Overview of the Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC) I:

ROTC Basic Course (MSL 101/102 - MSL 201/202)

Instruction in the five topical tracks is sequenced into the ROTC Basic and Advanced Courses through the Military Science and leadership (MSL) courses. The Basic Course (MSL I and MSL II) is designed to enhance student interest in ROTC and the Army while providing an overview of each of the five MSL tracks. The Basic Course normally corresponds to the cadet’s freshman and sophomore years, and is designed to enhance student interest in ROTC and the Army, thereby helping retain them in the ROTC program. By the end of the Basic Course, cadets should possess a basic understanding of the unique aspects of the officer corps, fundamentals of leadership and decision-making, the Army’s institutional values, and principles of individual fitness and a healthy lifestyle. The lessons are designed to maximize cadet participation, inspire intellectual curiosity, stimulate self-study, and encourage cadets to contract.

Overview of MSL 101: Leadership and Personal Development

MSL 101 introduces cadets to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership. Cadets learn how the personal development of life skills such as critical thinking, goal setting, time management, physical fitness, and stress management relate to leadership, officership, and the Army profession. The focus is 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.

Overview of MSL 102: Introduction to Tactical Leadership

MSL 102 overviews leadership fundamentals such as setting direction, problem-solving, listening, presenting briefs, providing feedback, and using effective writing skills. Cadets explore dimensions of leadership values, attributes, skills, and actions in the context of practical, hands-on, and interactive exercises. Cadre role models and the building of stronger relationships among the cadets through common experience and practical interaction are critical aspects of the MSL 102 experience.

Overview of MSL 201: Innovative Team Leadership

MSL 201 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. Cadets 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 values and attributes through an understanding of Army rank, structure, and 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 in the contemporary operating environment (COE).

Overview of MSL 202: Foundations of Tactical Leadership

MSL 202 examines the challenges of leading tactical teams in the COE. The 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. Cadets 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.

Overview of the Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC) I:

ROTC Advanced Course (MSL 301/302 - MSL 401/402 and

LDAC)

The BOLC I: ROTC Advanced Course is comprised of four academic courses, MSL 301, MSL 302, MSL 401, and MSL 402 plus the Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC). These courses develop each MSL track in greater depth in order to teach the cadet all the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for commissioning, success at BOLC II and BOLC III, and the establishment of a solid foundation for a career as a commissioned Army officer. The BOLC I: ROTC Advanced Course is founded on the BOLC I Common Core Critical Task list. Cadets who did not complete the Basic Course attend the Leader’s Training Course (LTC) in order to prepare for the Advanced Course. Advanced Course lessons are carefully sequenced, linked, and progressive in their treatment of key officer knowledge and competencies. Cadets are encouraged to synthesize lessons to form broader perspectives, deeper insights, and more robust problem solving abilities, by the use of case studies and simulations that require the use of skills and knowledge learned in a wide variety of earlier lessons. The sequencing of lessons is also designed to meet the immediate needs of cadets by addressing topics needed for success in the performance of cadet responsibilities early in the MSL 301 term and at LDAC, and topics designed to facilitate entry into active military service during the MSL 402 term.

Overview of MSL 301: Adaptive Team Leadership

Overview of MSL 302: Leadership under Fire

MSL 302 uses increasingly intense situational leadership challenges to build cadet awareness and skills in leading small units. Skills in decision-making, persuading and motivating team members when "under fire" are explored, evaluated, and developed. Aspects of military operations are reviewed as a means of preparing for the Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC). Cadets are expected to apply basic principles of the Law of Land Warfare, Army training, and motivation to troop leading procedures. Emphasis is also placed on conducting military briefings and developing proficiency in garrison operation orders. MSL 302 cadets are evaluated on what they know and do as leaders.

Overview of LDAC: Leader Development and Assessment Course

LDAC/Warrior Forge is the crucible of the Army ROTC Program. The primary focus at LDAC is to evaluate each cadet's officer potential in a collective environment. The secondary purpose of LDAC is to validate specific skills taught on campus and to impart selective individual and collective common skills. LDAC represents the only opportunity to assemble cadets from disparate schools into an environment with common operational conditions.

Overview of MSL 401: Developing Adaptive Leaders

MSL 401 develops cadet proficiency in planning, executing, and assessing complex operations, functioning as a member of a staff, and providing performance feedback to subordinates. Cadets assess risk, make ethical decisions, and lead fellow ROTC cadets. Lessons on military justice and personnel processes prepare cadets to make the transition to Army officers. MSL IV cadets analyze, evaluate, and instruct cadets at lower levels. Both their classroom and battalion leadership experiences are designed to prepare MSL 401 cadets for their first unit of assignment. They identify responsibilities of key staff, coordinate staff roles, and use situational opportunities to teach, train, and develop subordinates.

Overview of the MSL 402 Course: Leadership in a Complex World

MSL 402 explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations in the COE. Cadets 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 nongovernmental organizations, civilians on the battlefield, and host nation support. The course places significant emphasis on preparing cadets for their first unit of assignment. It uses case studies, scenarios, and "What Now, Lieutenant?" exercises to prepare cadets to face the complex ethical and practical demands of leading as commissioned officers in the United States Army.