POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. — An evangelical Christian college in Missouri is now requiring first-year students to take a class aimed at encouraging patriotism.

The College of the Ozarks has unveiled a military science class called Patriotic Education and Fitness. The course aims to educate students on modern military customs, US politics, and flag protocol and procedures.

It will also teach rifle marksmanship, map reading, land navigation, and rope knotting.

‘‘I really think that if you give a person the tools of an education, the patriotic yearnings inside of themselves and the leadership tools that can be taught — they will be leaders,’’ said Terrence Dake, a board of trustees member for the college and retired general with the Marine Corps.

College president Jerry Davis said he believes ‘‘understanding the military now is more important than ever because we have 99 percent of the population being defended by 1 percent who are in uniform.’’

The required class builds camaraderie among students, according to Talan Saylor, a student at the college.

‘‘We all go through kind of the same thing, so going through a patriotic class where we are learning about our country and fostering a love for that country together is really special,’’ he said.

associated press