Military Studies and Leadership Minor

Overview for Military Studies and Leadership Minor

The minor in military studies and leadership provides students the opportunity to learn about military officer training and its mission to develop leaders for tomorrow’s Armed Forces. Courses promote leadership and management, skills that can be employed in any career field, along with courses analyzing the military’s role in national security affairs and foreign policy. Students choose the Air Force track or the Army track.

Notes about this minor:

  • This minor is available to all Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC cadets. Students who are interested in this minor, but are not enrolled in the ROTC program, must gain approval and appropriate waivers before registering for courses.
  • Posting of the minor on the student's academic transcript requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the minor.

The plan code for Military Studies and Leadership Minor is MILSTL-MN.

Curriculum for 2023-2024 for Military Studies and Leadership Minor

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

Course
Air Force Track
Required Courses
AERO-101
Heritage and Values I
This course and its follow-on provide the student with an introductory survey of the United States Air Force (USAF) and the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC). In the first semester, the course begins with an introduction to ROTC as well as the customs and courtesies and dress and appearance standards expected of Air Force officers. It continues with a discussion on team building, military communication skills and interpersonal communications. The organization of the Air Force and how the Air Force contributes to the accomplishment of our national security objectives is also covered. The course concludes with an overview of Air Force career opportunities and benefits. Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for AFROTC contract/pursuing cadets and complements this course by providing cadets with followership experiences. Lecture 1 (Fall).
AERO-102
Heritage and Values II
This course covers an introduction to Air Force core values and offers the student an opportunity to learn about leadership, its principles, and its effective traits. The course demonstrates knowledge of Air Force heritage and legacy. Students are also introduced to basic oral and written communication skills. The course continues by exploring war, its basic principles, and motivation. The course concludes with an understanding of the Air Force oath of office and how human relations can affect them as an Air Force Officers. Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for AFROTC contract/pursuing cadets and complements this course by providing cadets with followership experiences. Lecture 1 (Spring).
AERO-201
Team and Leadership Fundamentals I
This course examines the development of military air and space power from the first balloons to the on-going conflicts in Afghanistan and other parts of the world, introduces fundamental principles associated with war in the third dimension, and employs historical examples to explain the evolution of U.S. Air Force air and space power. The full course covers two academic terms. This term focuses on examples from the earliest days of flight through the Cuban Missile Crisis. This course also seeks to develop students’ communication skills through class participation, short writing and briefing assignments. AFROTC Leadership Laboratory (WMIL-006) and AFROTC Physical Training (WMIL-001) complements this course by providing applied followership and leadership experience and is mandatory for all AFROTC cadets. Other interested undergraduate students (non-cadets) will be considered for registration but must have the detachment commander’s approval for this course and any required co-requisites (if desired). Lecture 1 (Fall).
AERO-202
Team and Leadership Fundamentals II
This course examines the development of military air and space power from the first balloons to the on-going conflicts in Afghanistan and other parts of the world, introduces fundamental principles associated with war in the third dimension, and employs historical examples to explain the evolution of U.S. Air Force air and space power. The full course covers two academic terms. This term focuses on examples from the Vietnam War to the “Global War on Terror.” This course also seeks to develop students’ communication skills through class participation, short writing and briefing assignments AFROTC Leadership Laboratory (WMIL-006) and AFROTC Physical Training (WMIL-001) complements this course by providing applied followership and leadership experience and is mandatory for all AFROTC cadets. Other interested undergraduate students (non-cadets) will be considered for registration but must have the detachment commander’s approval for this course and any required co-requisites (if desired). Lecture 1 (Spring).
AERO-401
National Security/Leadership Responsibilities & Commissioning Preparation I
This course examines national security policy and process, regional issues, advanced leadership, air and space power functions and competencies. It is the first in a two-course sequence during which you will study roles of the military in society; military justice and law; current issues affecting the military profession; and regional cultural, politics and history. You will also study air and space power functions and competencies and the responsibilities of officership. Finally, this course also seeks to develop students’ communication skills through class participation, short writing and briefing assignments. AFROTC Leadership Laboratory (WMIL-006) and AFROTC Physical Training (WMIL-001) complements this course by providing applied followership and leadership experience and is mandatory for all AFROTC cadets. Other interested undergraduate students (non-cadets) will be considered for registration but must have the detachment commander’s approval for this course and any required co-requisites (if desired). Lecture 3 (Fall).
AERO-402
National Security/Leadership Responsibilities & Commissioning Preparation II
This course examines national security policy and process, regional issues, advanced leadership, air and space power functions and competencies. It is the second in a two-course sequence during which you will study roles of the military in society; military justice and law; current issues affecting the military profession; and regional cultural, politics and history. You will also study air and space power functions and competencies and the responsibilities of officership. Finally, this course also seeks to develop students’ communication skills through class participation, short writing and briefing assignments. AFROTC Leadership Laboratory (WMIL-006) and AFROTC Physical Training (WMIL-001) complements this course by providing applied followership and leadership experience and is mandatory for all AFROTC cadets. Other interested undergraduate students (non-cadets) will be considered for registration but must have the detachment commander’s approval for this course and any required co-requisites (if desired). Lecture 3 (Spring).
MGMT-300
Leading People & Effective Communication I
Air Force Management and Leadership (AS 300) courses emphasize the concepts and skills required of the successful young officer, manager and leader. The first course includes applied written and oral communication techniques, coordination, and history of management theory, analytic methods of decision making, strategic and tactical planning, various leadership theories and followership. The second course stresses organizing, staffing, controlling, counseling, human motivation and group dynamics, ethics, managerial power and politics, managing change, career development, and performance appraisal. Actual Air Force case studies are used to enhance the learning process. *Note: This course is restricted to AF ROTC Students. Lecture 3 (Fall).
MGMT-301
Leading People & Effective Communication II
Integrated management and leadership courses emphasize the concepts and skills required of the successful young officer, manager, and leader. The first course includes applied written and oral communication techniques, coordination, history of management theory, analytic methods of decision-making, strategic and tactical planning various leadership theories, and followership. The second course stresses organizing, staffing, controlling, counseling, human motivation and group dynamics, ethics, managerial power and politics, managing change, career development, and performance appraisal. Actual Air Force case studies are used to enhance the learning process. *Note This course is restricted to AF ROTC Students. (Prerequisites: MGMT-300 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
Army Track
Required Courses
ARMY-101
Introduction to Tactical Leadership I
This course introduces you to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership and the structure of the ROTC Basic courses which consist of ARMY-101, 102, 201, 202, Fall and Spring Leadership Labs, and LTC. You will learn how the personal development of life skills such as cultural understanding, goal setting, time management, mental/physical resiliency, and stress management relate to leadership, officership, and the Army profession. The focus is on developing basic knowledge and comprehension of Army leadership dimensions, attributes, and core leader competencies while gaining an understanding of the ROTC program, its purpose in the Army, and its advantages for the student. Enrollment must be approved by the professor of military science. Students enrolled in Army ROTC must register for Army Conditioning Drills (Physical Training) and Army Leadership Lab when registering for the ARMY-101 class. Lecture 2 (Fall).
ARMY-102
Introduction to Tactical Leadership II
This course covers the overview of leadership fundamentals such as setting direction, problem-solving, listening, presenting briefs, providing feedback, and using effective writing skills. You will explore dimensions of leadership attributes and core leader competencies in the context of practical, hands-on, and interactive exercises. Enrollment must be approved by professor of military science. Students enrolled in Army ROTC must register for Army Conditioning Drills (Physical Training) and Army Leadership Lab when you take the ARMY-102 class. Lecture 2 (Spring).
ARMY-201
Foundations of Tactical Leadership I
This course 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. Aspects of personal motivation and team building are practiced through planning, executing, and assessing team exercises. The focus continues to build on developing knowledge of the leadership attributes and core leader competencies through the understanding of Army rank, structure, and duties as well as broadening knowledge of land navigation and squad tactics. Case studies will provide a tangible context for learning the Soldier's Creed and Warrior Ethos. Enrollment must be approved by the professor of military science. Students enrolled in Army ROTC must register for Army Conditioning Drills (PT) and Army Leadership Lab when they enroll in ARMY-201. Lecture 2 (Fall).
ARMY-202
Foundations of Tactical Leadership II
This course 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. ARMY-202 prepares Cadets for ROTC-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. Enrollment must be approved by the professor of military science. Students enrolled in Army ROTC must register for Army Conditioning Drills (PT) and Army Leadership Lab when they enroll in ARMY-202. Lecture 2 (Spring).
ARMY-301
Applied Team Leadership I
This is an academically challenging course where you will study, practice, and apply the fundamentals of Army leadership, officership, Army values and ethics, personal development, and small unit tactics at the team and squad level. At the conclusion of this course, you will be capable of planning, coordinating, navigating, motivating, and leading a team or squad in the execution of a tactical mission during a classroom PE, a Leadership Lab, or during a Situational Training Exercise (STX) in a field environment. Successful completion of this course will help prepare you for success at the ROTC Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) which you will attend next summer at Fort Lewis, WA. This course includes reading assignments, homework assignments, small group assignments, briefings, case studies, practical exercises, a mid-term exam, and a final exam. You will receive systematic and specific feedback on your leader attributes values and core leader competencies from your instructor and other ROTC cadre and MSL IV Cadets who will evaluate you using the ROTC Leader Development Program (LDP) model. Enrollment must be approved by the professor of military science. Students enrolled in Army ROTC must also register for Army Conditioning Drills (Physical Fitness Training) and Army Leadership Lab Lecture 2 (Fall).
ARMY-302
Applied Team Leadership II
This is an academically challenging course where you will study, practice, and apply the fundamentals of Army leadership, officership, Army values and ethics, personal development, and small unit tactics at the team and squad level. At the conclusion of this course, you will be capable of planning, coordinating, navigating, motivating, and leading a team or squad in the execution of a tactical mission during a classroom PE, a Leadership Lab, or during a Situational Training Exercise (STX) in a field environment. Successful completion of this course will help prepare you for success at the ROTC Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) which you will attend next summer at Fort Lewis, WA. This course includes reading assignments, homework assignments, small group assignments, briefings, case studies, practical exercises, a mid-term exam, and a final exam. You will receive systematic and specific feedback on your leader attributes values and core leader competencies from your instructor and other ROTC cadre and MSL IV Cadets who will evaluate you using the ROTC Leader Development Program (LDP) model. Enrollment must be approved by the professor of military science. Students enrolled in Army ROTC must also register for Army Conditioning Drills (PT) and Army Leadership Lab. Lecture 2 (Spring).
ARMY-401
Adaptive Team Leadership I
This is an academically challenging course were you will study, practice, and apply the fundamentals of Army leadership. You will learn how to train, mentor, and evaluate underclass cadets while learning the duties and responsibilities of an Army staff officer and applying the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP), the Army Writing Style, and the Army's Training Management, and Mission Essential Task List (METL) development processes during weekly training meetings to plan, execute, and assess battalion training events. Enrollment must be approved by the professor of military science. Students enrolled in Army ROTC must also register for Army Conditioning Drills (PT) and Leadership Lab. Lecture 2 (Fall).
ARMY-402
Adaptive Team Leadership II
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 U.S. Army. It 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. Enrollment must be approved by the professor of military science. Students enrolled in Army ROTC must also register for Army Conditioning Drills (PT) and Leadership Lab. Lecture 2 (Spring).