<p>I currently attend Marion Military Institute and I am currently in the dual track program (Service Academy Prep/ Early Commissioning Program). I went to LTC (Leadership Training Course in Fort Knox) this summer and I am currently a MS III at MMI. I'm wondering if I apply to West Point and get in do I start off as a MS I or progress to MS IV?</p>
<p>I am not familiar with the MS levels you are referring to, but everyone who attends West Point goes through 4 years of education and military training regardless of prior academic or military training. A four class system is used as part of the cadet leadership training program. As far as rank goes, all plebes (first year cadets) are on an equal footing (even those who come in with ranger tabs and combat experience).<br>
Does this answer your question? If not perhaps someone else will chime in…</p>
<p>You will take the plebe MS class.
Those who have ROTC course work will take MS at West Point with their class. You won’t be exempt. Don’t worry about “knowing too much”. All plebes take the same MS class, including those from prior service, ROTC and the Prep School.
If you do really well in your academic classes you may test out of some coursework at West Point.</p>
<p>Oops - If Pet3rxKP was referring to the military science classes he would be required to take I totally misread the question…</p>
<p>Yep -
MS I through MS IV are ROTC classes.</p>
<p>Thanks JustAMomOf4 - Are all ROTC and MMI students defined in terms of the military Science class they are taking - as in “I am a MS III”?</p>
<p>In ROTC the normal progression is MS I - IV for four years beginning the freshman year. For those who start ROTC their Junior year they will go to LTC (Leader’s training course) the summer prior and basically spend the summer taking MS I and MS II. LTC is sort of like a mini boot camp where they are introduced to the military and do FTX as well.
At MMI they are one of a few military junior colleges with an ECP program (early commissioning). Those in the program will go to LTC the summer after high school, then jump into MS III their freshman year, take MS IV their second year and graduate with an associates degree and Commission into the Reserves or Guard (not active duty) as a 2LT.
They continue their education at a 4 year college and when they earn their Bachelor’s degree can then go AD. It’s not a bad deal really - finish college, part time job in the Guard or Reserves with 2LT pay plus years of service.
Cadets at MMI who are in the ECP can apply to West Point after their first year in the ECP program. They can’t apply after their second year because they would be commissioned by then.</p>
<p>Just to be clear, not all Cadets at MMI are in the ECP. Those who are sponosed by West Point or another academy are not in the ECP and would take MS I during their prep year. Some cadets will also forgo ECP and take MS I and MS II while they are there and transfer to a 4 year and finish ROTC and get their degree and commission there.
Hope I didn’t confuse you!</p>
<p>Thanks - I do understand the MS academic requirement, was just not familiar with defining a student by that one particular class.</p>
<p>You will start at the same elvel as any plebe. Any advanced placement credits will be based on exams you may be offered to take. Whether this is your first experience with thre military or if you are prior service with your Ranger tab and deployment history in Iraq - you start at the same level, at the beginning.</p>