Course Descriptions
Be the leader you were meant to be
ROTC management courses count toward UW-Eau Claire's 120-credit graduation requirement and select certificate areas depending on your specific Major/College, please check with your program for more details.
Military Science Leadership (MSL) Courses
Students in the ROTC program typically take one military science leadership (MSL) course per semester during their four-year college career.
100- and 200-level MSL courses are available to any UW-Eau Claire student regardless of major and can be taken without enrolling as a cadet. Students must fulfill prerequisites prior to enrolling in 300- and 400-level MSL courses.
Leadership Labs
In addition to ROTC's MSL courses, cadets participate in Leadership Labs that take place every Thursday during the semester. Leadership labs are an opportunity for cadets to apply classroom lessons to practical hands on training which sometimes takes place in an outdoor environment. It is a time where senior level cadets teach junior cadets and form mentorship bonds. Lab topics normally focus on Army tactical training, but also include subjects such as military customs and courtesies, land navigation, basic tactics, first aid, and communications. Whatever the day's lesson, it is sure to challenge and enrich the individual cadet and better prepare him or her for their future. Recently we have included tactical scenario training using computer simulation and a program known as Virtual Battlefield Simulator (VBS3), this tool has greatly expanded our ability to review actions made in real time and refine communication procedures; all this while reducing cost and increasing training time.
MSL 101, Leadership and Personal Development
1 cr. F. P: Consent of instructor
Introduction to the Army profession and military leadership. Exploration of the seven Army values and 16 Army leadership dimensions, as well as some core competencies critical to effective leadership (e.g. management, problem-solving, decision-making). Off campus weekend leadership orientation in a military environment with outdoor physical activities, obstacle course, land navigation/orienteering, basic rifle marksmanship, and confidence course training.
MSL 102, Introduction to Tactical Leadership
1 cr. S. P: Consent of instructor
Establishes foundation of basic leadership fundamentals such as problem solving, communication, goal setting, and techniques for improving listening and speaking skills. Life skills are reinforced as well as an introduction to counseling and operations orders. Lab provides instruction on squad movement techniques, map reading, physical fitness and marching techniques.
MSL 201, Innovative Team Leadership
2 crs. F. P: MSL 102, or consent of instructor
Identification of successful leadership characteristics through the observation of others and self through experiential learning exercises. Students observe traits (both good and bad) and discuss observations in small group settings. The lab applies basic leadership theory and decision making during practical exercises in a field environment.
MSL 202, Foundations of Tactical Leadership
2 crs. S. P: MSL 201, or consent of instructor
Examines building successful teams, methods for influencing action, effective communication in setting and achieving goals, the importance of timing the decision, creativity in the problem-solving process, and obtaining team cohesion through immediate feedback. The lab applies basic leadership theory and decision making during practical exercises in a field environment.
MSL 301, Adaptive Team Leadership
3 crs. F. P: MSL 101, 102, 201, and 202, or consent of instructor
Students conduct self-assessment of leadership style, develop a personal fitness regimen, and learn to plan and conduct individual/small-unit tactical training while testing reasoning and problem-solving techniques. Students receive direct feedback on leadership abilities. The lab reinforces small-unit tactical training while employing the troop-leading procedures to accomplish planning and decision making. Students plan and lead the labs and PT sessions.
MSL 302, Applied Team Leadership
3 crs. S. P: MSL 301
The role of communication, value, and ethics in effective leadership, to include discussion on topics such as ethical decision making and diversity in military units. Emphasis on improving oral and written communication abilities. Lab reinforces small-unit tactical training while employing troop-leading procedures to accomplish complex planning and decision making. Students plan and lead the labs and PT sessions.
MSL 401, Developing Adaptive Leaders
3 crs. F. P: MSL 302
Develop student proficiency in planning and executing complex operations, functioning as a member of a staff, and mentoring subordinates. Students explore training management, methods of effective staff collaboration, and developmental counseling techniques. The lab hones the students' leadership skills, attributes and abilities as they operate as cadet officers.
MSL 402, Leadership in a Complex World
3 crs. S. P: MSL 401, or consent of instructor
Study includes a case study analysis of military law and practical exercises on establishing an ethical command climate. Students participate in leadership projects that require them to plan, organize, collaborate, analyze, and demonstrate their leadership skills. The lab continues to sharpen the students' leadership skills.