Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps

Overview
Course Descriptions

University of Denver students may participate in the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AROTC) program through an agreement with the University of Colorado Boulder. Army ROTC programs lead to a commission in the Active Army, National Guard or Army Reserve. Classes may be taken at the University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado School of Mines in Golden or the Metropolitan State University of Denver on the Auraria campus in downtown Denver.

Four-Year Program

The standard four-year program consists of two phases. The basic course, normally completed during the freshman and sophomore years, includes topics in military science, officer career development, leadership theory and management. The advanced course coincides with the junior and senior years. Subject areas include leadership techniques, methods of instruction, tactics and unit operations, military law, history, national strategy and Army policies. Completion of a four-week Advanced Camp in the summer is required prior to commissioning, with attendance at this camp normally between the junior and senior years. Students should check with the military science department at the University of Colorado Boulder about the required courses.

Two-Year Program

The abbreviated two-year program consists of the same courses offered in the advanced course; however, both undergraduate and graduate students may become qualified for this program through successful completion of a four-week summer basic camp. Students should contact a professor of military science at the University of Colorado Boulder for specific requirements and options available based on each student’s status at the time of program entry. Students who are veterans of military service or who have participated in Junior ROTC or similar organizations may have a portion or all the basic requirements waived by a professor of military science at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Scholarships

Students enrolled full time may compete for three-year and two-year scholarships. The scholarship also pays a book allowance of $1,200 per year and a monthly tax-free stipend ranging from $300 to $500.

Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) and Dedicated Army National Guard (ARNG) Scholarships

The GRFD and Dedicated ARNG scholarships are two and three-year scholarships available for members of the Army Reserve (AR) and Army National Guard (ARNG) who desire to commission in the Reserve Forces. Applicants must join or be members of the AR or ARNG and participate in the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) as a cadet. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis. Students apply for this scholarship during the spring semester of their freshman or sophomore year. Contact the Army ROTC enrollment officer at 303-492-3549 for more information.

ROTC Course Credit

Students register for AROTC classes listed as RTC1 courses through regular DU registration, though they are taught on other campuses in the Denver metro area and follow the semester calendar.

Leadership Studies Minor

Army ROTC courses are eligible to count towards a Leadership Studies Minor through the Pioneer Leadership Program, please visit the Pioneer Leadership Program for details.

Additional Information

Interested students may contact the professor of military science, University of Colorado Boulder, 303-492-6495. For further information, visit the Army ROTC web page at www.goarmy.com/rotc/, or the Army ROTC Golden Buffalo Battalion Web page at www.colorado.edu/arotc/, or email armyrotc@colorado.edu.

RTC1 1011 Adventures in Leadership 1 (1-3 Credits)

Introduces fundamentals of leadership and the United States Army. Examines its organization, customs and history as well as its current relevance and purpose. Students also investigate basic leadership and management skills necessary to be successful in both military and civilian settings. Includes fundamentals of Army leadership doctrine, team-building concepts, time and stress management, an introduction to cartography and land navigation, marksmanship, briefing, techniques and some basic military tactics.

RTC1 1021 Adventures in Leadership 2 (0-3 Credits)

Continues the investigation of leadership in small organizations. Covers selected topics such as basic troop leading procedures, military first aid and casualty evacuation concepts, creating ethical work climates, an introduction to Army organizations and installations, and a further examination of basic military tactics. Introduces students to effective military writing styles.

RTC1 2031 Methods of Leadership and Management 1 (1-4.5 Credits)

Comprehensively reviews advanced leadership and management concepts including motivation, attitudes, communication skills, problem solving, human needs and behavior, and leadership self development. Students continue to refine effective written and oral communications skills and to explore topics such as the basic branches of the Army, and officer and NCO duties. Students conduct classroom and practical exercises in small unit light infantry tactics and are prepared to perform as midlevel leaders in the cadet organization.

RTC1 2041 Methods of Leadership and Management 2 (0-4.5 Credits)

Focuses on leadership and management functions in military and corporate environments. Studies various components of Army leadership doctrine to include the four elements of leadership, leadership principles, risk management and planning theory, the be-know-do framework, and the Army leadership evaluation program. Continue to refine communication skills.

RTC1 3052 Military Operations and Training 1 (0-4.5 Credits)

Further explores the theory of managing and leading small military units with an emphasis on practical applications at the squad and platoon levels. Students examine various leadership styles and techniques as they relate to advanced small unit tactics. Familiarizes students with a variety of topics such as cartography, land navigation, field craft and weapons systems. Involves multiple, evaluated leadership opportunities in field settings and hands-on experience with actual military equipment. Students are given maximum leadership opportunities in weekly labs. Instructor permission required.

RTC1 3062 Military Operations and Training 2 (0-4.5 Credits)

Studies theoretical and practical applications of small unit leadership principles. Focuses on managing personnel and resources, the military decision making process, the operations order, and oral communications. Exposes the student to tactical unit leadership in a variety of environments with a focus on preparation for the summer advance camp experience. Instructor permission required.

RTC1 3072 Adaptive Leadership (0-4.5 Credits)

This course focuses on developing leaders of character that will excel in a complex, ambiguous and dynamic future operating environment. While centered on leadership within the military, and designed to ensure future second lieutenants are prepared for their professional responsibilities, the course develops universal leadership attributes. We will discuss personal growth, effective communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and ethical leadership. The objectives of the course are to understand basic leadership principles – to include knowledge of one’s self as well as techniques to effectively influence others, improve communication – both written and oral, enhance the ability to analyze issues, articulate a problem, extrapolate pertinent information, make valid assumptions to overcome knowledge gaps, identify potential solutions and develop a way forward, and improve inter-personal dynamics; work effectively as a team. Instructor permission required.

RTC1 3082 Leadership in a Complex World (0-4.5 Credits)

Continues RTC1 3072 study by focusing on developing leaders of character that will excel in a complex, ambiguous, and dynamic future operating environment. The course will center on Students’ understanding of their environment. The objectives of the course are to understand organizational leadership principles – to include leading diverse teams, leading change, and creating a vision, improve communication – both written and oral, enhance one’s understanding of the contemporary operating environment, gain an appreciation for other actors in the national security arena; appreciate cultures of other military services as well as civilian organizations and agencies, and improve inter-personal dynamics; work effectively as a team. Instructor permission required.

RTC1 3090 Military Theory and Tactical Leadership (0 Credits)

Application of military domain knowledge, small until leadership skills and education on various subjects germane to military operations. Examination of military tactics, techniques and procedures to better understand how to successfully accomplish multiple military requirements. Instructor consent required. Co-requisites: One of RTC1 1011, RTC1 1021, RTC1 2031, RTC1 2041, RTC1 3062, RTC1 4072 or RTC1 4082.

2024-2025 University of Denver Undergraduate Bulletin