MS - Military Science (MS)

MS 101 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, time management, goal setting, stress management, and comprehensive fitness relate to leadership, and the Army profession.

MS 102 introduces Cadets to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for adaptive leadership. Cadets learn the basics of the communications process and the importance for leaders to develop the essential skills to effectively communicate in the Army. Students will examine the Army Profession and what it means to be a professional in the U.S. Army.

MS 103 continues the exploration of leadership fundamentals and examines the leadership process as affected by individual differences and styles, group dynamics, and personality behavior of leaders. Students will experience an introduction of fundamental leadership concepts, and examine factors that influence leader and group effectiveness. Students will fully explore the basic soldier skills and squad level tactical operations. Students participate in briefings and hands-on practical exercises. Attention is devoted to development of leadership potential through practical exercises both in and out of the classroom.

MS 201 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 framework. Aspects of personal motivation and team building are practiced planning, executing and assessing team exercises.

MS 202 examines the challenges of leading teams in the complex operational 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. Cadets develop greater self awareness as they assess their own leadership styles and practice communication and team building skills.

MS203 continues the examination of the challenge of leading tactical teams in the complex contemporary operational environments. Dimensions of the cross-cultural challenges of leadership in a constantly changing world are highlighted and applied to practical Army leadership tasks and situations. Cadets develop greater self-awareness as they practice communication and team building skills. Contemporary Operational Environment case studies give insight into the importance and practice of teamwork and tactics in real world scenarios.

MS 301 Cadets will study, practice, and apply the fundamentals of Army Leadership, Officership, Army Values and Ethics, Personal Development, and small unit tactics at the platoon level.At the conclusion of this course, Cadets will be capable of planning, coordinating, navigating, motivating and leading a squad and platoon in the execution of a mission during a classroom PE, a Leadership Lab, or during a Leader Training Exercise (LTX).

MS 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 Cadet Leader Course (CLC). 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. Cadets are evaluated on what they know and do as leaders.

MS 303 continues development in decision making, persuading, and motivating team members in operational situations are explored, evaluated and developed. Aspects of military operations are reviewed as a means of preparing for CLC. Cadets are expected to apply basic principles of Law of the Land Warfare, Army training, and motivation to troop leading procedures. Emphasis is also placed on conducting military briefings and developing proficiency in garrison operations orders. Cadets are evaluated on what they know and do as leaders.

MS 401 is an advanced course that places primary emphasis on Officership with our MS IV cadets who are our educational main effort; MS 401 and 402 together refine and ultimately completes the Cadet-tocommissioned officer transition. In MS 401 Mission Command and ethics is stressed in order to assist the Cadet in further embracing their future role as an Army officer.

MS 402 and MS 403 are the culmination of a four-year sequential, progressive, challenging developmental leadership experience. It is during this quarter and MSL 403 that the Cadet is undergoing final preparation for the duties and responsibilities of a commissioned officer along with their integration into the Army. The emphasis is placed on critical knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies skills newly commissioned officers will need to succeed in their first unit of assignment, and the modern operating environment where they will be expected to plan, prepare, execute, and assess platoon-level training strategies and more to enable mission accomplishment.

MS 403 continues the exploration of the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations from MS 402. 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 as Second Lieutenants.

MS 497 provides ROTC cadets who have completed their Cadet Leader Course the opportunity to conduct detailed research and independent study on a current problem or topic associated with the military. Program of study will be arranged individually with the Professor of Military Science.