MSL 202: Foundations of Tactical Leadership
Revision Date: 30 June 2013
MS 2402 Military Organization and Tactics II (MSL 202)
Foundations of Tactical Leadership
Spring 2014
Instructor
Captain Michael D. Bennett
Office: 479-498-6066
Cell: 919-622-1329
Fax: 479-964-3296
Course Description
MSL 202 examines the challenges of leading teams in the complex operational environment.
The course highlights dimensions of terrain analysis, patrolling, and operation orders. Further
study of the theoretical basis of the Army Leadership Requirements Model explores the
dynamics of adaptive leadership in the context of military operations.
MSL 202 prepares Cadets for MSL 301. Cadets develop greater self awareness as they assess
their own leadership styles and practice communication and team building skills. Case studies
give insight into the importance and practice of teamwork and tactics in real-world scenarios.
Learning Objectives
The key learning objective of this semester is to explore leadership incorporating terrain
analysis, tactical strategies, and team development.
Leadership
•
Explain the situational, transformational, and adaptive leadership theories and their
relationship to the Army Leadership Requirements Model
•
Illustrate dimensions of transformational and situational leadership
•
Describe methods of assessing leadership styles
•
Explain your personal approach to leadership
Values and Ethics
•
Explain the Army Values and the Army’s Consideration of Others (CO2) program
•
Identify the goals of the Army CO2 program
•
Analyze the relationship between Army values, leadership, and CO2
Personal Development
•
Practice effective writing techniques in accordance with the Army standard for effective
writing
•
Explain how to set goals and manage time at the team level
•
Develop team mission statement and goals
•
Explain ways to establish priorities and avoid distracters
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MSL 202: Foundations of Tactical Leadership
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Officership
•
Describe the history of terrorism and the basic US antiterrorism policy
•
Explain the relationship between leadership, values, and officership
Tactics and Techniques
•
Distinguish between the different types of Army plans and orders
•
Demonstrate terrain analysis and route planning skills
•
Explain the five-paragraph format for an operations order
•
Describe the characteristics and techniques of defensive operations
•
Explain how squads and platoons plan for and conduct patrols
•
List and describe the five aspects of military terrain using (OAKOC)
•
Interpret an operation order
Requirements
Reading
Student Text: MSL II, Foundations of Leadership, Pearson Custom Publishing, 2006
FM 3-25.26 – Map Reading and Land Navigation
FM 5-0 Army Planning and Orders Production
FM 7-8 Infantry Platoon and Squad
FM 101-5 Staff Organization and Operations
AR 25-50
DA PAM 600-67
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,
and working with fellow students to engage in class and lab exercises.
Required documents and activities
In addition to graded activities, all cadets must complete Online Sexual Assault Prevention
Training at Nformd.net (See Student Handout) and the Cadet Command Form 139R. If
you already completed this form you must verify it for completeness. All Contracted
cadets must review their Cadet Command Form 104R to ensure it is still contract. Any
changes must be verified by the Cadet’s Academic Advisor. Non Scholarship Cadets are
highly encouraged to use the 104R as a tool to help understand what they need to
graduate.
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MSL 202: Foundations of Tactical Leadership
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Quizzes
The class is interactive and uses homework and in-class assignments to evaluate learning.
You will be given quizzes to assess your learning.
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.
Final Exam
A cumulative final exam will be given to test the levels of learning achieved by students
throughout the course of the semester.
Homework/Project Assignments
In addition to reading assignments, you have the following key homework assignments
that are graded.
1) Terrain Analysis Practical Exercise – You will complete a terrain analysis assuming
either an offensive or defensive role. An analysis of the effects of terrain, weather,
and light on each element of OCOKA will be completed from the attacker and defender
perspective. An analysis will also be completed on friendly and enemy troops,
weapons, and equipment. You will then brief the rest of their class. This project will
be completed individually or as a group exercise, depending on class format.
2) Effective Writing: In lesson 6b, You will rewrite a poor writing sample using the Army’s
Writing Standard, elements and processes as discussed in class. The rewritten sample
should be typed and double-spaced.
3) Navigation Methods and Route Planning – Given specific grid coordinates, you will be
asked to plan two routes from start to finish plotting all given grids along the route and
using land navigational methods with an explanation of why particular methods were
chosen.
4) Informational Brief – In lesson 10b you will prepare an informational brief on your
analysis of leadership qualities and characteristics of a famous military leader. The
brief will be supplemented with a slide presentation and a detailed essay.
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MSL 202: Foundations of Tactical Leadership
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Evaluation and Grading
Class Participation
10%
Terrain Analysis Practical Exercise
10%
Mid-Term Exam
25%
Effective Writing
10%
Navigation and Route Planning
10%
Information Brief
10%
Final Exam
25%
Solid performance in each area of evaluation is necessary. 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 class is conducted in an interactive manner. Everyone is responsible for contributing
to the success of the learning experience. Lectures will be brief and interactive. 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.
Collaboration
You are encouraged to work together with the instructor in modifying assignments,
suggesting agenda, and raising questions for discussion.
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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MSL 202: Foundations of Tactical Leadership
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Office Hours and Appointments
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.
Cadre availability to interact with students is one of the most significant factors that
contribute to cadet recruitment and retention.
Overview of Sessions
Session 1
Lesson 01a: ROTC & Course Overview
Session 2
Lesson 01b: Army Values & Consideration of Others
Session 3
Lesson 02a: Team Goals & Time Management
Session 4
Lesson 02b: Advanced Time Management
Session 5
Lesson 03a: Introduction to Terrain Analysis
Session 6
Lesson 03b: Terrain Analysis Practical Exercise
Session 7
Lesson 04a: Introduction to Patrolling
Session 8
Lesson 04b: Patrolling Organization
Session 9
Lesson 05a: Patrol Base Operations
Session 10
Lesson 05b: Defense II
Session 11
Lesson 06a: Mid-Term Exam
Session 12
Lesson 06b: Effective Writing
Session 13
Lesson 07a: Introduction to Plans and Orders
Session 14
Lesson 07b: Operation Orders
Session 15
Lesson 08a: Navigational Methods & Route Planning
Session 16
Lesson 08b: Route Planning Practical Exercise
Session 17
Lesson 09a: Transformational Leadership
Session 18
Lesson 09b: Situational Leadership
Session 19
Lesson 10a: Adaptive Leadership
Session 20
Lesson 10b: Leadership Analysis
Session 21
Lesson 11a: Leadership Capstone Presentations
Session 22
Lesson 11b: Assessing Your Own Leadership
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MSL 202: Foundations of Tactical Leadership
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Session 23
Lesson 12a: Terrorism Awareness
Session 24
Lesson 12b: Final Exam
ROTC Course Labs
[Insert statement here regarding your battalion’s policy on lab participation for Basic Course
cadets. Labs are mandatory for contracted cadets and may be mandatory for non-contracted
cadets to receive MSL course credit.]
LAB 1
LAB 2
LAB 3
LAB 4
LAB 5
LAB 6
LAB 7
LAB 8
LAB 9
LAB 10
LAB 11
LAB 12
LAB 13
LAB 14
Ice Breaker/Informal Awards Ceremony
MTC
Recon
Squad Attack
PMI/BRM
Ambush
KOB
Intro to PSTX
PSTX MTC
PSTX KOB
PSTX Ambush
PSTX Raid
Pre Ranger Challenge Competition
Equipment Turn-In
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