DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

Department of Military Science

University of Montana

Missoula, MT 59812

MSL 401 Transition to Lieutenant Fall Semester

1. Course Description:

Military Science 401 is a 3-credit course. The class employs small group facilitated discussion and practical exercises. Scheduled class periods are Wednesday mornings, 0620 to 0740 (tentative) in Schreiber Gym. Additionally, all contracted post-LDAC cadets must attend staff meetings from 0730-0830 on Fridays in the Hall of Honor.

2. Course objectives (Goals):

The primary focus of instruction is to provide students with an understanding of the requirements for initial entry into the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant (2LT). In addition to class work, students will continue to develop their own personal leadership style through practical application as the Cadet Battalion chain of command and staff. The course is structured into the following modules:

a. The Army Profession

b. Personal Competence

c. Adaptability

d. Teamwork

e. Lifelong Learning

f. Comprehensive Fitness

3. Course Requirements:

a. Class attendance: Students are required to attend all scheduled instruction and must obtain permission from me prior to missing any training. An unexcused absence will result in a 5 point reduction in overall grade. Students are responsible for completion of all missed work. Attendance at all classes, Labs, LTXs, PT, and other functions is required, unless coordinated with me prior. Uniform for all classes is the Army Combat Uniform unless otherwise noted by me. In addition, all contracted cadets MUST attend the winter commissioning. Absence from commissioning will result in a one grade reduction for the semester in 401. Uniform for the ceremony is Army Service Uniform.

b. Readings: Each student is required to read all designated material prior to class and be prepared to discuss the material during class. I emphasize this requirement, as it is essential if we are to cover the material this semester and to learn. We are using a small group instruction method—this demands student class preparation.

c. Lab: MS IVs play a critical role in leading the Cadet Battalion and in training and preparing MSI through MSIII Cadets for Cadet Summer Training. MSIVs are tasked to plan, prepare and supervise specific training events throughout the semester. When tasked, Cadets must complete preparation and attend specified labs. All Cadets are required to attend the Fall LTX.

d. Examinations: Mid-term and final exams will consist of multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and essay questions. A final paper may be substituted based on the level of cognitive learning displayed by Cadets. Unannounced quizzes/checks on learning may be given periodically throughout the semester.

e. MS III Mentorship: Every MSIV is responsible for mentoring, counseling, and motivating underclassmen IAW the Battalion Mentoring Program. The performance of the MSIIIs this semester will be factored into your final grade. During the semester, you are responsible to counsel your MSIIIs in accordance with the leadership rotation.

f. Physical Training (PT): PT is mandatory and is held from 0600-0730 four days a week at Schreiber Gym or Campus Rec Center.

g. Leadership Positions: Cadet Battalion command and staff positions are training opportunities. You will be evaluated in these positions. If not assigned a leadership position this semester, you are still expected to serve as Assistant Instructor, LTX Committee Leader, or in other key positions. Your performance in these positions and your participation in the Cadet Battalion as assistant trainers constitute 10% of your grade. Cadet Battalion Leadership (BN CDR, S3, XO) will provide grade input based upon each Cadet’s level of participation either as a trainer at MS 302/303 labs, or on staff assistance projects such as LTX, Color Guard, or other events. Regardless of your class schedule, there are opportunities for all to participate in Grizzly Battalion Activities and your participation as a leader is expected.

h. Graduate Credit Component: Graduate students wishing to receive graduate credits for MSL 401 must complete a research paper focusing on a US Military (Flag or General Officer) Leader, their leadership principles, including practical examples of these principles in action. A presentation of the paper will conclude the project.

4. Course Evaluation: This course can be taken for letter grade only. Grading criteria is as follows:

a. Attendance: Class, Lab, PT, FTX 10%

b. Leadership Performance & class participation 20%

c. Leader development and ROO support 10%

f. Final Exam/ Project 35%

g. Physical Development (APFT) 25% 180-209(5), 210-249(10), 250-289(15), 290-300(20)

TOTAL 100%

5. Grading Scale: A = 90-100, B = 80-89, C = 70-79, D = 60-69, F = 0-59

6. Course Administration:

a. Office Hours (Open Door Policy): Normal office hours are from 0900-1700 daily. I am your advisor—talk to me if you have an issue. You can stop me in the hall or see Susan to schedule an appointment with me. My phone info: cell - (406) 239-2843 or office 243-2769. I do not get good cell reception at my home; recommend you use my home land line number for calls made after office hours.

b. Counseling: I will formally counsel each Cadet twice this semester.

c. Required Texts: All course material is available on Blackboard. (2010). Leadership in a Complex World, Boston: Pearson Custom Publishing. ISBN: 0-536-56322-5

d. I will email you course materials or they will be posted to the Cadet Staff Server (Y:\).

I reserve the right to make changes to the sequencing of course material with one class session’s notice.

1 Enclosure (Fall 14 Class Schedule)

CHAD M. CARLSON

LTC, LG (EOD)

Professor of Military Science

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