Overview
The first informal Cadet Detachment at Gonzaga University was established in 1897. The modern day program was initiated in 1947. Two Partnership Agreements exist with Whitworth University (WU) and the Washington State University (WSU) College of Nursing. For several years we have successfully accomplished our mission and objectives and we anticipate that we will continue to do so because of the high caliber cadets, cadre, and alumni, and the strong university support and incentives. The student-cadets are exceptional performers in academics, leadership training and development, campus activities, and community service. The universities and our world-class cadre are dedicated to the mission and cadets.
The Program
The program has been designed to meet the country's requirement for officer-leaders in the Army (Active Duty, National Guard and Reserves). It is, therefore, multifaceted with distinctive sub-elements to meet individual needs and requirements. For example, ROTC is traditionally a four-year program, but individuals with prior service, members of Reserve or National Guard units, participants of JROTC in high school, and summer Leader's Training Course attendees may receive advanced placement credit and complete the program in two years. Normally all students enroll in one Military Science course, leadership laboratory and physical training per semester. Physical fitness of all cadets is closely monitored. The program consists of two phases: the Basic Course (Lower Division), normally taken during the Freshman and Sophomore years or obtained through advanced placement credit, and the Advanced Course (Upper Division).
Basic Course
The Basic Course refers to first and second-year courses, MILS 101, 102, 201 and 202, which are designed for beginning students who want to qualify for entry into the Advanced Course and for those students who may want to try Military Science without obligations. In addition to their academic requirements, Basic Course cadets may participate in a variety of extracurricular activities. Placement credit for the Basic Course may be granted to students who have completed initial entry training for the Armed Forces, three years of Junior ROTC in High School or ROTC Basic Camp. MILS 101 and 102 concentrate on leadership, followership, team building and outdoor skills and provide an overview of how the Military fits into society. MILS 201 and 202 more thoroughly address the heritage, traditions, and organization of the United States Army.
Cadet Summer Training
The Cadet Summer Training Course is the premier leadership program of its kind in the United States. An intense four-week introduction to Army life and leadership training of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps, the aim of the course is to motivate and qualify Cadets for entry into the Senior ROTC program. CST, as it is known, is designed for college students, typically between their sophomore and junior years. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates can take part in ROTC at their college as a third-year student in the four-year program. While attending CST at Fort Knox, KY, Cadets gain an experience that runs the gamut of Army life and the responsibilities of being an officer. The course instills confidence and decision-making abilities to become a leader, in the Army and in life.
Each Cadet takes on a leadership role among his or her peers while at CST. Senior officers and newly commissioned second lieutenants coach and mentor Cadets throughout the process, offering daily feedback and recommendations for improvement. As CST progresses, Cadets' leadership responsibilities grow as they lead peers through simulated combat scenarios using paintball guns in a field training exercise and on urban-based squad tactics missions.
Advanced Course
The Advanced Course consists of MILS 301, 302, 401, and 402. It is only open to students who have completed the Basic Course or earned placement credit (various methods). Students must also enroll in Leadership Lab (301L-402L). In addition to their academic requirements, the Advanced Course cadets provide the student leadership for the Gonzaga Cadet Battalion.
Completion of the Basic and Advanced Courses qualifies the cadet to apply for a commission in the United States Army. The student may be able to influence whether his or her service will be on active duty or in the reserves through grades, CST performance, and campus participation.
The Prestige
Gonzaga's ROTC program consistently ranks among the country's most elite programs based on various measures, including academic performance, Cadet Leadership Course, and the number of Lieutenants commissioned each year. The United States Army Cadet Command ranked the Gonzaga Bulldog Battalion among the top fifteen percent of the nation's ROTC programs every year since 2001.
The Particulars
Once a student has been admitted to Gonzaga University, they must meet only a few basic requirements to participate in the ROTC Basic Course. However, to participate in the Advanced Course or earn an ROTC Scholarship, a student must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be at least 17 years old by October 1 of the year for which he or she is applying for scholarship and under age 31 by June 30 of the year of graduation
- Be able to complete all commissioning and graduation (degree requirements)
- Be physically fit and medically qualified
The Privileges
Gonzaga's Military Science Department augments the national ROTC scholarships:
- Scholarships are merit-based and awarded competitively. Well-rounded individuals with strong backgrounds in academics, athletics, and leadership positions have the best opportunity to earn scholarships.
- Recipients of the ROTC scholarships who are admitted to Gonzaga are guaranteed full tuition and on-campus room and board waivers for the length of the scholarship.
- Recipients of the two or three-year on-campus ROTC scholarships which students may apply for after enrolling at Gonzaga are guaranteed full tuition and on-campus room and board waivers for the length of the scholarship.
Students not awarded the four-year scholarship but still interested in military science may apply for two- or three-year scholarships after enrolling at GU.
The People
Gonzaga University's Military Science Department is comprised of commissioned and enlisted advisors with expertise in numerous fields. The cadre members, like the cadets, come from all educational, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This diversity encourages cooperation and understanding, and attributes fundamentals to success in both military and civilian life. Serving both as professors and mentors to the cadets, Gonzaga's Military Science faculty consistently win awards and promotions for their commitment and dedication to their students and the US Army.