Morgan State / Coppin State University Army ROTC: The Bear Battalion

Army ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) is one of the best leadership courses in the country and can be a part of your college curriculum. Being a student at Morgan State University and learning to become a leader will make your college experience richer and prepare you for the future. You will gain the confidence and competence to lead others, organizations, your community, and your country.

If you are interested, the first step is to call the Professor of Military Science or Senior Military Science Instructor and register for a military science course at Morgan State University or Coppin State University. We are more than happy to sit down and discuss with future and current students (and parents!) the benefits of choosing the military as a future career and the multiple benefits offered for Morgan State University and Coppin State University Cadets.

To begin your journey Call Us!

Professor of Military Science: MAJ Damon N Knauss   Cell: 910-850-7403

Senior Military Science Instructor: MSG Antoine Sims  Cell: 407-617-5623

Starting Your Career - Success Now and in the Future

Morgan State / Coppin State University Army ROTC is a leadership development program that prepares college students to lead and succeed in any competitive environment and potentially earn a comission as a United States Army Officer.  

Our driving philosophy is that every one of our students is someone's son or daughter and when they become an Officer will be responsible for someone's son or daughter. Our department places great emphasis on ensuring that each of our students succeeds in academics, athletics, student activities, and ROTC. Throughout all four years, faculty are invested and work with each student one-on-one to ensure that they achieve their short-term goals in college and long-term career goals after college. We know that people first leadership results in our future second lieutenants learning to be disciplined (showing up at the right place, at the right time, in the right uniform, with the right attitude) and responsible for taking care of 40 Soldiers who are someone's son or daughter and that is a great responsibility.

Alumni of the Morgan State / Coppin State University Army ROTC program have served as General Officers in the US Army, influential leaders (CEOs, CFOs, etc.) in the Baltimore community, elected officials at the City, State, Congressional, and Senate levels, and much more.

After you graduate from college, you will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant (*must meet standards and requirements). Students will be accessed and can potentially be commissioned into the Active Duty (full-time), National Guard (part-time), or Reserve (part-time) components of the Army. Part-time service allows students to pursue impactful career fields of their choosing immediately after graduation while simultaneously gaining experience as a Commissioned Officer. Within the part-time components, students can apply to serve in any state within the United States. Students who choose to serve part-time typically serve on weekends while simultaneously pursuing graduate/postgraduate education or working full-time civilian jobs, all while receiving the benefits associated with part-time service.

The leadership training and experiences that you will gain in Army ROTC will provide you with a foundation to become a Commissioned Army Officer upon graduation. Your career as a Commissioned Officer will just be the beginning. You'll find a variety of interesting Officer career fields (called branches) in the Army. Once you choose your Army branch, you will embark on specialized training. Learn more about Branches and Specialties at the official Army website. For more detailed information and specific contact information, visit the Virtual Branching Office website.

Upon completion of Officer branch training and arrival at their first assignment, Army Officers may pursue additional specialized training and postgraduate educational opportunities. They will most likely be assigned to advanced leadership and staff positions. They may also develop doctrine, teach military tactics, or serve as advisors.

Regardless of which component (full-time or part-time), ROTC graduates will excel. Morgan State / Coppin State University Army ROTC graduates commonly experience accelerated career timelines and lifetime salaries that exceed their peers and national averages.

Students of the Bear Battalion also have access to one of the most influential alumni networks in the nation, comprised of 12 General Officers, elected governmental officials, business and industry leaders, and more through the Morgan State University ROTC Alumni Chapter.

Very Important Things to Get Started

Morgan State / Coppin State University Army ROTC is not just any other ROTC program. Bear Battalion students have access to numerous grants, funds, and benefits. The Bear Battalion is the primary commissioning source for Commissioned Officers in the Maryland Army National Guard. This means that students have first access to unique resources, networks, and opportunities in Baltimore/DC and Maryland that are unmatched by any other institution.

Is it absolutely critical for interested students, parents, guardians, or key adult figures to read our Scholarships and Other Funding Opportunities .

All Army ROTC Cadets are required to register with the Veterans Engagement Services office as soon as you enroll as an ROTC student to unlock additional ROTC benefits. In addition, you must remain in contact with the Office of Financial Aid to ensure that your annual FAFSA and other documentation is correct. If you are an out-of-state student, there are multiple pathways for ROTC students to gain in-state tuition (reduces your total tuition bill by half).