Army ROTC Courses

MSL 1001-Leadership and Personal Development (2 credits)

Co-requisite: MSL 1001L
This course introduces Cadets to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership. Cadets learn how the personal development of life skills such as critical thinking, goal setting, time management, physical fitness, and stress management relate to leadership, officership, and the Army profession. Lessons are designed to maximize participation, inspire intellectual curiosity, stimulate self-study and encourage team building through military/life skills. Each student must also register for and attend a two-hour weekly leadership laboratory (MSL 1490L). Students not on scholarship who enroll in this basic course do not incur any service obligation to the US Army.

MSL 1001L-Freshman Leadership Laboratory I (0 credits)

Co-requisite: MSL 1001
The Freshman Leadership Laboratory consists of a two-hour block of instruction directly supporting freshman classroom instruction. Cadets implement the initial classroom lessons in a real-world setting to form the building blocks of the Army's values, physical fitness, leadership and officership. Participation in at least one weekend field training exercise and two army physical fitness tests are required.

MSL 1002-Introduction to Tactical Leadership (2 credits)

Co-requisite: MSL 1002L
This course covers leadership fundamentals such as setting direction, problem solving, listening, presenting briefs, providing feedback, and using effective writing skills. Cadets explore dimensions of leadership values, attributes, and competencies in the context of practical, hands-on, and interactive exercises. Cadre role models and the building of stronger relationships among the Cadets through common experience and practical interaction are critical aspects of the MSL 1020 experience. Students must register for and attend a two-hour, weekly leadership laboratory (MSL 1492L). Students not on scholarship who enroll in this basic course do not incur any service obligation to the US Army.

MSL 1002L-Freshman Leadership Laboratory II (0 credits)

Co-requisite: MSL 1002
The Introduction to Tactical Leadership Laboratory consists of a two-hour block of instruction that directly supports freshman classroom instruction. This lab overviews leadership fundamentals such as setting direction, problem solving, listening, presenting briefs, providing feedback, and using effective writing skills. Cadets explore dimensions of leadership values, attributes, and competencies in the context of practical, hands-on, and interactive exercises.

MSL 2101-Individual Leadership Studies (2 credits)

Co-requisite: MSL 2101L
This course explores the dimensions of creative and innovative tactical leadership strategies and styles by examining team dynamics and two historical leadership theories that form the basis of the Army Leadership Requirements Model (trait and behavior theories). Cadets practice aspects of personal motivation and team building in the context of planning, executing, and assessing team exercises and participating in leadership labs. Focus is on continued development of the knowledge of leadership values and attributes through an understanding of Army rank, structure, and duties, and basic aspects of land navigation and squad tactics. Case studies provide tangible context for learning the Soldier?s Creed and Warrior Ethos as they apply in the Contemporary Operating Environment (COE). Students must register for and attend a two-hour, weekly leadership laboratory. Students not on scholarship who enroll in this basic course do not incur any service obligation to the US Army.

MSL 2101L-Sophomore Leadership Laboratory I (0 credits)

Co-requisite: MSL 2101
MSL 2101 explores the dimensions of creative and innovative tactical leadership strategies and styles by examining team dynamics and two historical leadership theories that form the basis of the Army Leadership Requirements Model (trait and behavior theories). Cadets practice aspects of personal motivation and team building in the context of planning, executing, and assessing team exercises and participating in leadership labs. Focus is on continued development of the knowledge of leadership values and attributes through an understanding of Army rank, structure, and duties, and basic aspects of land navigation and squad tactics. Case studies provide tangible context for learning the Soldier's Creed and Warrior Ethos as they apply in the Contemporary Operating Environment (COE). Students not on scholarship who enroll in this basic course do not incur any service obligation to the US Army.

MSL 2102-Foundations of Tactical Leadership (2 credits)

Co-requisite: MSL 2102L
This course examines the challenges of leading tactical teams in the complex COE. The course highlights dimensions of terrain analysis, patrolling, and operation orders. Further study of the theoretical basis of the Army Leadership Requirements Model explores the dynamics of adaptive leadership in the context of military operations. This course provides a smooth transition into MSL 3201. Cadets develop greater self-awareness as they assess their own leadership styles and practice communication and team-building skills. COE case studies give insight into the importance and practice of teamwork and tactics in real-world scenarios. Students must register for and attend a two-hour, weekly leadership laboratory. Students not on scholarship who enroll in this basic course do not incur any service obligation to the US Army.

MSL 2102L-Sophomore Leadership Laboratory II (0 credits)

Co-requisite: MSL 2102
The Sophomore Leadership Laboratory II consists of a two-hour block of instruction that directly supports classroom instruction. Cadets implement the initial classroom lessons in a real world setting, MSL 2102 examines the challenges of leading tactical teams in the complex Contemporary Operating Environment. The course highlights dimensions of terrain analysis, patrolling, and operation orders. Further study of the theoretical basis of the Army Leadership Requirements Model explores the dynamics of adaptive leadership in the context of military operations. MSL 2102 provides a smooth transition into MSL 3201. Cadets develop greater self-awareness as they assess their own leadership styles and practice communication and team-building skills. COE case studies give insight into the importance and practice of teamwork and tactics in real-world scenarios. Students not on scholarship who enroll in this basic course do not incur any service obligation to the US Army.

MSL 3201-Adaptive Team Leadership (3 credits)

Co-requisite: MSL 3201L
MSL 3201 challenges Cadets to study, practice, and evaluate adaptive leadership skills as they are presented with the demands of preparing for the ROTC Leader Development and 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 values, attributes, skills, and actions.

MSL 3201L-Leadership and Problem Solving Laboratory (0 credits)

Co-requisite: MSL 3201
This leadership laboratory course provides practical application of topics covered in MSL 3201. This lab challenges cadets to study, practice, and evaluate adaptive leadership skills as they are presented with the demands of preparing for the ROTC Leader Development and 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 values, attributes, skills and actions.

MSL 3202-Leadership in Changing Environments (3 credits)

Co-requisite: MSL 3202L
MSL 3202 uses increasingly intense situational leadership challenges to build cadet awareness and skills in leading tactical operations. Having learned squad-level tactics in MSL 3201, cadets now learn to lead up to platoon level. Cadets review aspects of combat, stability, and support operations. They also conduct military briefings and develop proficiency in garrison operation orders. The focus is on exploring, evaluating, and developing skills in decision making, persuading, and motivating team members in the COE. MSL 3202 cadets are evaluated on what they know and do as leaders as they prepare to attend LDAC.

MSL 3202L-Leadership and Ethics Laboratory (0 credits)

Co-requisite: MSL 3202
This leadership laboratory course provides practical application of topics covered in MSL3202. This lab challenges Cadets to study, practice, and evaluate adaptive leadership skills as they are presented with the demands of preparing for the ROTC Leader Development and 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 values, attributes, skills, and actions.

MSL 4301-Adaptive Leadership (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Requires completion of MSL 3201, MSL 3202 or professor of Military Science permission Co-requisite: MSL 4301L
This course provides practical exercise 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 sound ethical decisions, and provide coaching and mentoring to fellow ROTC Cadets. MSL IV Cadets are measured by their ability to give and receive systematic and specific feedback on leadership abilities using the Socratic model of reflective learning. Cadets at the MSL IV level analyze and evaluate the leadership values, attributes, skills, and actions of MSL III Cadets while simultaneously considering their own leadership skills. Attention is given to preparation for success at BOLC II and III, and the development of leadership abilities.

MSL 4301L-Leadership and Management Laboratory (0 credits)

MSL 4302-Leadership in a Complex World (3 credits)

MSL 4302L-Officership Laboratory (0 credits)

Prerequisite: MSL 4301 Co-requisite: MSL 4302
This laboratory enables the practical application of lessons learned in the MSL 4302 classroom. It explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations in the COE. Cadets examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in the face of international terrorism. They also explore aspects of interacting with nongovernmental organizations, civilians on the battlefield, and host nation support. The course places significant emphasis on preparing cadets for their first unit of assignment. It uses case studies, scenarios, and ?What Now, Lieutenant?? exercises to prepare cadets to face the complex ethical and practical demands of leading as commissioned officers in the United States Army.

MSL 4905-Independent Study (1-3 credits)

Prerequisite: Requires departmental permission. Enrollment is determined by the Professor of Military Science
This course introduces students to fundamental leadership styles and their effectiveness in and out of the work place; Students will be able to mend growing problems and work to further solidify unity in the environment; Students will also work on military counseling and the methods for which it is used.

MSL 4941-Advanced Leader Training (4 credits)

Leadership development and assessment course is the army's 5-week leader internship conducted at Fort Lewis, Washington from June through August. The instructor places each cadet in a variety of leadership positions, many of which simulate stressful combat situations. Cadets are evaluated by platoon tactical officers and NCOs. Training is organized into separate committees in a tiered structure, including basic military skills, leadership development, tactical training, basic rifle marksmanship and situational training exercises. Although this course is not conducted on campus grading will be conducted by university faculty.