Army ROTC is an elective curriculum you take along with your required college classes. It prepares you with the training and experiences that will help you succeed in any competitive environment. Along with great leadership training, Army ROTC can pay for your college tuition, too. You will have a normal college student experience like everyone else on campus, but when you graduate, you will be an officer in the U.S. Army. ROTC Website

History of ROTC at Murray State
In 1952, a contract establishing ROTC at Murray State College was signed by Murray State and the Department of the Army. The first classes were held in the Fall 1953 and the first students were commissioned into the Army in 1956.

In the early years, ROTC was mandatory for all freshman and sophomore males. In 1969, the Board of Regents reduced the mandatory requirement from two years to one year and in 1972, the mandatory requirement was dropped. During those years, it was a common sight in the late afternoon to see hundreds of young men marching around campus in the Army Green dress uniforms.

In 1977, the first Lieutenant was commissioned into the Kentucky National Guard through a special program. This program continued until the late 1980’s.

Due to downsizing of the military, the ROTC program at Murray State closed in 1997. During the 45 year history of ROTC at Murray State, 1058 young men and women received their commission as a Second Lieutenant. Many of these went on to have distinguished military careers and several died in service of their country.

On December 2, 2003 Murray State President F. King Alexander, members of the Kentucky National Guard, U.S. Army Cadet Command, and Western Kentucky University entered into an agreement to offer Army ROTC on the Murray State campus once again in the Fall semester of 2004. The ROTC program is staffed with full time officers and NCOs of the Kentucky Army National Guard. The program, once again, offers the young men and women of Murray State University the leadership training and opportunity to serve their country as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, the Army Reserves, or the Army National Guard.

Army ROTC can help you be successful during college and afterwards. You'll quickly gain the confidence and self-discipline necessary to progress in your studies at Murray State University. You'll acquire leadership skills and credentials which will impress employers when you graduate. And you'll earn opportunities for service-to-country as an officer, full-time on active duty or part-time as you pursue your civilian career. Army ROTC can also help you pay for your Murray State University education.

Benefits

• Get help with your college tuition with an Army ROTC scholarship.
• Gain experience you can't find anywhere else.
• Gain the respect of your peers and future employers.
• Train to become a leader and manager.

Visit the Military Science/ROTC website for complete details.