Military Science (MSCI)

This course offers an introduction to various leadership styles and their effect on organizations; an introduction to the organization of the U.S. Army, its roles and missions, customs, and traditions; effective writing and oral presentation techniques; orienteering and the use of lensatic compass; and principles of physical conditioning.

In this course, Cadets are introduced to the basic elements of Army organizational structure, military leadership and officership. The lab complements classroom instruction in MSCI 110, focusing on basic soldiering skills, Army customs and traditions, rank structure, and the roles of commissioned and non-commissioned officers. Cadets participate in hands-on activities such as drill and ceremony, team-building exercises, map reading, first aid and confidence training. These labs are designed to instill discipline, build camaraderie and develop essential life skills like time management and goal setting. The experience serves as a launching pad for future leadership development, emphasizing the Army values and the importance of teamwork in achieving mission success.

This course provides an introduction to the basic principles of leadership. Students develop a personal leadership style and learn effective writing and speaking skills. The course provides an introduction to leadership in small tactical units, and covers the fundamentals of first aid, land navigation and marksmanship, and the principles of personal conditioning.

In this course, Cadets continue building foundational leadership and soldiering skills introduced in the fall. The lab complements MSCI 120 and emphasizes practical application of basic military concepts. Cadets engage in hands-on training in areas such as land navigation, drill and ceremony, time management, and communication techniques. They also begin learning the military problem-solving process and developmental counseling. The lab environment fosters teamwork, discipline and confidence, helping Cadets develop interpersonal skills and leadership styles while reinforcing Army values and customs.

An extensive look into the major engagements of the United States military from the Colonial period through the present. Particular attention will be paid to developing an understanding of the factors that have helped shape the unique way America wages war. This course considers the role and use of armed forces in relation to the social, cultural, political, economic, and technological development of the United States. It will not only address such themes as wartime strategy, operational tactics, and combat technology, but also the impact of warfare on society and on the remembrances of ordinary men and women in uniform. Significant attention will be given to the evolution of civil-military relations, the advent of professionalism in the military, the non-military uses of the military, and the military's role as a tool for global power.

This course studies individual leadership styles and techniques, using historical case studies to introduce the branches and specialties of the Army. The focus of this course is communication and goal setting in small organizations, effective writing and public speaking, and performance and evaluation as the leader of a five-member team required to accomplish tasks in a practical setting. Students also serve a member of a 10-person team responsible for accomplishing practical military and team-building tasks in a field setting.

In this course, Cadets deepen their understanding of leadership and military operations through hands-on training and practical exercises. This lab complements MSCI 210, which explores ethical decision-making in combat scenarios and the responsibilities of Army leaders. Cadets begin applying leadership principles in field settings, focusing on battle drills, land navigation and combat decision-making. The lab environment encourages teamwork, initiative and critical thinking, preparing Cadets to lead small units and enhancing their readiness for more advanced ROTC training in future semesters.

This course focuses on analyzing missions to determine specified and implied tasks; organizing and conducting a briefing; preparing a concise written directive (operations order); and detailing how a team will accomplish its tasks. Performance and evaluation of Cadets as the leader of a five person team during a 44-hour, off-campus leadership practicum and evaluation of physical fitness preparedness for attendance at Cadet Profession Development Training are also components of this course.

In this course, Cadets deepen their understanding of Army doctrine and team development through practical, field-based leadership exercises. This lab supports MSCI 220, which focuses on applying Army values, teamwork and the warrior ethos in the context of the law of land warfare and military service philosophy. Cadets engage in squad-level operations, case studies and exercises that emphasize leading and following within small units. Training includes troop leading procedures, land navigation and introductory battle drills, with MSII Cadets beginning to take on more advanced responsibilities and leadership roles in preparation for the transition to the advanced course.

MSCI students may elect to participate in a 4-week leadership internship. The internship develops leadership skills through exposure to interactive personal and group exercises. Students will learn how and when to lead others and the importance of teamwork in accomplishing a goal.

Ethical dilemmas in leadership - when organizational goals conflict with member welfare; the role of policy and standard procedures in organizations; continued practice in effective writing and oral presentations; performance as a leader of a 10 person team in practical exercises; evaluation as an instructor of a period of instruction for 30 subordinates; evaluation as a leader of a 10 to 30 person team in a 44 hour, off-campus leadership practicum.

This laboratory is a critical component of the advanced course, designed to prepare Cadets for leadership roles in complex operational environments. At this stage, Cadets take on more responsibility by planning, coordinating and executing training events, often serving as squad leaders or platoon sergeants. The lab emphasizes tactical decision-making, mission planning and team leadership in simulated field environments, reinforcing skills such as land navigation, patrolling and operations orders. Through hands-on experience and peer leadership, Cadets refine their ability to lead under pressure, communicate effectively and apply Army leadership principles in preparation for the cadet summer training and future commissioning as Army officers.

Planning for the unexpected in organizations under stress; developing alternate courses of action which are viable with the given constraints; how to delegate tasks and supervise subordinate leaders; avoiding micro-management - the when and how of providing guidance and direction; time management - the "backward planning process"; evaluation of a 10 to 30 person team within tactical and nonactical settings; analysis of assigned tasks, preparation of a written directive to accomplish these tasks and oral presentation to others in a concise briefing.

In this course, Cadets transition from foundational leadership and tactical skills to more advanced applications in small unit operations. The focus shifts to mastering Army small unit tactics, battle drills and troop leading procedures, with Cadets taking on leadership roles in planning and executing tactical exercises such as patrol lanes, variable lanes and squad-level missions. Labs emphasize terrain analysis, time management and decision-making under pressure, simulating real-world battlefield conditions. This phase builds on MSCI 310 and MSCI 315, and is designed to prepare Cadets for success at advanced camp and eventual commissioning as Army officers.

Studies in advanced leadership and management; how to assess organizational cohesion and develop strategies to improve it; examine and utilize components of the army's training cycle; methods of instruction, planning and conducting of classes to be taught at leadership lab; conduct of oral After-Action Reviews and preparation of written After-Action Reports; the counseling process for improving individual and group performance of subordinates.

In this course, Cadets begin transitioning from being mentored to becoming mentors and trainers themselves. The lab complements MSCI 410, which focuses on applying military case studies to decision-making in combat, crisis counseling and Army training management. Cadets take on battalion-level staff roles, plan and lead training events, and apply the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP), Army Writing Style, and Composite Risk Management. Leadership labs emphasize practical exercises in counseling, training meetings, operational graphics and mission essential task lists. This semester is designed to prepare Cadets for their future roles as commissioned officers by instilling the skills and mindset needed to lead effectively in dynamic and complex environments.

Introduction to Army management systems - personnel and logistics; the military's legal system and its application at the company level; the officer-NCO relationship; The Officer Efficiency Report and its support form; establishment of project time lines with milestones, goals and In-Progress Reviews; book review on a required leadership book from chief of staff Army required reading list.

In this course, Cadets focus on transitioning into their roles as future commissioned officers by applying advanced leadership principles in complex operational environments. This lab complements MSCI 420 and emphasizes ethical decision-making, understanding the law of land warfare and managing interactions with non-governmental organizations, civilians and host nation entities. Cadets serve in battalion staff positions and assist in mentoring and instructing junior Cadets (MS I-III), reinforcing their leadership and management skills. Key topics include supply and maintenance operations, military law, equal opportunity, sexual harassment prevention, financial planning and military social etiquette. The lab is designed to refine the professional competencies necessary for successful transition to active duty or reserve service as Second Lieutenants.

Upper-level MSCI students are required to participate in a 5-week leadership internship. The internship provides practical application of leadership principles, techniques, styles and responsibilities. Each student receives a performance evaluation as a leader of a 10-30 person group for every accomplished task.

Designed to give students an opportunity to do upper-division independent study in selected areas under the supervision of a faculty member in the Military Science department.