MILITARY SCIENCE (MSC)

MSC 101. Two hours
Prerequisite: Approval from the professor of Military Science
MSC 101 introduces the student to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership. The student will learn how the personal development of life skills such as goal setting, time management, physical fitness, and stress management relate to leadership, officership, and Army profession. The focus is on developing basic knowledge and comprehension of Army leadership dimensions, attributes, and core leader competencies while gaining a big picture understanding of the ROTC program, its purpose in the Army, and its advantages for the student. Topics include principles of war, role of the army, army reserve, the National Guard, branches of the army, navigation using map and compass, basic first aid, marksmanship, water survival, and rappelling.

MSC 102.Two hours
Prerequisite: Successfully complete MSC 101 or approval from the Professor of Military Science.
MSC 102 overviews leadership fundamentals such as setting direction, problem-solving, listening, presenting briefs, providing feedback, and using effective writing skills. You will explore dimensions of leadership values, attributes, skills, and actions in the context of practical, hands-on, and interactive exercises.

MSC 110. One hour
This course involves instruction on the Army Physical Fitness Program and is equivalent to a college level Physical Education course. It will satisfy the Activity requirement under Goal VI of the General Education Curriculum. 

MSC 201. Two hours
Prerequisite: Successfully completed MSC 102 or approval from the Professor of Military Science.
MSC 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. While participation in the leadership labs is not mandatory during the MSC II year, significant experience can be gained in a multitude of areas and participation in the labs is highly encouraged. The focus continues to build on developing knowledge of the leadership attributes and core leader competencies through the understanding of Army rank, structure, and duties as well as broadening knowledge of land navigation and squad tactics. Case studies will provide a tangible context for learning the Soldier's Creed and Warrior Ethos as they apply in the contemporary operating environment.

MSC 202. Two hours
Prerequisite: Successfully complete MSC 201 or approval from the Professor of Military Science.
MSC 202 examines the challenges of leading tactical teams in the complex Contemporary Operating Environment (COE). This course highlights dimensions of terrain analysis, patrolling, and operation orders. Continued study of the theoretical basis of the Army leadership framework explores the dynamics of adaptive leadership in the context of military operations. MSC 202 provides a smooth transition into MSC 301. Cadets develop greater self-awareness as they asses their own leadership styles and practice communication and team building skills. COE case studies insight into the importance and practice of teamwork and tactics in real-world scenarios.

MSC 301. Three hours
Prerequisite: Be a contracted cadet with Army ROTC and successfully complete MSC 202 or have Lateral Entry credit (3 years JROTC, completed the Leaders Training Course, or Basic Training). Obtain approval from the Professor of Military Science.
This is an academically challenging course where you will study, practice, and apply the fundamentals of Army leadership, officership, Army values and ethics, personal development, and small unit tactics at the team and squad level. At the conclusion of this course, you will be capable of planning, coordinating, navigating, motivating and leading a team or squad in the execution of a tactical mission during a classroom PE, a Leadership Lab, or during a Situational Training Exercise (STX) in a field environment. Successful completion of this course will help prepare you for success at the ROTC Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) which you will attend next summer at Fort Lewis, WA. This course includes reading assignments, homework assignments, small assignments, briefings, case studies, practical exercises, a midterm exam, and a final exam. You will receive systematic and specific feedback on your leader attributes values and core leader competencies from your instructor and other ROTC cadre and MS IV Cadets who will evaluate you using the ROTC Leader Development Program (LDP) model.

MSC 302. Three hours
Prerequisite: Be a contracted cadet with Army ROTC and successfully complete MSC 301 or approval from the Professor of Military Science.
The student will be challenged 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. You will receive systematic and specific feed back on your leadership abilities. Topics include basic leadership skills, drill and ceremonies, map reading/land navigation, marksmanship, rappelling, radio and wire communications, basic small unit tactics, water survival, and weekend field training exercises. Leadership laboratory and physical fitness training is required.
 
MSC 303:  Military History: Thee hours
This course gives an in-depth historical perspective and study to decisions made by American military leaders from Colonial times to the Present. It examines in detail the battles fought throughout the period and examines the military decisions made both on and off the field of battle.
 
MSC 401. Three hours
Prerequisite: Be a contracted cadet with Army ROTC and successfully completed MSC 301 and MSC 302 or approval from the Professor of Military Science.
Military Science and Leadership MSC 401 is a practical application of adaptive leadership. Throughout the semester, students are assigned the duties and responsibilities of an Army staff officer and must apply the fundamentals of principles of training, the training management, the Army writing style and military decision making to weekly training meetings. During these weekly training meetings, the student will plan, execute, and assess ROTC training and recruiting events. Students will study the special trust proposed to Army Officers by the US Constitution and the President of the United States -- a special trust given to no other civilian professions. Students will study how Army values and leader ethics are applied in the Contemporary Operating Environment (COE) and how these values and ethics are relevant to everyday life. The student will study the Army officer's role in the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the counseling of subordinates, administrative actions, and the management of an Army Officer's career. Students will be given numerous opportunities to train, mentor, and evaluate underclass students enrolled in the ROTC Basic Course while being mentored and evaluated by experienced ROTC cadre. The MSC 401 course is designed to include multiple opportunities for student-centered learning, to include, but not limited to student reading assignments; homework assignments; participation in small group assignments, practical exercises and case studies; student-delivered briefings and operations orders; and a variety of student assessments such as quizzes, a midterm and a final exam. In addition, MSC 401 students are rotated through a variety of leadership positions that support a variety of ROTC battalion training and recruiting events throughout the semester where the student will receive detailed and constructive feedback on their leader attributes and core leader competencies from experienced cadre.
 
MSC 402. Three hours
Prerequisite: Be a contracted cadet with Army ROTC and successfully complete MSC 401 or approval from the Professor of Military Science.
MSC 402 explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situation of current military operations in the Contemporary Operating Environment (COE). You will examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in the face of international terrorism. You also explore aspects of interacting with nongovernment organizations, civilians on the battlefield, and host nation support. The course places significant emphasis on preparing you for BOLC II and III, and your first unit of assignment. It uses case studies, scenarios, and "What Now, Lieutenant?" exercises to prepare you to face the complex ethical and practical demands of leading as a commissioned officer in the United States Army. This semester, you will: Explore Military Professional Ethics and ethical decision making facing an Officer, gain practical experience in Cadet Battalion Leadership roles, demonstrate personal skills in operations and communications, evaluate and develop MSC III small unit leaders and examine issues of force protection in the COE, and prepare for the transition to a career as an Army Officer.