Army ROTC
AUM Army ROTC is committed to training and developing our future leaders. It offers opportunities and challenges that can put you on the fast track to success. You’ll develop confidence, self-esteem and leadership skills that will help you progress in your college studies. You will also earn opportunities to serve your country as an officer, either full time on active duty or part-time in the Reserves or National Guard.
The most important thing I learned is that soldiers watch what their leaders do. You can give them classes and lecture them forever, but it is your personal example they will follow. General Colin Powell
Office Information
ROTC Programs
Scholarships
Whether you’re a college-bound high school student or already attending a college or university, Army ROTC may have scholarships available. Scholarships are awarded based on a student’s merit and grades, not financial need. Additionally, there are a number of financial benefits that you can apply for and receive depending on your eligibility.
A Wide Range of Experiences
Army ROTC gives you a wide range of experiences while you work toward your college degree. You’ll combine classroom instruction with hands-on training. Army ROTC Cadets meet once a week as a group for leadership laboratory, along with their regular ROTC academic class instruction. During lab, Cadets wear the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) and conduct military and leadership training.
The Mustang Battalion was initially an extension unit of the Auburn University Tiger Battalion. In 1996, the Department of the Army authorized Auburn University at Montgomery to become an independent ROTC program. The Mustang Battalion is comprised of AUM, Troy University, and Alabama State University. Since its inception, the program has commissioned over 500 2nd Lieutenants into the US Army.
Prospective Cadets desiring to become a member of the Mustang Battalion must be accepted to and /or attend one of the aforementioned colleges or universities. AUM is the host campus for the Mustang Battalion.
Basic Course
Normally takes place during your first two years in college as elective courses and involves one elective class or lab each semester. You will learn basic military skills and the fundamentals of leadership, as well as start the groundwork toward becoming an Army leader. Any student may take the Army ROTC Basic Courses without any program or military commitment.
Advanced Course
Takes place during your last two years in college as elective courses. It normally includes one elective class or lab each semester, plus a summer leadership course. You will learn advanced military tactics and gain experience in team organization, planning and decision-making. Entering the Advanced Course requires a commitment to serve as an Officer in the U.S. Army after you graduate.
At 0600 every Monday through Friday, cadets of the Mustang Battalion are already up, doing pushups, sit-ups, and running in addition to a variety of other exercises. The PT sessions are designed to improve physical fitness, prevent injuries, develop self-confidence, instill discipline, and promote teamwork, camaraderie, and resilience. Cadets are assessed monthly on their physical training performance through the use of the Army Fitness Test (AFT). Physical training is a vital component of the Army ROTC program!
Our Cadets meet five times a week to conduct physical training (PT) and at least once a week for a Military Science (MILS) lecture and once a week for Leadership Lab. Leadership Labs are designed to develop Cadets into confident and competent leaders by providing education on necessary skills and placing the Cadets in leadership positions to develop their ability to lead others during tactical or administrative operations. Every semester there is a Field Training Exercise (FTX) where Cadets incorporate their knowledge and leadership skills into a cumulative event. Exclusive to the Junior year (MSIII), Cadets travel to Ft. Knox Kentucky during the summer where they will learn valuable skills with all Cadets across the country. Other training opportunities such as Airborne School and Air Assault School are available to Cadets as well.
If you’re considering an undergraduate nursing degree (or other STEM-type degree), enrolling in Army ROTC can enhance your leadership skills and critical thinking abilities while providing financial support to help make your professional goals a reality. Being a nurse in the Army provides you with benefits not found in the civilian world. As an Army nurse and officer, you will have the respect of your peers and co-workers, as well as opportunities to train and serve in a variety of specialties domestically and abroad.
High School Seniors who have been accepted to Auburn University at Montgomery, joining the Mustang Battalion is as easy as registering for Military Science (MILS) 1010 when you sign up for your classes. By taking MILS 1010, you have the opportunity to build your leadership resume by learning from our professional staff with years of experience. If you’re a high school junior or senior and are interested in joining a challenging and rewarding leadership curriculum, Army ROTC may be a great option for you.
During your senior year of high school, you will have the opportunity to apply for National Army ROTC scholarships, which are awarded to top applicants throughout the country each year. Army ROTC scholarships pay full tuition and required fees or room and board ($6,000 a semester). Please go to the National Army ROTC Scholarship page to apply.
The Army Green to Gold Program provides Active Duty Enlisted Soldiers an opportunity to pursue a commission as an Army Officer. Soldiers can work toward either a baccalaureate or graduate degree while participating in the ROTC leadership program.
Green to Gold options are:
Military Commitment
Army ROTC students who receive an Army ROTC scholarship or enter the Army ROTC Advanced Course must agree to complete a period of service with the Army. You can serve full time in the Army for three years (four years for scholarship winners) or choose to serve part time in the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career. Enrolling in the Army ROTC Basic Course does NOT involve a commitment of service to the Army unless you have received an Army ROTC scholarship.
Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)
The Simultaneous Membership Program allows you to attend Army ROTC and serve in the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard at the same time. It gives you an opportunity for additional training and experience. You can earn Army Reserve/National Guard pay and benefits in addition to your Army ROTC allowances.
Meet the Team
LTC Joshua Joseph
Professor | College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
LTC Joshua E. Joseph is a native of Sango, Tennessee. He graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Troy University in 2010 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the Military Intelligence (MI) Branch. Upon completion of the MI Basic Officer Leadership Course, he was assigned to 504th MI Company, 172nd Infantry Brigade at Grafenwoehr, Germany. He served as a Signals Intelligence Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer. Following the assignment, he was assigned to 1st Battalion, 66th MI Brigade at Wiesbaden, Germany where he served as the Battalion S4.
In 2015, LTC Joseph attended the MI Captain’s Career Course at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Following graduation, he completed the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) Officer Green Platoon and was assigned to 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. After serving as an Assistant S2, he was assigned to 2nd Battalion, where he served as Battalion S2. In 2017, LTC Joseph assumed command of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 101st Special Troops Battalion, 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division. In 2021, LTC Joseph served as the Battalion S2 for 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. From 2022 to 2025, he served as the Regiment S2 for 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. In his current role, he serves as the Professor of Military Science for Auburn, Tuskegee, Auburn-Montgomery, and Troy University.
LTC Joseph is a graduate of the MI Basic Officer Leadership Course, MI Captain’s Career Course, Command and General Staff Officer Course (Superior Graduate), Airborne School, Air Assault School, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape (SERE-C: High Risk), Officer Combat Skills, Joint Electronic Warfare Theater Operator Course, and Space Enabler Course.
LTC Joseph’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with a “C’ device and three Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal with three Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (numeral 2), NATO Medal, Army Basic Space Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge.
LTC Joseph’s operational deployments include Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Afghanistan; Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan; and two tours during Operation Inherent Resolve, Iraq. He also deployed to Djibouti.
In addition to his bachelor’s degree, LTC Joseph has a master’s degree in Business Management from the University of Florida and one from the Command and General Staff College in Operational Studies.
LTC Joseph and his wife, Mary Beth, have been married for sixteen years and have two children.
MSG Everett Bracey
Senior Military Instructor | College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
CPT Christopher McKay
Executive Officer | College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
MSG Steven Morse
Military Science Instructor | College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
