from community service to high-adventure training. During the academic year, the student-led cadet battalion plans and executes activities ranging from workouts to orienteering to social events like the St. Patrick's Day Parade and the annual Military Ball. Students participate in ROTC color guards to represent the Army at events throughout New York City and the Hudson Valley, from professional sporting events to concerts in Carnegie Hall. Students can also attend a variety of professional and social events, galas, and ceremonies associated with the Army throughout New York. Fordham also offers a chapter of the Pershing Rifles ROTC Honor Society, recognizing exceptional ROTC students from all military services across the country.

During summers, ROTC students can attend military training such as courses in parachuting, helicopter operations, mountain operations, and combat engineering. We offer academic internships in foreign languages, cyber activities, national research laboratories, foreign military exchanges, and at Army units to prepare students for the wide range of Army officer jobs.

Students who desire to serve in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard may enroll in simultaneous membership programs that allow them to participate in a Reserve or National Guard unit while also studying in ROTC. This program generally entails one weekend of reserve duty a month and two weeks each summer, during which students will also receive reserve pay and benefits.

After graduation, we offer opportunities—primarily for students going on to law, medical, seminary, dental, or veterinary school—to defer service obligations until completion of graduate studies. Many graduate study opportunities are funded by the Army.

Eligibility Criteria

Enrollment in first-year and sophomore ROTC courses is open to all Fordham students and students from our 32 partner universities and colleges. 

To be eligible for Army ROTC scholarships and/or enrollment in junior- and senior-year ROTC courses, students must meet the following requirements:

• Be registered full-time students at Fordham or one of our partner colleges and universities
• Have good moral character
• Be medically able to participate
• Be a United States citizen (with some exceptions) 

Application Procedure

Students may enroll in the course or apply for a campus-based scholarship each semester.

Contact Us

To learn more about the Army ROTC program, including eligibility requirements and scholarship opportunities, please:

• Visit our website at https://www.fordham.edu/rotc,

• Visit our main office at Fordham University's Rose Hill campus, in Faculty Memorial Hall, Room 130;

• Email our Recruiting Operations Officer at rotcroo@fordham.edu; or
• Call us at 718-817-4798.

Basic Courses

Military Science I

The MS I Course produces a Cadet who understands the basic structure of the US Army and its' customs and courtesies; accepts the Army as a Values-based organization and embraces the scholar-athlete-warrior ethos; who is familiar with individual roles and responsibilities in support of team efforts; who demonstrates oral and written communications skills, understands resilience and develops a commitment to learning. In addition, demonstrates introductory skills in fieldcraft and tactics at squad level.

MLSC 1101. Introduction to Leadership & the US Army (1 credit)

This course introduces basic concepts of organizational leadership and the military profession, including its organization, ethics, and values. Students explore the Army Profession and what it means to be a professional in the U.S. Army, the responsibilities and impact of leadership expressed in the Army Leadership Requirements Model, and the customs, traditions, and rules of military service. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of land navigation, physical fitness, drill and ceremonies, first aid, and public speaking. Open to all students without obligation.

MLSC 1201. Foundations of Leadership (1 Credit)

This course explores leadership principles, decision-making, and team building. Students learn personal development of life skills like critical thinking, time management, goal setting, and communication. Students learn the basics of the communications process and the importance of effective communication skills for leaders. Open to all students without obligation. 

MLSC 1001 and 1002. Leadership Laboratory I  (0 Credits)

Provides practical application of individual-level knowledge, skills, and behaviors relating to teamwork and leadership learned during the MS 1 courses. 

Military Science II 

The MS II Course produces a Cadet grounded in foundational leadership doctrine and skills by following and leading small units to achieve assigned missions; who comprehends critical thinking and problem solving using troop leading procedures; who comprehends the value of diversity and understands the officer’s role in leading change; and understands the fundamentals of the Army as a profession.

MLSC 2101. Leadership and Ethics (1 Credit)

This course adds depth to students’ knowledge of different leadership styles. Students gain an understanding of team dynamics, leadership analysis, and self-assessment of their own leadership style. The Army Profession is presented through an understanding of values and ethics, and how both apply to different situations leaders may encounter. 

MLSC 2201. Decision Making and Organization (1 Credit)

This course focuses on organizational knowledge and decision-making. The course begins with analytic techniques, creative thinking skills, and the Army problem-solving process relating to situations leaders confront. Organizational processes to build shared understanding like troop leading procedures, operations orders, and knowledge management are explored in detail. Students explore advanced techniques in problem analysis, sound decision-making, planning and organizing, delegation, control, and interpersonal skills. Open to all students without obligation. 

MLSC 2001 and 2002. Leadership Laboratory II (0 Credits)

Provides practical application of small unit leadership knowledge, skills, and behaviors learned during the MS 2 courses. 

Advanced Courses

Military Leadership III

The MS III Course produces a Cadet who possesses enhanced individual and collective skills including leader competencies; effectively leads formations at the squad and platoon level in a variety of military and non-military mission context scenarios; effective at receiving and giving peer evaluations; who is committed and disciplined ethically, academically, physically, and socially.

MLSC 3101. Leadership in Training and Functions (3 Credits)

This course explores how organizations train and function. The course focuses on fundamentals, principles, and processes associated with training and management, and how the Army functionally operates. Coursework emphasizes written and oral communication skills, motivational behavior, interpersonal skills, administrative procedures, and decision-making. 

MLSC 3201. Applied Leadership in Small Unit Operations (3 Credits)

This course explores fundamentals of direct leadership and small unit techniques, tactics, and procedures in increasingly challenging situations. At the conclusion of this course, you will be capable of planning, coordinating, navigating, motivating, and leading a platoon in the execution of a mission. This course is designed to bring cadets to peak proficiency in leadership ability. 

MLSC 3001 and 3002. Leadership Laboratory III (0 Credits)

Provides practical application of small unit leadership knowledge, skills, and behaviors learned during the MS III courses.

Military Leadership IV

The MS IV Course produces a leader of character possessing a professional identity; thrives in operationally ambiguous environments; is a moral exemplar and is prepared to be an Army leader, skilled critical thinker, problem solver, and team builder; skilled oral and written communicator committed to the Army ethic and profession; who has advanced interpersonal skill, knowledge of training management, and understands Army Doctrine; is culturally aware and displays characteristics of a lifelong learner.

MLSC 4101. The Army Officer (3 Credits)

This course explores the development of an Army Officer and the knowledge, skills, and behaviors expected of an Army officer. You will learn about Army programs that support counseling subordinates and evaluating performance, values and ethics, career planning, and legal responsibilities, and how to conduct planning, operations, and training at the company level. 

MLSC 4201. Company Level Leadership (3 Credits)

This course explores Army operations at the company level, and the role of junior officers there. Students explore the Army in contemporary and future operations, ethical and legal issues related to officership, and continue to improve leadership and decision-making knowledge, skills, and behaviors.

MLSC 4001 and 4002. Leadership Laboratory IV (0 Credits)

Provides practical experience within the setting of a military organization to develop leadership talents at the company level. Senior students assume leadership roles as cadet commanders, staff officers, or staff assistants responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of all cadet training and operations.