Military Science (MS)

College of Liberal Studies

Department Chair: LTC Mark Johnson

58 Whitney Center, 608.785.8405

www.uwlax.edu/rotc

Professor of Military Science: LTC Johnson;

Assistant Professors of Military Science: MAJ Angell, MAJ Larson, MAJ Nelson;

Military Instructors: MSG Heise, SFC Fischer.

The military science department, through the Army’s Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), offers students an opportunity to receive a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Regular Army, Army Reserve or National Guard. Upon completion of the Military Science and Leadership program, the student will have acquired skills in leadership, management, problem solving and decision making, which will facilitate the transition to a civilian career, while serving in the Army Reserve or National Guard, or military career in the Regular Army. Courses and training are conducted on the campus, in the local area or at military training facilities. The Military Science and Leadership program is divided into basic course and advanced course requirements as outlined below.

Army ROTC Basic Course (no service obligation incurred): The Army ROTC Basic Course consists of two freshman-level courses (MS 101-102) and two sophomore-level courses (MS 201-202); the four courses total nine credits. The freshman courses focus on the introduction to the Army profession and officership. The sophomore courses focus on the experiential examination of leadership, decision-making and group dynamics. By the end of the Army ROTC Basic Course, students will possess a basic understanding of the unique aspects of the officer corps, fundamentals of leadership and decision-making, Army’s institutional values, and principles of individual fitness and healthy lifestyles. All basic course lessons emphasize student classroom practical exercises, inspire intellectual curiosity, and stimulate self-study.

Army ROTC Advanced Course

The Army ROTC Advanced Course consists of three distinct components: The leadership and decision-making training of the MS III, or junior year; the Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC); and lessons that guide the student in a transition from Cadet to Army officer during the MS IV, or senior year. Advanced Course lessons are carefully sequenced, linked and progressive in their treatment of key officer knowledge and competencies. The ROTC Advanced Course consists of 15 credit hours, acquired through MS 301, 302, 401, 402 and 403 as described below. The prerequisite for the ROTC Advanced Course is the ROTC Basic Course. This requirement can also be fulfilled by attending an ROTC internship known as the Leadership Training Course (LTC). Additionally, basic course requirements are automatically met by veterans, Army Reservists and National Guardsmen now enrolled in school who possess a minimum of 54 credit hours and have graduated from a basic training course from any of the armed services.

Advanced Placement Credit

Students may request placement into the advanced course (from the MS department chair) provided they have completed either the Army ROTC Leadership Training Course or a basic training course in one of the armed services. The total credit awarded for advanced placement is nine credit hours.

Internships

The military science department offers two types of internships that may, upon mutual agreement between the student’s college and the professor of military science, fulfill other academic internship requirements.

Leadership Internship (No military obligation incurred)

The Leadership Training Course (LTC) is a paid, no obligation, four-week course held at Fort Knox, KY. This internship is high adventure, activity-based training that develops leadership, decision-making and management skills. This internship is available to any sophomore or junior with four semesters of undergraduate study remaining, provided they have not already completed a basic military training course in any of the armed services. Motivation, initiative and a drive for adventure are the key characteristics one must possess upon entering this internship. Upon completion, the student will receive seven credit hours and have the opportunity to enter the ROTC Advanced Course to pursue a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Army.

Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) (internship opportunity worth 3-12 credits, given prior coordination and consent from the student’s college and the professor of military science)

The LDAC provides the single most important block of training and evaluation in the progression of an Army cadet. Throughout the 32 LDAC training days at Fort Lewis, WA, cadets encounter stress-inducing physical and mental obstacles, which challenge them as individuals, soldiers and leaders. The LDAC uses small unit tactical training as the vehicle for further developing self-confidence and evaluating a cadet’s leadership abilities and potential to serve as a commissioned officer. Prerequisites for LDAC attendance are MS 301, MS 302 and an Army contractual obligation for service as a commissioned officer.

Military Science Minor

(All colleges) — 25 credits – MS 301, 302, 401, 402, 403; WGS 255. Students also must select at least three elective courses from ANT 352, ENG 308, GEO 110, 300, 307, POL 202, 234. Students must complete the Leadership Development and Assessment Course (no credit) or a three credit community leadership internship (CEI 450).

MS 101 Cr. 2

Introduction to the Army Profession

This course introduces students to the personal challenges and the competencies that are critical for effective leadership. Students learn how the personal development of life skills such as time management, physical fitness, and stress management relate to leadership, Officership, and Army operations. Focus is placed on developing basic knowledge and comprehension of Army Leadership Dimensions while gaining a big picture understanding of the ROTC program, its purpose in the Army and its advantages for the student. Lect. 1, Lab 2. Offered Fall.

MS 102 Cr. 2

Basic Leadership

This course provides an overview of leadership fundamentals such as setting direction, problem solving, listening, presenting briefs, providing feedback, and using effective writing skills. Students explore dimensions of leadership values, attributes, and competencies in the context of practical, hands on, interactive exercises. Continued emphasis is placed on recruitment and retention of students. Cadre role models and the building of stronger relationships among students through common experience and practical interaction are critical aspects of the MS 102 experience. Lect.1, Lab 2. Prerequisite: MS 101. Offered Spring.

MS 103 Cr. 1

Basic Military First Aid

Introduces students to basic military first aid procedures. Students receive hands-on training and proficiency required of a military officer in the application of first aid procedures, as well as introductions to injury prevention programs and field sanitation techniques. Students may seek American Red Cross First Aid/CPR accreditation through this course. Offered occasionally.

MS 201 Cr. 2

Individual Leadership Studies

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 framework (trait and behavior theories). Students 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 attributes and core leader competencies through an understanding of Army rank, structure, 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 to the contemporary operation environment. Lect. 1, Lab 2. Prerequisite: MS 102. Offered Fall.

MS 202 Cr. 2

Leadership & Teamwork

This course 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. Further study of the theoretical basis of the Army leadership framework explores the dynamics of adaptive leadership in the context of military operations. Students 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. Lect.1, Lab 2. Prerequisite: MS 201 or department chair approval. Offered Spring.

MS 301 Cr. 3

Leadership & Problem Solving

This course challenges students to study, practice, and evaluate adaptive leadership skills as they are presented with scenarios related to squad tactical operations. Students receive systematic and specific feedback on their leadership, attributes and actions. Based on such feedback, as well as their own self-evaluations; students continue to develop their leadership and critical thinking abilities. The focus is developing students’ tactical leadership abilities to enable them to succeed at ROTC’s summer Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC). Lect. 2, Lab 2. Prerequisite: MS 202 or department chair approval. Offered Fall.

MS 302 Cr. 3

Leadership & Ethical Decision Making

This course uses increasingly intense situational leadership challenges to build student awareness and skills in leading tactical operations up to platoon level. Students 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 contemporary operating environment (COE). Students are evaluated on what they know and do as leaders as they prepare to attend the ROTC summer Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC). Lect. 2, Lab 2. Prerequisite: MS 301. Offered Spring.

MS 401 Cr. 3

Leadership and Management

This course transitions the focus of student learning from being trained, mentored, and evaluated to learning how to train, mentor and evaluate underclass students. Students learn the duties and responsibilities of an Army staff officer. Army students will learn about the special trust; proposed by the U. S. constitution to Army officer’s; a trust above and beyond other professions. Students will learn Army values and ethics and how to apply them to everyday life as well as in the contemporary operating environment. Students will learn about the officers role in the Uniform Code of Military Justice, counseling subordinates, administrative actions and methods on how to best manage their career as army officers. Lect. 2, Lab 2. Prerequisite: MS 302. Offered Fall.

MS 402 Cr. 3

American Military History

A historical review and analysis of the development of military strategy and weapons; a detailed study of the history of the United States military; an analysis of contemporary, post-World War II issues; and a study of selected battles. Offered Spring.

MS 403 Cr. 3

Officership

This course explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations in the contemporary operating environment. Students 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 non-government organizations, civilians on the battlefield, and host nation support. The course places significant emphasis on preparing students for their first unit assignments. It uses case studies, scenarios, and “What Now, Lieutenant?” exercises to prepare students to face the complex, ethical and practical demands of leading as commissioned officers in the United States Army. Lect. 2, Lab 2. Prerequisite: MS 401. Offered Spring.