









Overview of MSL 401: Adaptive Leadership - Syllabus
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. Cadet objectives for MSL 401 include:
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
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
Overview of the MSL 402 Course: Leadership in a Complex World - Syllabus
SL 402 explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations in the OE. 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. Cadet objectives for MSL 402 include the following:
Leadership
Apply effective leadership skills to all cadet battalion activities.
Explain the dynamics of the platoon leader-platoon sergeant relationship and how these two work together to command a platoon.
Personal Development
Deliver a decision briefing.
Maintain and exceed Army physical fitness standards in preparation for BOLC B.
Values and Ethics
Describe the Army’s policies and programs regarding equal opportunity, prevention of sexual harassment, and prevention of sexual assault and their importance to the overall mission.
Explain the Army’s policies on improper relationship and their importance on unit morale and in preserving the chain of command.
Officership
Explain the importance of Army customs and courtesies in building unit cohesion and pride in the organization.
Give a definition of culture and explain why cultural awareness is essential for a leader both in the unit and in the area of deployment.
Describe the characteristics of terrorism, a typical terrorist profile, and the operational phases of a terrorist action.
Perform a battle analysis of a historic battle or campaign.
Explain the different roles and interconnectedness of nongovernmental organizations and host nation agencies in the area of deployment along with the challenges of dealing with civilians on the battlefield.
Explain the rudiments of the Army’s financial management, supply and maintenance, and personnel systems.
Describe some of the military and nonmilitary services available to assist Army personnel, with family, financial, and personal issues.
Tactics and Techniques
Explain the fundamentals of force protection and operational security in full spectrum operations
Explain counterinsurgency operations in different operational environments
Become familiar with unit level medical operations during full spectrum operations