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MIL S 420

Developing Adaptive Leaders

Military Science Marriott School of Business

Course Description

Developing proficiency in planning, executing, and assessing operations; functioning on a staff; and providing feedback to subordinates with situational real-world opportunities to assess risk, make decisions, and coach others. Emphasizes leadership ethics. Lab included.

When Taught

Fall

Grade Rule

Grade Rule 8: A, B, C, D, E, I (Standard grade rule)

Min

4

Fixed

4

Fixed

3

Fixed

3

Other Prerequisites

Must be contracted in ROTC program

Title

Apply military professional ethics in decision making

Learning Outcome

Outcome 3 – Values and EthicsApply military professional ethics in decision makingQuizDemonstrate application during Practical Exercises at Leadership labs and FTXApply in Leadership PhilosophyCDTs demonstrate good mastery of these outcomes in PEsNo change

Title

Plan conduct & evaluate training & programs as member of cha

Learning Outcome

Outcome 11 – OfficershipPlan, conduct, and evaluate ROTC training and other programs as a member of the chain of command or staff (Army Training Management)Chain of command and staff positionsLDP evaluationsLeadership PhilosophyLeadership Labs and FTXGeneral understanding is good – however cadets need to learn to plan further in advance and use all 8 steps of the process to include MDMPRefined weekly cadet training meeting format will facilitate understanding accountability for training and facilitate planning further into advance

Title

Apply Army leadership dimensions and core competencies as ca

Learning Outcome

Outcome 1 – LeadershipApply Army leadership dimensions and core competencies as cadet battalion leadersEvaluated CDT assigned positions in the cadet chain of commandLeadership Philosophy paper and presentationCDTs understand the simple definition of each dimension and core competency; however they lack examples of them in everyday leadershipContinued evaluation and feedback during practical exercises in field environment

Title

Effectively use Troop Leading Procedures and the Military De

Learning Outcome

Outcome 18 – Tactics and TechniquesEffectively use Troop Leading Procedures and the Military Decision Making Procedure (MDMP)Demonstrate through planning, coordination and execution of 8 step training modelChain of command and staff positionsLeadership Labs and FTXCadets utilize TLPs effectively; however need additional practice with MDMP to make effective recommendations to the commanderUse MDMP for major staff projects to include the FTX, military ball etc.

Title

Counsel underclass cadets to improve performance

Learning Outcome

Outcome 13 – OfficershipCounsel underclass cadets to improve performanceChain of command and staff positionsCadet mentorship programConcept of being responsible for others is clear – but cadets need to formalize their mentorship and counselingDevelop leader books and check every 3 weeks to ensure compliance. Additional accountability for development of MS 320/321 cadets 

Title

Understand the duties of staff organization roles and repons

Learning Outcome

Outcome 12 – OfficershipUnderstand the duties of staff organization roles and responsibilitiesChain of command and staff positionsMid-termLeadership PhilosophyLeadership Labs and FTXNeed to continue working on delegation and task managementGeneral understanding of staff roles exists – but need to develop trust that all members will accomplish assigned tasksContinued empowerment of cadet chain of command to understand scope of responsibilities and then hold cadets accountable for mission accomplishment

Title

Write and brief effectively

Learning Outcome

Outcome 9 – Personal DevelopmentWrite and brief effectivelyLDP EvaluationsLeadership Philosophy presentationsMDMP and Cadet Chain of command responsibilitiesMost understand the basic tenants of the Army writing style; however they need to apply it in all written communication.Continue to work verbal communication and briefing skillsInclude additional short written requirements as well as briefings to further develop command presence and effective communication skills

Title

Assess fellow cadets using the Leadership Development Progra

Learning Outcome

Outcome 2 – LeadershipAssess fellow cadets using the (LDP) Leadership Development ProgramCadets are assigned underclass cadets to assess – feedback is provided verbally and collected via card systemCDTs are readily able to provide feedback; but need to be holistic in their evaluationsProvide LDP class and one of the first lessons and then follow up throughout the semester

Title

Understand role in UCMJ process & explain types of admin dis

Learning Outcome

Outcome 6 – Values and EthicsUnderstand your role in the UCMJ process and explain the types of administrative discipline and separationsQuizNeed constant re-enforcement and additional dedication to master this outcomeUse Army JAG guest speaker to further develop the topic in future coursesIntegrate into cadet battalion discipline PEs through the Chain of command

Title

Mentor and evaluate underclass cadets during tactical operat

Learning Outcome

Outcome 16 – Tactics and TechniquesMentor and evaluate underclass cadets during tactical operationsLDP Cadet EvaluationsCadet mentorship programChain of command and staff responsibilitiesMS 420 cadets do a good job coaching and teaching tactics to underclassmen – but need to work on providing quality written feedback to go with the verbal feedbackWritten evaluations with each verbal evaluation

Title

Identify methods to reduce and manage stress as a leader

Learning Outcome

Outcome 8 – Personal DevelopmentIdentify methods to reduce and manage stress as a leaderLeader Challenge Practical ExerciseCounseling PELeadership Philosophy12 O’Clock High Final Ex.Critical skill which we continue to develop and must consistently be developed throughout a cadet and officer’s careerIntegrate stress reduction, positive visual imagery, and relaxation techniques to future courses

Title

Identify resiliency training skills in the Comprehensive Sol

Learning Outcome

Outcome 7 – Personal DevelopmentIdentify resiliency training skills in the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program (CSF)Leader Challenge Practical ExerciseCounseling PELeadership Philosophy12 O’Clock High Final ExamCritical skill which we continue to develop and must consistently be developed throughout a cadet and officer’s careerContinue to reinforce resiliency training at every opportunity

Title

Explain your obligations as a US service member under the co

Learning Outcome

Outcome 5 – Values and EthicsExplain your obligations as a US service member under the code of conductMid-TermLeadership PhilosophyCadets generally master this outcomeNeed to add emphasis regarding the importance of oaths and codes to ensure they are applied for the rest of their professional careers

Title

Apply training management process using the 8 step training

Learning Outcome

Outcome 17 – Tactics and TechniquesApply training management process using the 8 step training modelChain of command and staff positionsLDP evaluationsLeadership PhilosophyLeadership Labs and FTXGeneral understanding is good – however cadets need to learn to plan further in advance and use all 8 steps of the process to include MDMPRefined weekly cadet training meeting format will facilitate understanding accountability for training and facilitate planning further into advance

Title

Explain the importance of actively managing your career as a

Learning Outcome

Outcome 14 – Explain the importance of actively managing your career as an Army officerPersonal Leadership PhilosophyCounseling with PMSCDTs understand what they see on a re-occurring basis; however they need additional exposure to options early in their cadet careersIntegrate this outcome into MS 220 and MS 320 courses

Title

Relate the Law of Land Warfare and ROE to Army Operations

Learning Outcome

Outcome 4 – Values and EthicsRelate the Law of Land Warfare and rules of engagement (ROE) to Army OperationsApplication to Leadership Lab PEs and FTXIntegrate into daily performance assessmentsBasic understanding is mastered – need continued examples in PEsIntroduce additional variables to Leadership Labs and FTX to challenge cadets ethical decision making

Title

Explain profession of arms and offership as it relates to ci

Learning Outcome

Outcome 10 – OfficershipExplain the profession of arms and officership as it relates to civilian professionsQuizPresentationGenerally good masteryNo change