Basic Military Science Courses: Freshman and Sophomore Years

Fall Semester 1: MLSC 101 & 101L Foundations of Officership & Leadership Lab I

This course and associated leadership laboratory is the starting point for Freshman Cadets. These classes teach issues and competencies central to a commissioned officer's responsibilities. The provide cadets with an of understanding officership, leadership, Army values and life skills, such as physical fitness and time management. The associated leadership lab is full of challenging, rewarding, and practical activities in military skill development. The development of confidence and learning the importance of teamwork in goal accomplishment is taught throughout. Cadets will learn and participate in rappelling, land navigation and map reading, marksmanship, survival training, personal defense activities, survival swimming, military weapons, military drill, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and first aid.

Spring Semester 1: MLSC 102 & 102L Basic Leadership & Leadership Lab II

The second semester of the Freshman year concentrates on the foundations of leadership: problem solving, communications, military briefings, effective writing, goal setting, physical well being, techniques to improving listening and speaking skills, and counseling. The leadership lab continues during the spring semester for all cadets.

Fall Semester 2: MLSC 201 & 201L Individual Leadership Studies & Lab III

Sophomore cadets receive an introduction to replicating successful leadership characteristics through observations during experiential learning exercises. Cadets record characteristics, discuss them in small group settings, and use them in subsequent activities. The also practice communication skills necessary for leadership roles, especially in military environments. The sophomore year leadership laboratory continues to help with the development of confidence, military skills, and a sense of teamwork. Cadets may be selected to fill leadership positions in the cadet corps. The variety of activities parallel those during the first year of laboratory.

Spring Semester 2: MLSC 202 & 202L Leadership and Teamwork & Lab IV

Cadets learn skills for building successful teams, methods to influence group actions, effective communications within groups, creativity in problem solving, and how to motivate subordinates and peers. Using these skills in the context of military environments, such as while performing land navigation and infantry tactics.

Summer Semester: Leader's Training Course

Students who have not completed the first two years of classes (students who join the program after their freshman year have the option of taking the first and second year courses concurrently) must successfully complete the Leader's Training Course the summer before entering the advanced course. Cadets who have already taken the basic course may also attend LTC. Students are paid travel expenses to and from LTC. They receive approximately $700 in pay and free room and board. No military or ROTC obligation is incurred by LTC attendance.

Advanced Military Science Courses: Junior and Senior Years

HIST 303/803 United States Military History, 1607-1917 or HIST 304/804 United States Military History Since 1917

Either of these two courses satisfies the military history requirement of the advanced program. The first course covers the significance of military affairs in the context of American political, economic, and social history from the formation of the earliest colonial militias to the pre-WWI preparedness movement. The second course covers from America's entry into WWI to the present. These courses discuss all of the major wars of these periods but also emphasizes such themes as the professionalization of the officer corps, the relationship between war and technology, and civil-military relations.

Fall Semester 3: MLSC 301 & 301L Leadership and Problem Solving & Leadership Laboratory V

Cadets will conduct self-assessments of leadership style, develop a personal fitness regimen, and plan and conduct individual/small unit tactical training, while testing reasoning and problem solving techniques. Cadets receive direct feedback on leadership abilities from the cadre (faculty). Cadets will experience placement in leadership positions within the cadet corps organization, providing a greater challenge while building on the confidence and skills developed during the basic course. A concentration on physical conditioning and the furthering of military skill development particularly with respect to small unit tactics and individual military weapons is stressed. Practical exercises in preparation LDAC and the leadership responsibilities of final year will be held.

Spring Semester 3: MLSC 302 & 302L Leadership and Ethics & Leadership Laboratory VI

This course stresses role of communications, values, and ethics in effective leadership. Cadets learn ethical decision making, consideration of others, spirituality in the military, and the Army leadership doctrine. Cadets will improve oral and written communications skills. The lab continues into second semester.

MLSC 336 ROTC Internship

Cadets require permission of the Professor of Military Science to enroll in this course. The course grants academic credit for participation in LDAC, Ft. Lewis, Washington. (See below for information on LDAC.) It teaches practical application of organizational management, teaching techniques, small group discussion, interpersonal communications, and the decision-making process. First aid, survival training, and physical conditioning techniques are also emphasized.

MLSC 399 Independent Study

Cadets require permission of the Professor of Military Science to enroll in this course. This course is an opportunity to expand study of the Army beyond the levels presented in programmed courses. Studies may approach military leadership, military history, or contemporary issues from a broad perspective or more narrowly defined in-depth analysis.

Summer Semester: Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC)

Advanced course students must attend LDAC, normally during the summer between their junior and senior year. At the discretion of the Professor of Military Science, attendance may be postponed until the end of the advanced course. LDAC consists of practical application of instruction that has been given at the University. Students fire weapons, practice land navigation, and employ tactics they have learned. Cadets are evaluated in a variety of potentially stressful leadership situations. Leadership is emphasized. Students are paid travel expenses to and from the course and, in addition, receive pay of approximately $700 while there. All accommodations, clothing, and food are furnished.

Fall Semester 4: MLSC 401 & 401L Leadership and Management & Leadership Laboratory VII

Cadets will learn and refine proficiencies in planning and executing complex operations, functioning as a member of a staff, and mentoring subordinates. Training management, methods of effective staff collaboration, and developmental counseling techniques will also be taught. The Leadership workshop will provide the opportunity to practice leadership and managerial skills through practical application. Leadership laboratory programs are developed, planned, and conducted by the students registered in these workshops.

Spring Semester 4: MLSC 402 & 402L Officership & Leadership Laboratory VIII

Cadets will do case study analysis of military law and practical exercises in establishing an ethical command climate. Cadets will also complete a semester long Senior Leadership Project that requires: plan, organize, collaborate, analyze, and demonstrate leadership skills.