MSL402-Leadership in a Complex World
SAMPLE Course Syllabus
Spring Semester 2014
Instructor
Captain Michael D. Bennett
Office: 479-498-6066
Cell: 919-622-1329
Fax: 479-964-3296
Course Description (Overview)
MSL 402 explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military
operations in the full spectrum operations (FSO). You will examine differences in
customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in the
face of international terrorism. You also explore aspects of interacting with nongovernment organizations, civilians on the battlefield, and host nation support.
The course places significant emphasis on preparing you for BOLC B, and your first unit
of assignment. It uses case studies, scenarios, and “What Now, Lieutenant?” exercises to
prepare you to face the complex ethical and practical demands of leading as a
commissioned officer in the United States Army. This semester, you will:

Explore Military Professional Ethics and ethical decision making facing an
Officer

Gain practical experience in Cadet battalion leadership roles

Demonstrate personal skills in operations and communications

Evaluate and develop MSL III small unit leaders and examine issues of force
protection in FSO

Prepare for the transition to a career as an Army Officer
Course Objectives
Leadership
• Apply Army leader attributes and core competencies as Cadet battalion
leaders
•
•
Mentor the personal development of underclass Cadets
Demonstrate an understanding of the workings of a Platoon Command Team
• Explain the different installation support services available to Soldiers and
Family members
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MSL402-Leadership in a Complex World
SAMPLE Course Syllabus
Spring Semester 2014
Values and Ethics
•
Demonstrate a working knowledge of the Army’s programs on Equal
Opportunity (EO) and Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention
(SHARP) Program
•
Demonstrate proper leader ethics and analyze Army leader ethics case
studies
Personal Development
•
Prepare a personal developmental plan using the Junior Officer
Developmental Support Form and Officer Evaluation Report model
Officership
•
Develop and present a Battle Analysis Case Study-Brief of a historic military
battle
•
Explain how Cultural Awareness can impact a unit and mission
•
Identify and explain the characteristics and Culture of Terrorism
•
Understand the different Non-Gov Orgs, Civilians, and Host Nation Support
that can impact unit operations
•
Explain the different Installation Support Services available
•
Demonstrate good management of Personal Finances
•
Apply correct procedures in Supply and Maintenance Operations
Tactics and Techniques
•
Apply the principles of force protection and operational security in Full
Spectrum Operations (FSO)
•
Explain counterinsurgency operations in FSO
•
Conduct CASEVAC procedures at unit level
APRT
Contracted Cadets are required to participate in all SROTC activities as stated in their
contract. Students auditing this class or not yet contracted are encouraged but not
required to participate in SROTC activities outside of the classroom. As a future
officer you are expected to maintain solid physical readiness according to Army
regulations.
Class Participation
As future officers, you are expected to participate actively in learning through critical
reflection, inquiry, dialogue, and group interactions. These skills are required to be
an adaptive and successful leader. This includes participating in class discussion,
sharing personal perspectives and experiences related to principles discussed in class
or reading, and working with fellow students to engage in class and lab exercises.
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MSL402-Leadership in a Complex World
SAMPLE Course Syllabus
Spring Semester 2014
Quizzes
Quizzes may be given at the discretion of the instructor to assess your progress in
learning the principles and practices related to the curriculum.
Mid-Term Exam
A mid-term exam will be given to test the levels of learning achieved by students in
the first half of the course.
Briefings and Presentations
Throughout this course you will give a number of presentations and briefings
individually and in a group. As a future Army leader, you are expected to continually
improve your presentation skills with research and rehearsal in areas such as:

Voice inflection (can you be heard; do you project confidence)

Body Language (are you doing something distracting; are you animated)

Organization (basic organization, logical flow, supported by facts)
Term Project
You will be given a class project by your instructor. This project may relate directly
to the curriculum or to your leadership experiences in labs, training meetings, and
various other activities.
Final Exam
A cumulative final exam will be given to test the levels of learning achieved by
students throughout the course of the semester.
Evaluation and Grading
APRT
10%
Class Participation*
10%
Quiz Grades
10%
Mid-Term Exam
15%
Briefings and Presentations
15%
Term Project
20%
Final Exam
20%
Solid performance in each area of evaluation is necessary. The following grading scale
will be used based on 100 points possible:
*Contracted Cadets are expected to participate in all SROTC activities in and outside the
classroom.
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MSL402-Leadership in a Complex World
SAMPLE Course Syllabus
Spring Semester 2014
[NOTE: Your University may have a specific grading scale to follow]
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 class will be conducted in an interactive manner. Everyone will be responsible
for contributing to the success of the learning experience. Lectures are expected to
be interactive–ask questions. You will have extensive small group discussions and
exercises scattered throughout the class. Time will be given in class to discuss and
work on projects and papers. This program includes class lessons as well as outside
activities such as Leadership Labs, FTXs and PT training. Contracted Cadets are
required to participate in the full program.
Leading the Organization to Success
As the Cadet leadership, you are encouraged to work together with the instructor in
modifying training, assignments and raising questions for discussion.
Uniforms and Appearance (Insert your battalion uniform policy here)
You are expected to wear ACUs (Army Combat Uniform) to all classes and adhere to
Army Regulation 670-1 with regard to uniforms.
Academic Honesty
Both as a student and as a future Army leader, there should be no question that you
will not lie, cheat, or steal. The university policy on academic dishonesty is outlined
in the student handbook. Please read this section and know that I uphold the
university policy and that giving or receiving information on tests, homework,
plagiarism, and lying about absences and homework can result in an “F” in this
course and a mark on your permanent record. Acts of this kind could lead to
expulsion from the University and dismissal from Army ROTC.
Special Needs
The American with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires universities to provide a
“reasonable accommodation” to any individual who advises us of a physical or mental
disability. If you have a physical or mental limitation that requires an
accommodation or an academic adjustment, please arrange a meeting with me at
your earliest convenience.
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MSL402-Leadership in a Complex World
SAMPLE Course Syllabus
Spring Semester 2014
Office Hours and Appointments
Office Hours are [insert times available]
I will meet with any of you to discuss assignments, issues, or concerns. My schedule
is generally flexible and I will schedule a specific time to meet with you beyond office
hours, if necessary.
[NOTE: Cadre availability to interact with students is one of the most
significant factors that contribute to Cadet recruitment and retention.]
Reading
Student Text: MSL 402, Leadership in a Complex World, Pearson Custom Publishing,
2008 (Will be issued to Student free of Charge)
NOTE: ROTC Cadet Textbooks are currently being updated. To be proactive, some of
the lessons have been updated and might reference a Cadet reading assignment to a
section that is not in the current textbook. If this situation occurs disregard the
reading assignment.
Selected readings available online at: http://www.usapa.army.mil

AR 600-9:
Army Weight Control Program, (27 Nov 2006)

AR 600-25:
Salutes, Honors and Visits of Courtesy, (24 Oct 04)

AR 670-1:
05)
Wear and Appearance of Uniforms and Insignia, (3 Feb

DA PAM 600-65
Leadership Statements and Quotes, (1 Nov 1985)

DA PAM 600-67
Effective Writing for Army Leaders, (2 Jun 1986)

FM 1-0:
The Army, (14 Jun 2005)

FM 1-02:
Feb 2010)
Operational Terms and Graphics, 21 Sep 04; (w/chg 1, 2


FM 3-0
Operations (INCL C1). 27 February 2011

FM 3-21.5:
Drill and Ceremony, (7 Jul 03); (w/chg 1, 12 Apr 2006)

FM 3-21.8:
The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad, (28 Mar 07)

FM 3-25.26:
30 Aug 2006)
Map Reading and Land Navigation, 18 Jan 05; (w/chg 1,

FM 5-0:
Operations Process, 26 Mar 10; (w/chg 1, 18 Mar 2011)

FM 5-19:
Composite Risk Management (21 Aug 06)

FM 6-22:
Army Leadership (12 Oct 06)

ADP 3-0:
Unified Land Operations (10 Oct 11)

TC 3-22.20:
Army Physical Readiness Training, (20 Aug 10)
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MSL402-Leadership in a Complex World
SAMPLE Course Syllabus
Spring Semester 2014

STP 21-1-SMCT (2 May 11) Task #071-326-0501 (Move as a Member of a Fire
Team)

CC PAM 145-3-2: Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency (CULP)
Program, (Aug 09)

ROTC Faculty Handbook, (June 10)

LDP, (1 Apr 2011)

Selected books and articles as determined by professor

http://rotc.blackboard.com

http://srotc.nformd.net/sexualassault/ulogin/

http://www.army.mil/usapa/doctrine/Active_FM.html

http://www.goarmy.com/about/ranks_and_insignia.jsp

http://www.army.mil/values/warrior.html

http://www.changingminds.org
Further Reading
Army Officer Guide
Bennis, W. G., & Nanus, B. (1985). Leaders: The strategies for taking charge. New
York: Harper & Row Publishers.
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 (2001). The Army.
Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
Headquarters, Department of the Army, Field Manual 22-100 (1990). 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.
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MSL402-Leadership in a Complex World
SAMPLE Course Syllabus
Spring Semester 2014
This is a very general, selected list. Cadre members are encouraged to contribute
references they believe to be beneficial. 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).
Overview of Sessions
Lesson 1a
Course Overview
Lesson 1b
The Army Officer
Lesson 1c
Applied Leadership (Training Meeting)
LAB 13
Commander’s Time
Lesson 2a
Army Customs and Courtesies
Lesson 2b
Unit Level Medical Operations
Lesson 2c
Applied Leadership (Training Meeting)
LAB 14
First Aid
Lesson 3a
Intro to Battle Analysis
Lesson 3b
Army Leader Ethics-Case Study III
Lesson 3c
Applied Leadership (Training Meeting)
LAB 15
Leader Reaction Course
Lesson 4a
Cultural Awareness
Lesson 4b
Culture of Terrorism
Lesson 4c
Applied Leadership (Training Meeting)
LAB 16
Squad Tactics IV
Lesson 5a
Counterinsurgency
Lesson 5b
Force Protection in FSO and Operational Security (OPSEC)
Lesson 5c
Applied Leadership (Training Meeting)
LAB 17
Platoon Movements
Lesson 6a
Support
Non-Gov’t Organizations (NGO), Civilians on Battle Field & Host Nation
Lesson 6b
Midterm Exam
Lesson 6c
Officership Forum III (Lecture Series)
LAB 18
Platoon Tactics-Patrolling I
Lesson 7a
Supply Operations
Lesson 7b
Maintenance Operations
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MSL402-Leadership in a Complex World
SAMPLE Course Syllabus
Spring Semester 2014
Lesson 7c
Applied Leadership (Training Meeting)
LAB 19
Platoon Tactics-Patrolling II
Lesson 8a
Battle Analysis Case Studies-Briefs
Lesson 8b
Staff Ride
Lesson 8c
Applied Leadership (Training Meeting)
LAB 20
Land Navigation III
Lesson 9a
Officer Forum
Lesson 9b
Senior NCO Forum
Lesson 9c
Officership Forum IV (Lecture Series)
LAB 21
Land Navigation IV
Lesson 10a
Platoon Command Team
Lesson 10b
BOLC Overview
Lesson 10c
Applied Leadership (Training Meeting)
LAB 22
Weapons PMI
Lesson 11a
Equal Opportunity (EO)
Lesson 11b
Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Pt 1
Lesson 11c
Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Pt 2
LAB 23
Tactical Communication, Reporting, and Call for Fire
Lesson 12a
Financial Management
Lesson 12b
Installation Support Services for Soldiers and Family Members
Lesson 12c
Final Exam
LAB 24
First Aid (CASEVAC)
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