Year: Freshman | Sophomore | Junior | Senior

Sophomore Year, Fall Semester - MSL 201: Innovative Team Leadership

Overview

MSL 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 (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).

Course Objectives

Leadership

• Describe the four basic phases of team building
• Illustrate significant traits and behaviors of historical military leaders

Values and Ethics

• Recognize the historical basis of Army values
• Illustrate the four tenets of the Warrior Ethos

Personal Development

• Deliver a formal information briefing
• List the types and elements of interpersonal communication

Officership

• Describe rank, structure, duties, and traditions
• Explain the Principles of War

Tactics and Techniques

• Practice land navigation techniques
• List the seven steps of problem solving
• List the eight troop leading procedures

Sophomore Year, Spring Semester - MSL 202: Foundations of Tactical Leadership

Overview

MSL 202 examines the challenges of leading tactical teams in the complex contemporary operating environment (COE). The course highlights dimensions of terrain analysis, patrolling, and operation orders. Further study of the theoretical basis of the Army leadership framework explores the dynamics of adaptive leadership in the context of military operations.

MSL 202 provides a smooth transition into MSL 301. 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.

Course Objectives

Leadership

• Illustrate dimensions of transformational and situational leadership
• Explain your personal approach to leadership

Values and Ethics

• Identify the goals of the Army Consideration of Others (CO2) program
• Analyze the relationship between Army values, leadership, and CO2

Personal Development

• Develop team mission statement and goals
• Explain ways to establish priorities and avoid distracters
• Practice effective writing techniques

Officership

• Explain the relationship between leadership, values, and officership

Tactics and Techniques

• List the five aspects of military terrain (OCOKA)
• Interpret an operation order