Military Science Program

Professor of Military Science: (Director) Lieutenant Colonel David Von Bargen

Senior Military Instructor: Vacant 

The Military Science Program offers classes open to all Santa Clara students as well as Stanford University, San Jose State University, and University of California, Santa Cruz, students. The Military Science Program is designed to develop management skills and leadership abilities for successful careers in both the corporate world and the military. Students who complete the ROTC program are eligible for appointment and commissioning as officers in the United States Army.

The military science core curriculum consists of six lower-division classes in the ROTC Basic Course and seven upper-division courses in the ROTC Advanced Course. Cadets may take a summer course (MILS 24) in lieu of the six lower-division courses. The professional military education of ROTC cadets consists of two components: a baccalaureate degree from Santa Clara University (or one of the cross-enrolled universities) and at least one undergraduate course from each of five designated fields of study. Prior to commissioning, cadets must take at least one course in military history.

For those planning on commissioning into the U.S. Army, the curriculum is divided into ROTC Basic Course requirements and ROTC Advanced Course requirements. To proceed to the ROTC Advanced Course classes, students must complete either the six required ROTC Basic Course classes or attend a summer class at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The director of the Military Science Program must approve exceptions to this progression.

ROTC Basic Course Requirements

The ROTC Basic Course, Fundamentals of Leadership and Management, includes the first-year and second-year courses (MILS 11, 12, 13, 21, 22, and 23) designed for beginning students who want to qualify for entry into the ROTC Advanced course and for those students who may want to try military science without obligations. A student can also qualify for entry in the ROTC Advanced Course by completing the summer training camp (MILS 24).

ROTC Advanced Course Requirements

The ROTC Advanced Course, Advanced Leadership and Management, consists of the third-year and fourth-year courses (MILS 131, 132, 133, 134, 141, 142, and 143) open to students who have completed or earned placement credit for the ROTC Basic Course.

Students must complete all courses numbered greater than MILS 130, to include MILS 134, a six-week Cadet Leader Course during the summer, in sequence, unless otherwise approved by the professor of military science. The ROTC Advanced Course qualifies students for commissions as officers in the U.S. Army. Students who do not desire to compete for a commission as an officer in the Army may take these courses for academic credit with approval by the professor of military science.

Leadership Laboratories

Leadership laboratories, held weekly for three hours, are required of all students. Performance during lab periods is reflected in the student’s course grade. Labs include activities such as terrain navigation, first aid training, virtual battle simulations, drill and ceremonies, and tactical leader development exercises.

Laboratory and Field Exercises

During each quarter of class work, weekly lab work is required. Two off-campus exercises involving adventure training, leadership training, and survival skills are optional for non-scholarship ROTC Basic Course students. Two off-campus exercises focusing on leadership and military skills are mandatory for ROTC Advanced Course students and contracted students.

Lower-Division Courses

11. Introduction to the Army

Introduction to the Army Profession and what it means to be a professional in the U.S. Army, committed to the ideal that America and its founding documents remain the most powerful force for good in human history. The overall focus is on developing basic knowledge and comprehension of the Army Leadership Requirements Model (LRM) while gaining a complete understanding of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, its purpose in the Army, and its advantages for the student. Students also begin learning basic map reading and land navigation along with initial classes on fieldcraft, first aid, and team building. Students will apply classroom knowledge during hands-on performance-oriented weekly labs facilitated by MS III Cadets and supervised by MS IVs and cadre, and participation in weekly physical readiness training (PRT) sessions planned and conducted by MS IV Cadets and cadre. (3 units)

NOTE: Weekly Lab attendance and Physical Readiness Training (PRT) sessions are not mandatory for Non-contracted First Year students, but highly recommended.

12. Foundations of Leadership

Introduces students to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership and being committed to the idea that America and its founding documents remain the most powerful force for good in human history. Students learn the importance of personal development in life skills such as critical thinking, resilience, holistic health and fitness, and communication process. Students receive awareness training in Antiterrorism and introductory classes in tactics beginning with Team and Squad Basic Components, Basic Movements, Basic Patrolling, and Battle Drills that will be the foundation throughout their military careers. Students will apply classroom knowledge during hands-on performance-oriented weekly labs, and physical readiness training sessions (ending with a diagnostic Army Fitness Test) facilitated by MS III Cadets and supervised by MS IVs and cadre.(3 units)

NOTE: Weekly Lab attendance and Physical Readiness Training (PRT) sessions are not mandatory for Non-contracted First Year students,, but highly recommended.

13. Foundations of Agile and Adaptive Leadership

An overview of the leadership framework with practical applications in fundamentals such as problem solving, listening, critical thinking, stress management, presenting briefs, and using effective writing skills. Students explore dimensions of leadership, values, attributes, skills, and actions in the context of practical, hands-on, and interactive exercises. Two 100-minute classes per week. One two-day weekend field training exercise away from the University. Attendance to weekly three-hour leadership lab and one military formal dinner required. (3 units)

21. Leadership and Ethics

Focuses on leadership and ethics adding depth to the Cadet’s knowledge of the different leadership styles. Cadets will conduct a leadership analysis of famous leaders and self-assessment of their own leadership style. The Army Profession is presented through the understanding of Culture Awareness, Values, Ethics and how to apply both to different situations they may encounter as a leader committed to the ideal that America and its founding documents remain the most powerful force for good in human history. Army Values and Ethics and their relationship to the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) and philosophy of military service are presented through video clips and historical vignettes followed by Cadet small group discussions. Cadets will apply classroom knowledge during hands-on performance-oriented weekly labs, and physical readiness training sessions facilitated by MS III Cadets and supervised by MS IVs and cadre.(3 units)

NOTE: Weekly Lab attendance and Physical Readiness Training (PRT) sessions are not mandatory for Non-contracted Sophomores, but highly recommended.

22. Army Doctrine, Team Development, and Decision-Making

Focuses on Army doctrine and Decision-Making. The course begins with Cadets gaining an insight to analytical techniques, creative thinking skills and the Army problem solving process as related to situations faced by leaders when making decisions. TLPs and OPORD will lead Cadets to an understanding of Army Doctrine and Symbology.  Squad tactics will be covered in classes during Multidomain Operations, Offensive Operations and Defensive Operations. Cadets will apply classroom knowledge during hands-on performance-oriented weekly labs facilitated by MS III Cadets and supervised by MS IVs and cadre, and participation in weekly physical readiness training (PRT) sessions (ending with a diagnostic Army Fitness Test) planned and conducted by MS IV Cadets and cadre.. (3 units)

23. Leadership In a Changing Environment

Examines the decision-making process and plans/orders that enable small units to complete assigned tasks. Planning techniques used to develop orders and briefing plans and decisions. One two-day weekend field exercise away from the University. Attendance to weekly three-hour leadership lab and one military formal dinner required. (3 units)

24. Cadet Initial Entry Training Course

A four-week summer training camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Students receive pay, travel, lodging, and the Army defrays most meal costs. The course environment is rigorous and teaches skills required for success in the Army ROTC Advanced Course. No military obligation is incurred. Students must pass a physical examination (paid for by ROTC). Completion of MILS 24 qualifies a student for entry into the Advanced Course. Candidates can apply for a class seat anytime during the school year. Each Cadet who enters ROTC and contracts will attend this course if he/she has not already attended U.S. Army Basic Training. Open to first-year students and sophomores who have not taken ROTC courses during the regular school year or for ROTC course alignment. P/NP only. (4 units)

35. Special Topics: Foundations of Leadership in a Changing Environment

Examines specific topics dealing with leadership at the lieutenant level or challenges facing senior military leadership in the contemporary operating environment. Prerequisite: Department chair approval. (3 units)

Upper-Division Courses

131. Training Management and the Warfighting Functions

Training Management and the Warfighting Functions, is an academically challenging course where students analyze, test, and relate the fundamentals of Army Leadership, the Profession, Army Values and Ethics, Personal Development, and small unit tactics at the platoon level. At the conclusion of this course, students will be capable of planning, coordinating, navigating, motivating and leading a squad and platoon in the execution of a mission during a classroom PE, a Leadership Lab, or during a Field Training Exercise (FTX). Students are required to write peer evaluations and receive feedback on their abilities as a leader and how to improve those leader skills that can further develop students into successful officers. This course includes reading assignments, homework assignments, small group assignments, briefings, case studies, practical exercises, a mid-term exam, and a final exam. Students will receive systematic and specific feedback on their leader attributes, values, and core leader competencies from the instructor, other ROTC cadre, and MS IV Cadets who will assist in the evaluation. Successful completion of this course helps prepare students for the SROTC Advanced Camp, in the summer at Fort Knox, KY.  

 Prerequisites: MILS 11, 12, 13, 21, 22, and 23, or consent of department chair. (4 units)

132. Applied Leadership In Small Unit Operations

Applied Leadership In Small Unit Operations focuses on applied leadership in small unit operations. It is an academically challenging course where you will study, practice, and apply the fundamentals of direct level leadership and small unit tactics at the platoon level. 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. It includes a Lab per week, using peer (MS III) facilitation overseen by MS IVs, supervised by ROTC Cadre. Successful completion of this course will help prepare you for Cadet Summer Training/ Advanced Camp, which you will attend in the summer, at Fort Knox, KY. (4 units)

133. Applied Leadership In Small Unit Operations II

Practical applications of intense situational leadership challenges that will provide awareness and specific feedback on leadership abilities. Student skills are evaluated using practical applications in decision making, persuading, and motivating team members when “under fire.” Aspects of military operations are reviewed as a means of preparing for the ROTC Cadet Leader Course. Two 100-minute classes per week. Weekly three-hour labs. One mandatory two-day field training exercise away from the University. Prerequisite: MILS 132 or consent of department chair. (4 units)

134. Cadet Leader Course

A five-week summer training course conducted at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Only open to (and required of) students who have completed MILS 131, 132, 133, and are contracted. Contracted Cadets receive pay, travel, and lodging, and the Army defrays most meal costs. The course’s environment is highly structured and demanding, stressing leadership at the small-unit level under various challenging circumstances. Although this course is graded on a P/NP basis only, the leadership and skill evaluations at the camp contribute to the subsequent selection process that determines the type of commission and career field of students upon graduation from ROTC and the University. (4 units)

141. The Army Officer

The Army Officer focuses on the development of an Army Officer committed to the ideal that America and its founding documents remain the most powerful force for good in human history. It is an academically challenging course where you will develop knowledge, skills, and abilities required of junior officers pertaining to the Army in Multidomain Operations. You will also learn to plan, resource, and assess training at the small unit level using the Training Management Process. At the conclusion of this course, you will be familiar with the Operations Process and Planning, conducting Unit Training, Multidomain Operations, and Unit Readiness.  The course includes physical readiness training and weekly labs overseeing MS III Cadet facilitated training supervised by ROTC Cadre.(4 units)

142. Company Grade Leadership

Company Grade Leadership focuses on the development of a Company Grade Officer committed to the ideal that America and its founding documents remain the most powerful force for good in human history.  It is an academically challenging course where you will develop knowledge, skills, and abilities required of junior officers pertaining to unit level leader roles and responsibilities. You will learn about Army programs that support counseling subordinates and evaluating performance, values and ethics, career planning, and legal responsibilities. The course includes physical readiness training and weekly labs overseeing MS III facilitated training supervised by ROTC Cadre.  Successful completion of this course will prepare you for BOLC B and is a mandatory requirement for commissioning. (4 units)

143. Leadership In a Complex World

Significant emphasis is placed on preparing students for their first unit of assignment and transition to Lieutenant. Case studies, scenarios, and exercises are used to prepare students to face the complex ethical and practical demands of leading as commissioned officers in the U.S. Army. Two 100-minute seminars per week. Weekly three-hour labs. One mandatory two-day weekend field training exercise away from the University. Prerequisite: MILS 142. (4 units)

176. Military History

A survey of the military and diplomatic aspects of American involvement in conflicts from the Anglo-Indian Wars to the present. Two 100-minute classes per week. (3 units)

199. Independent Study

Examine specific issues facing the U.S. Army as a directed study with the department chair only. Topic selected in consultation with the department chair. Issues of diversity in the military will be embedded in the topic. Prerequisites: Approval of the department chair and must have completed all MILS classes. (3 units)