MSL 401, Adaptive Leadership
Fall 2011-2012
Course Syllabus
Revision Date: 31 July 2011
Instructor
LTC Gregory K. Stephens
Office: (865) 471-3384
Cell: (910) 850-6099
Email: gstephens@cn.edu
Course Description
MSL 401 transitions the focus of student learning from being trained, mentored and
evaluated as an MSL III Cadet to learning how to train, mentor and evaluate
underclass Cadets. MSL IV Cadets learn the duties and responsibilities of an Army
staff officer and apply the Military Decision Making Process, Army Writing Style, and
the Army’s Training Management and METL Development processes during weekly
Training Meetings to plan, execute and assess battalion training events. Cadets
learn to safely conduct training by understanding and employing the Composite
Risk Management Process. Cadets learn how to use the Comprehensive Soldier
Fitness (CSF) program to reduce and manage stress.
PlatoonLeader Forum- The PlatoonLeader forum is an interactive social
networking site for the professional development of junior officers. This
site provides Cadets the opportunity to engage one’s peers, learn from the
experiences of others, and develop relationships in a virtual environment.
MSLIV Cadets are strongly encouraged to register and participate on this
forum. The link to PlatoonLeader is located on the ROTC Blackboard
website under the Interesting Links block or at:
http://platoonleader.army.mil/
Learning Objectives
The overall objective of this course is to prepare the student for success at the
Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC) B, (which the student will attend upon
graduation and commissioning) and to develop the student into a leader imbued
with the Warrior Ethos, who can think critically and will be capable of leading
Soldiers in the Full Spectrum Operating Environment (OE) at their first unit of
assignment. This course has specific learning objectives for the five tracks listed
below.
Leadership

Apply Army leadership dimensions as Cadet battalion leaders

Evaluate fellow cadets using the Leadership Development Program (LDP)
Values and Ethics

Apply Army leader ethics in decision making

Relate the law of war and rules of engagement to Army operations

Explain obligations as a US service member under the code of conduct
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MSL 401, Adaptive Leadership
Fall 2011-2012
Course Syllabus
Revision Date: 31 July 2011
 Understand your role in the UCMJ process and explain the types of
administrative discipline and separations
Personal Development
 Identify Resiliency Training skills in the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness
(CSF) Program

Identify methods to reduce and manage stress as a leader

Evaluate subordinate Cadets using LDP cards and Army Writing Standards
Officership

Explain the profession of arms and officership as it relates to civilian
professions

Perform the duties of a Cadet battalion staff position

Understand the duties of staff organization roles and responsibilities

Counsel underclass Cadets to improve performance

Write an officer evaluation report support form

Explain the importance of actively managing your career as an Army
officer

Conduct training meetings to plan, execute, and assess training
Tactics and Techniques

Mentor and evaluate underclass Cadets during tactical operations
 Apply the training management process through OPORDs, rehearsals and
rock drills
 Apply the military decision making process (MDMP) at battalion training
meetings
MSL 401 Course Requirements
Attendance
Attendance at all class meetings is required IAW college policy and the ROTC
Program Attendance Policy Letter #7. Missed classes must be approved in
advance.
Class participation
You are expected to participate actively in learning through critical reflection,
inquiry, dialogue, and group interactions. This includes participating in class
discussion, sharing personal perspectives and experiences related to
principles discussed in class or reading, working with fellow students to
engage in class exercises, and leading lab exercises.
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MSL 401, Adaptive Leadership
Fall 2011-2012
Course Syllabus
Revision Date: 31 July 2011
Quizzes
Quizzes will be given throughout the semester to assess your progress in
learning the principles and practices related to the course material.
Mid-Term Exam
A mid-term exam will be given to assess your knowledge achieved during
the first half of the semester.
Final Exam
A cumulative final exam will be given to assess your knowledge achieved
throughout the course of the semester.
APFT
As a future officer, you are expected to set the example for physical fitness
according to Army regulations. You will be required to take a diagnostic
APFT at the beginning of the fall semester and a for-record APFT at the end
of the semester. Ten percent of your final grade will be from your score on
the record APFT.
Contracted Cadets are required to participate in all ROTC activities as stated
in their contract. Students auditing this class are encouraged but not
required to participate in ROTC activities outside of the classroom.
Combat Water Survival Test
This is a requirement to commission. Failure to pass will result in you being
enrolled in an ROTC-funded swimming improvement class until you can
successfully complete the CWST.
Homework
There will be various homework assignments throughout the semester to
include writing Army Memorandums, After Action Reviews, and other writing
assignments.
Staff Duties/Training Meeting Participation
Part of your grade will be determined on your performance in your assigned
Staff Duties and your preparation and participation in the Weekly Training
Meetings.
Evaluation and Grading*
APFT
10%
Class/Lab Participation
20%
Quiz Grades
10%
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MSL 401, Adaptive Leadership
Fall 2011-2012
Course Syllabus
Revision Date: 31 July 2011
Mid-Term Exam
10%
Information Brief
10%
Homework
10%
Staff Duties/Responsibilities &
Training Meeting Participation
10%
Final Exam
20%
NOTE: *The instructor reserves the right to adjust the grading
procedure.
The following grading scale will be used based on 100 points possible.
90-100
A
80-89
B
70-79
C
Every attempt will be made to offer adequate written assessments in
explaining evaluations. All late papers and assignments will receive a
10% reduction in grade.
Course Design
This course was designed to be student-centric with the onus of learning on
the student, but facilitated by the instructor. Army Officers are expected to
be life-long learners who take responsibility and personal initiative for their
learning. You must properly conduct your pre-class assignments in order to
come to class with a foundation of knowledge on the subject to be taught.
As a minimum, read the student text assignment and scan the class slides
before each class. Doing so will allow your instructor to spend the majority
of the class time on specific areas that are least understood from the preclass assignment rather than your instructor re-teaching the subject from
scratch. Your instructor has a wealth of experience and knowledge to share
in the classroom—do your homework so your instructor can spend more time
sharing his personal knowledge and experiences with your class. Class will
be conducted in an interactive manner with ample opportunities for small
group discussions and practical exercises. Everyone will be responsible for
contributing to the success of the learning experience.
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MSL 401, Adaptive Leadership
Fall 2011-2012
Course Syllabus
Revision Date: 31 July 2011
Uniforms and Appearance
Dress appropriately for class. No tank tops, short shorts, revealing clothing,
flip flops or miniskirts will be allowed. You are expected to wear ACUs (Army
Combat Uniform) to all labs and adhere to Army Regulation 670-1 with
regard to uniforms and appearance.
Collaboration
You are encouraged to work together with your fellow MSL IV Cadets and
seek guidance and help from your instructor and other ROTC cadre.
Special Needs
The American with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires universities to provide a
reasonable accommodation to any individual who advises us of a disability.
If you have a limitation that requires an accommodation or an academic
adjustment, please arrange a meeting with me at your earliest convenience.
Office Hours and Appointments
I am available any time you have a question and have an open door policy if
you need to meet to discuss assignments, issues, or concerns. My normal
office hours are Monday – Friday, 0900-17000, but I can meet at other
times by appointment.
Overview of Class Sessions
Session 401-1a
Course Overview and LDAC AAR Review
Session 401-1b
Staff Organizations, Roles, and Responsibilities
Session 401-1c
Conduct of a Training Meeting
Session 401-2a
Leadership Development Program (LDP) II
Session 401-2b
Counseling I
Session 401-2c
Applied Leadership – Training Meeting
Session 401-3a
Effective Writing
Session 401-3b
Management)
Train for Full Spectrum Operations I (Training
Session 401-3c
Applied Leadership – Training Meeting
for Officers
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MSL 401, Adaptive Leadership
Fall 2011-2012
Course Syllabus
Revision Date: 31 July 2011
Session 401-4a
Development)
Train for Full Spectrum Operations II (METL
Session 401-4b
Military Decision Making Process (MDMP)
Session 401-4c
Applied Leadership – Training Meeting
Session 401-5a
Company and Battalion OPORDs
Session 401-5b
Mission Rehearsals and Rock Drills
Session 401-5c
Applied Leadership – Training Meeting
Session 401-6a
Composite Risk Management Process
Session 401-6b
Mid-Term Exam
Session 401-6c
Officership Forum/ Lecture Series
Session 401-7a
Counseling II
Session 401-7b
OER Process & Support Forms
Session 401-7c
Applied Leadership – Training Meeting
Session 401-8a
Officer Career Management
Session 401-8b
NCOER and Counseling Process
Session 401-8c
Applied Leadership – Training Meeting
Session 401-9a
Combat Stress Management
Session 401-9b
Army Leader Ethics
Session 401-9c
Officership Forum/ Lecture Series
Session 401-10a
Army Leader Ethics – Case Studies I
Session 401-10b
Law of War and ROE II
Session 401-10c
Applied Leadership – Training Meeting
Session 401-11a
Code of Conduct
Session 401-11b
UCMJ
Session 401-11c
Applied Leadership – Training Meeting
Session 401-12a
Administrative Discipline and Separation
Session 401-12b
Army Leader Ethics – Case Studies II
Session 401-12c
Final Exam
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MSL 401, Adaptive Leadership
Fall 2011-2012
Course Syllabus
Revision Date: 31 July 2011
General Lab Schedule
LAB 1
Drill and Ceremony
LAB 2
Combat Water Survival Training (CWST)
LAB 3
Land Navigation I
LAB 4
Land Navigation II
LAB 5
Individual & Squad Movement Techniques
LAB 6
Employ Hand Grenades
LAB 7
Battle Drills
LAB 8
Squad Tactics I
LAB 9
Squad Tactics II
LAB 10
Squad Tactics III
LAB 11
Conduct Inspections (PCCs, PCI, & Field Craft)
LAB 12
Commander’s Time
Reading
 Student Text: MSL 401, Adaptive Leadership, Pearson Custom Publishing,
2008
 Selected readings available online at:
http://armypubs.army.mil/index.html
o Leadership Development Program Handbook, Apr 2011
LDP HANDBOOK - 1 Apr 2011.pdf
Field Manuals (FM)
o FM 1, The Army. 14 June 2005.
o FM 1-02, Operational Terms and Graphics. 21 September 2004.
o FM 3-0, Operations (Incl. C1). 22 February 2011.
o FM 3-21.8, The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad. 28 March 2007.
o FM 3-25.26, Map Reading and Land Navigation, (w/c1). 30 August
2006.
o FM 4-02.51, Combat and Operational Stress Control. 6 July 2006.
o FM 5-0, The Operations Process (Incl. C1). 18 March 2011.
o FM 5-19, Composite Risk Management. 21 August 2006.
o FM 6-0, Mission Command, Command and Control of Army Forces. 11
August 2003.
o FM 6-22, Army Leadership. 12 October 2006.
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MSL 401, Adaptive Leadership
Fall 2011-2012
Course Syllabus
Revision Date: 31 July 2011
o FM 6-22.5, A Leader’s Guide to Combat and Operational Stress. 18
March 2009.
o FM 7-0, Training Units and Developing Leaders For Full Spectrum
Operations. 23 February 2011
o FM 7-15, The Army’s Universal Task List. 27 February 2009.
o FM 7-21.13, The Soldier’s Guide. 2 February 2004.
o FM 27-1, Legal Guide for Commanders. 13 January 1992.
o FM 27-10, The Law of Land Warfare w/chg 1. 18 July 1956.
o Student Selected books and articles as determined by professor
Army Regulations (AR)
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
AR 25-50, Preparing and Managing Correspondence. 3 June 2002.
AR 385-10, The Army Safety Program. 27 August 2007.
AR 600-3, The Army Personnel Proponent System. 26 February 2009.
AR 600-8, Military Personnel Management. 1 October 1989.
AR 600-8-10, Leaves and Passes. 15 February 2006.
AR 600-8-19, Enlisted Promotions and Reductions. 30 April 2010.
AR 600-8-29, Officer Promotions. 25 February 2005.
AR 600-9, The Army Weight Control Program. 27 November 2006.
AR 600-25, Salutes, Honors, and Visits of Courtesy. 24 October 2004.
AR 600-85, Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP). 2 February
2009.
AR 600-100, Army Leadership. 8 March 2007.
AR 611-1, Military Occupation Classification Structure Development
and Implementation. September 1997.
AR 623-3, Evaluation Reporting System. 10 August 2007.
AR 635-200, Active Duty Enlisted Administrative Separations. 8
February 2005.
Department of the Army Training Circulars (TC)
o
TC 3-22.20, Army Physical Readiness Training. August 2010.
o
TC 25-20, A Leader’s Guide to After Action Reviews. 30 September
1993.
o
TC 25-30, A Leader’s Guide to Company Training Meetings. 27 April
1994.
Other Resources
o
Manual for Courts-Martial United States, 2008 Edition.
Further Reading
Bennis, W. G., & Nanus, B. (1985). Leaders: The strategies for taking
charge. New York: Harper & Row Publishers.
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MSL 401, Adaptive Leadership
Fall 2011-2012
Course Syllabus
Revision Date: 31 July 2011
Bennis, W. G. (2003). On becoming a leader. New York: Basic Books.
Bennis, W. G., & Thomas, R. J. (2002). Geeks & Geezers: How era, values,
and defining moments shape leaders. Boston: Harvard Business School
Press.
Burns, J. M. (1978). Leadership. New York: Harper & Row Publishers.
Gardner, J. W. (1990). On leadership. New York: The Free Press.
Headquarters, Department of the Army, Field Manual 1 (2005). The Army.
Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
Headquarters, Department of the Army, Field Manual 6-22 (2006). Army
leadership. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
Kotter, J. P. (1996). Leading change. Boston: Harvard Business School
Press.
Wong, L. (2004). Developing adaptive leaders: The crucible experience of
Operation Iraqi Freedom. Carlisle Barracks, PA: Strategic Studies Institute.
Wong, L. (2002). Stifling innovation: Developing tomorrow’s leaders
today. Carlisle Barracks, PA: Strategic Studies Institute.
This is a very general list. For a more complete listing of leadership
references see Human Dimensions of Strategic Leadership, published by the
U.S. Army War College Library (December, 2002) or The U. S. Army Chief of
Staff’s Professional Reading List, United States Army Center for Military
History (CMH Pub 105-5-1).
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