Military Science - Bobcat Army Guard Officer Leadership Development (GOLD) Program

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General Information:

The College of the Ozarks Military Science Program is designed to provide students with basic leadership principles. Students including Military Science courses in their curriculum are preparing themselves not only for a civilian career, but also creating an opportunity to serve as leaders in their communities and the Army National Guard (ARNG). The leadership skills, self-discipline, and sense of responsibility developed will enhance any career field. The Missouri Army National Guard (MOARNG) Bobcat GOLD is divided into two elective programs, Basic and Advanced.

Available Programs

Basic Program:

Students enrolled in Basic Program courses incur no military service obligation, but receive valuable information to help them determine if they should fulfill the call to be an Army Officer. The primary objective of the Basic Program is to provide college students with an understanding of the United States Army, but Bobcat GOLD Basic Program courses also provide students with training and preparation in leadership, management and confidence-building instruction that will be of great value in any career field. Regardless of future career decisions, these courses will provide students with foundational leadership training that will instill excellence in any career field. All non-U.S. citizens must have instructor permission before enrolling in any Military Science course with the exception of MIL 141 Physical Training and MIL 233 Survival Skills , which are open to all students.

Advanced Program:

Advanced Program courses are restricted to contracted candidates meeting departmental criteria and who will, upon graduation, accept a commission as an Army officer with a military service obligation. The primary objective of the Advanced Program is to prepare qualified college students for military service as Second Lieutenants in the United States Army National Guard. Students meeting departmental criteria become eligible for Advanced Program courses by enlisting in the MOARNG and successfully completing Initial Entry Training (IET). Students accepted as candidates in all contracted Basic and Advanced Programs must participate in a regularly scheduled physical fitness program. Upon completion of the Advanced Program courses, Accelerated Officer Candidate School (OCS) and a bachelor’s degree, students are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army National Guard. These officers may elect to complete their military service obligation in the Army National Guard or apply for a release to Active Duty after successful completion of their initial, branch specific officer training - Basic Officer Leadership Course B (BOLC B).

Initial Entry Training (IET):

Students who are not current or former members of the Army (Reserve or Active components) qualify for contracting into the Bobcat GOLD Advanced Program by enlisting into the MOARNG and attending IET, also known as Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT). Contracted Officer Candidates will be placed in a part-time status at the College while attending IET and will receive credit hours upon successful completion of training and return to College. Students who attend IET receive military compensation for all travel and meals, with pay commensurate with their rank at time of attendance.

Simultaneous Membership in the MOARNG:

The Bobcat GOLD Program allows contracted candidates to be members of the Army National Guard and full-time student/officer candidates at the same time. Under this program, candidates hold the rank of Officer Candidate and are paid at the rate commensurate with their enlisted pay grade. While conducting training with their units, candidates serve as officer trainees under the watchful eye of a commissioned officer in the unit.

Advanced Training:

Contracted candidates in the Bobcat GOLD program are eligible to attend military specialty training (Airborne, Air Assault, etc.) based upon scheduling and availability. Additionally, all contracted candidates attend the National Guard Accelerated Officer Candidate School (OCS) during the summer between their junior and senior years. Accelerated OCS is a challenging and physically demanding eight week course which serves as the capstone training event for Bobcat GOLD candidates. While attending this training, candidates are paid at the E-6 pay grade (approximately $2,550/month).

MOARNG Incentives:

Students completing IET and advanced individual training (AIT) are also eligible for State and Federal Tuition Assistance as well as the Army GI Bill which pays $329 per month while enrolled as a full-time college student. As a candidate in the Bobcat GOLD program students are eligible to receive incentives under the GI Bill Kicker program. These incentives are based upon enlistment/re-enlistment criteria and can range from $200-$350 per month.

College of the Ozarks Patriotic Scholarships:

College of the Ozarks Patriotic Scholarships: Patriotic Scholarships covering full room and board are provided on a competitive basis to students who contract with the Army through the College’s Bobcat GOLD program.

Uniforms and Texts:

Uniforms and accessories are provided when required.