Curriculum

The basic martial coursework, completed generally during the freshmen and sophomore years. This progressive instruction begins the ROTC experience and commissioning process as well as ensuring continued success in preparation for the Advanced course.

Freshman Year

Introduction to Leadership I and II – UE 540 and UE 541

These courses introduce students to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership. Students learn how personal development of life skills such as critical thinking, goal setting, time management, physical fitness, and stress management relate to leadership and the Army profession. The focus is on developing basic knowledge and comprehension of Army leadership dimensions. Other fundamentals taught include leadership defined, problem solving, effective writing, ROTC and Army rank structures, Army customs and courtesy, introduction to tactics, introduction to orienteering, map reading, and land navigation. Introduction to Leadership II is a continuation of Introduction to Leadership I. Enrollment is open, by permission only. (One hour/week)

Sophomore Year

Foundations of Leadership I and II – UE 542 and UE 543

These courses explore the dimensions of creative and innovative tactical leadership and styles by examining team dynamics that form the basis of the Army Leadership framework. Focus is on continued development of technical skills, leadership values and attributes through case studies, introduction to Principles of War, Troop Leading Procedures (Military Decision Making Process), and small-unit tactics. Other topics include further development of map reading, terrain analysis, effective briefing, goal setting, and stress management. Foundations of Leadership II is a continuation of Foundations of Leadership I. Enrollment is open, but by permission only. (two hours/week)

Optional Training

Following their sophomore year Cadets may volunteer to participate in:

Leader's Training course (LTC)

Students who wish to enroll in ROTC as late as their sophomore year of college and in some cases their junior year, or as graduate students beginning a two-year program, can receive constructive credit for the Basic course by attending a 28-day Leader's Training course at Fort Knox, KY.

 

 

Junior Year

Tactical Leadership I and II – UE 544 and UE 545

These courses challenge Cadets to study, practice, and evaluate adaptive leadership skills as they are presented with the demands of preparing for the ROTC Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC). Challenging scenarios related to small-unit tactical operations are used to develop self-awareness and critical thinking skills. Cadets receive systematic and specific feedback on their own leadership abilities. At this level Cadets begin to analyze and evaluate their own leadership values, attributes, skills, and actions. Primary attention is given to preparation for LDAC and development of leadership abilities. The focus is on development of leadership skills, honing verbal and written communication, Troop Leading Procedures (Military Decision Making Process), small-unit tactics, and drills. Enrollment is for contracted Cadets only. (three hours/week)

Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC)

A 32-day course at Fort Lewis, WA, generally attended after a Cadet's junior year, designed to challenge, assess, and develop a Cadet's leadership skills. Skills developed and assessed include:

Nurse Summer Training Program (NSTP)

An optional three- to four-week course for Nurse Cadets who have completed LDAC and desire to work one-on-one with Army nurses. A Cadet can be posted in any Army hospital from Hawaii to Europe. Boston College uses this course in lieu of one three-credit University requirement for Army ROTC Nurse Cadets. BC Nurse Cadets have recently spent their three-week training in Hawaii and San Antonio, TX.

Internships and Cadet Troop Leading Training (CTLT)

Varied two- to three-week internships and CTLT are generally available for juniors who have completed LDAC and desire to gain practical leadership experience in fields as varied as medical, legal, scientific, or in an actual tactical while serving a short period on active duty. BC Cadets have participated in Medical Internships in Hawaii and Germany, while other Cadets have participated in CTLT in Korea and bases stateside.

Senior Year

Fall Semester: Developmental Leadership – UE 546

This course continues the leadership development process for students in the advanced course of military science who are pursuing an Army commission. The course focuses on leadership, including functioning as a member of a military staff, proficiency in planning and executing complex operations, and mentoring subordinates. Students explore training management, methods of effective staff collaboration, developmental counseling techniques, ethical decision making, and the law of land warfare. Enrollment is for contracted Cadets only. (three hours/week)

Spring Semester: Adaptive Leadership – UE 548

This course completes the leadership development process for students in the advanced course of military science who are pursuing an Army commission. The course focuses on leadership, to include functioning as a member of a military staff, proficiency in planning and executing complex operations, and mentoring subordinates. Students will further explore topics to include a military decision-making staff study, a battlefield “staff ride” and study, Middle Eastern cultural awareness, the elements of terrorism, moral/ethical case studies, and conduct activities to prepare for active duty, to include administrative procedures, supply/maintenance, and participation in professional discussion forums with serving officers, NCOs, and ROTC alumni. Enrollment is for contracted Cadets only. (three hours/week)

 

Physical Fitness Training

Physical fitness is conducted three times each week, from 6:45 to 8:00 a.m.

Military History

One military history course must be completed prior to graduation. Cadets may meet this requirement by completing several BC political science or history courses or completing a course taught by ROTC Cadre. Courses currently meeting this requirement include America's War in Vietnam (HS 111); U.S. Civil Military Relations (PO 250); The Causes of War (PO 512); The Presidency Challenged (HS 10501); Liberalism, Nation Building, and American Foreign Policy (PO 518); and others by arrangement.

Thank you for your interest in Liberty Battalion Army ROTC at Boston College.

The Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps is a premier leadership training institution for college students and future Army officers. We award two, three, and four-year scholarships to some of the most promising students from across the country. We would like to take a moment to tell you why ROTC at BC is such a special experience.

The best and most sincere advocates for our program are our Cadets. When reflecting on their experience in ROTC our newly graduated Lieutenants explained that ROTC gave them “a sense of purpose and a motivation to push [themselves] mentally and physically.” That goes without saying in the Army—what’s more notable, however, is that these graduates were proud of the strong, tight-knit ROTC family at BC, a premier academic institution in a vibrant, historic setting. Although BC is a partnership school with its host battalion at Northeastern University, all training is conducted on site in Chestnut Hill, forging strong, close bonds between Cadets from BC, Regis College, and Framingham State University. The Cadets noted that while many ROTC programs train in large numbers at the Battalion level, the small size of the unit allows for better, more personalized training and one-on-one mentorship with more experienced Cadets.

Combine that close personalized exchange with exciting summer opportunities ranging from advanced foreign language training abroad, a leadership development camp, and military schools that actually put you in the Army for that summer—and you have a well-rounded and vigorous college experience like no other.

We are part of the Liberty Battalion which comprises 11 schools in the greater Boston area. Being a part of such a strong university consortium fosters an experience that spans well beyond the walls of BC. Cadets based at BC interact with fellow leaders-in-training from a wide range of schools such as Northeastern University, Simmons College, Emmanuel College, Suffolk University, Berklee College of Music, and Wentworth Institute of Technology.

If this sounds like an experience for you then we hope to hear from you again soon.

If you have any additional questions or would like to set up a meeting please feel free to contact us at sc.lyons@northeastern.edu or by phone at 617-373-2376.

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