Teaching The Leaders Of Tomorrow

Classroom Studies
Army ROTC classroom instruction covers two basic areas. First, you'll learn about the history, structure, and functions of the Army. Then, you'll learn how to think and act like a leader. Role-playing and management exercises will teach you how to organize tasks, make decisions, and use time efficiently. Best of all, after teaching you a particular leadership skill, ROTC will give you plenty of opportunities to use it--a fact which can make all the difference to future employers, and also improve your performance as a student.

Leadership Labs
Leadership labs involve military skills training, physical training and adventure activities such as rappelling

• When do I participate in physical fitness training or PT?
  PT takes place three days a week, on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 6:30 – 7:30 AM. These workouts are composed of various exercises including the basics of sit-ups, push-ups, and running to improve and maintain the physical fitness level of our cadets. Each cadet is required to maintain his or her physical fitness on their own, with Physical Fitness tests administered by cadre once a month.

• What is SMP? SMP stands for simultaneous membership program. If you are a junior, contracted as an MSIII and a member of an Army National Guard or Army Reserve unit, you may participate in this program. This program allows you to gain valuable experience in your unit as a “Third Lieutenant” working with junior officers. You are advanced to the pay grade of Cadet / E5 and authorized to wear your cadet rank in the unit. Cadets on Guarantee Reserve Force Duty (GRFD) and Army Reserve (USAR / Maryland Army National Guard (MDANG) scholarship winners are required to participate in this program.

• What extra activities can I participate in? There are many opportunities for our cadets to “show their stuff”, such as participating in the drill team or competing for a spot on the Ranger Challenge Team and other events. Other students and faculty alike appreciate the pride and precision of these cadets. These activities as well as others count towards your grade and help improve the chances of receiving the branch you wish upon commissioning.

• What will I learn in ROTC? You will learn the management and leadership skills necessary to be successful in any career, including the military. ROTC differs from typical management-type courses in that you will learn and perform hands-on type leadership in a variety of situations. Previous activities in which cadets have practiced their leadership skills include challenging obstacle courses, paintball, Land Navigation, Battle Drills, and other adventure training.

• By enrolling in ROTC, are you joining the Army? No. Students who enroll in ROTC don't join the Army. They take an ROTC class for which they receive credit. It's considered a college elective.
• Is ROTC like "boot camp"? No. ROTC cadets go directly to college where they earn their degree.
• What can students expect to learn by taking ROTC? Quite simply, leadership and management skills needed to become a U.S. Army officer or have a successful civilian career.
• How are ROTC cadets received/acted towards on campus? Here at the McDaniel College, there is a very positive reaction towards ROTC cadets. Cadets, even when in uniform, are treated with respect and the same as any other student on campus.
• What makes ROTC different from regular college management courses? Students in ROTC learn through a unique program that involves both classroom and "live" situations. For instance, an ROTC cadet might be found leading classmates through adventure training, down a river in a raft, or up a mountain wall.
• Is there a military obligation during college? During the first two years, ROTC cadets have no military obligation (or the first year in the case of scholarship winners).
• What is the ROTC course comprised of?
  The ROTC program is divided into phases: The Basic Course studies Army history, organization and structure. The techniques and principles of leadership and management are stressed throughout. The Advanced Course concentrates on tactical operations and military instruction, as well as advanced techniques of management, leadership, and command.