Military Science Course Descriptions

MILS - 100. Leadership Lab (1)

In addition to the MSL courses, Leadership Labs provide practical experience for cadets and are scheduled during each semester. Leadership Labs meet a minimum of 1 hour per week. The Leadership Labs in the BOLC I: ROTC Curriculum are designed to build on the classroom material from the week in which they are scheduled and contain activities for all MSL levels. Like the curriculum, the Leadership Labs are also progressive and sequential, yet they are flexible enough to accommodate geographic restrictions, such as winter weather conditions.

MILS - 101. Leadership and Personal Development (3)

The purpose of this course is to introduce cadets to issues and competencies that are central to a commissioned officer's responsibilities. These initial lessons establish a framework for understanding officership, leadership, and Army values. Additionally, the semester addresses "life skills" including fitness and time management. The MSL 101 course is designed to support recruiting and retention of cadets by giving them accurate insight into the Army Profession and the officer's role within the Army.

MILS - 102. Introduction to Tactical Leadership (3)

The MSL 102 course expands upon the fundamentals introduced in the previous term by focusing on communications, leadership, and problem solving. "Life skills" lessons in this semester include: problem solving, goal setting, interpersonal communication skills, and assertiveness skills. The MSL 102 course continues to support recruiting and retention of cadets by providing them with interesting lessons yielding immediately useful skills. The course also gives accurate information about life in the Army, including the organization of the Army, employment benefits, and work experiences of junior officers.

MILS - 201. Innovative Team Leadership (3)

The first semester of the MSL II year is designed to develop within cadets knowledge of self, self-confidence, and individual leadership skills. Through experiential learning activities, cadets develop problem solving and critical thinking skills, and apply communication, feedback and conflict resolution skills. Offered in the Fall.

MILS - 202. Foundations of Tactical Leadership (3)

The purpose of year two is to work from the same or similar learning objectives - developed as part of years one, three and four - but to provide direct experience. The subject is leadership; so the curriculum necessarily involves understanding how to build teams, how to influence, how to communicate, how and when to make decisions, how to engage in creative problem-solving, and how to plan and organize. The curriculum also focuses on building character. Where years one, three and four focus on mastering definitions, concepts, ideas and principles, year two focuses on direct, physical experiences. Year two centers on giving cadets the opportunity to apply, practice, and experience leadership principles. Cadets are asked to reflect upon their actions and those of others.

MILS - 301. Adaptive Tactical Leadership (4)

MSL 301 challenges cadets to study, practice, and evaluate adaptive leadership skills as they are presented with the demands of the ROTC Leader Development Assessment Course (LDAC). Challenging scenarios related to small unit tactical operations are used to develop self awareness and critical thinking skills. Cadets receive systematic and specific feedback on their leadership abilities. Cadets begin to analyze and evaluate their own leadership values, attributes, skills, and actions. Primary attention is given to preparation for LDAC and the development of leadership qualities.

MILS - 302. Leadership in Changing Environments (4)

MSL 302 uses increasingly intense situational leadership challenges to build cadet awareness and skills in leading small units. Skills in decision-making, persuading and motivating team members when "under fire" are explored, evaluated, and developed. Aspects of military operations are reviewed as a means of preparing for the ROTC LeaderDevelopment and Assessment Course (LDAC). Cadets are expected to apply basic principles of the Law of Land Warfare, Army training, and motivation to troop leading procedures. Emphasis is also placed on conducting military briefings and developing proficiency in Garrison operation orders. MSL 302 cadets are evaluated on what they know and do as leaders.

MILS - 401. Developing Adaptive Leaders (4)

MSL 401 develops cadet proficiency in planning, executing, and assessing complex operations, functioning as a member of a staff, and providing leadership performance feedback to subordinates. Cadets are given situational opportunities to assess risk, make ethical decisions, and provide coaching to fellow ROTC cadets. Cadets are challenged to analyze, evaluate, and instruct younger cadets. Both their classroom and battalion leadership experiences are designed to prepare them for their first unit of assignment. Cadets identify responsibilities of key staff, coordinate staff roles, and use situational opportunities to teach, train, and develop subordinates.

MILS - 402. Leadership in a Complex World (4)

MSL 402 explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations. Cadets examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in the face of international terrorism. Aspects of interacting with non-government organizations, civilians on the battlefield, and host nation support are examined and evaluated. Significant emphasis is placed on preparing cadets for their first unit of assignment. Case studies, scenarios, and "What Now, Lieutenant?" exercises are used to prepare cadets to face the complex ethical and practical demands of leading as commissioned officers in the United States Army.