Army ROTC enables students to enroll in elective leadership and military courses in addition to their required courses. UE cadets meet with cadets from the University of Southern Indiana to do weekly physical training (PT). PT sessions include cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and muscular endurance training. PT sessions and courses are held at USI. All contracted cadets must attend Leadership Laboratories and PT. Courses are in the following sequence:

ROTC Courses and Physical Training

First Year

MSL 101: Leadership and Personal Development – 1 credit hour

MSL 101 introduces cadets to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership. Cadets learn how the personal development of life skills such as critical thinking, goal setting, time management, physical fitness, and stress management relate to leadership, officership, and the Army profession. The focus is on developing basic knowledge and comprehension of Army leadership dimensions while gaining a big picture understanding of the ROTC program, its purpose in the Army, and its advantages for the student.

MSL 102: Introduction to Tactical Leadership – 1 credit hour

MSL 102 overviews leadership fundamentals such as setting direction, problem-solving, listening, presenting briefs, providing feedback, and using effective writing skills. Cadets explore dimensions of leadership values, attributes, skills, and actions in the context of practical, hands-on, and interactive exercises. Continued emphasis is placed on recruitment and retention of cadets. Cadre role models and the building of stronger relationships among the cadets through common experience and practical interaction are critical aspects of the MSL 102 experience.

Second Year

MSL 201: Innovative Team Leadership – 2 credit hours

MSL 201 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. Cadets practice aspects of personal motivation and team building in the context of planning, executing, and assessing team exercises and participating in leadership labs. Focus is on continued development of the knowledge of leadership values and attributes through an understanding of Army rank, structure, and duties and basic aspects of land navigation and squad tactics. Case studies provide tangible context for learning the Soldier's Creed and Warrior Ethos as they apply in the contemporary operating environment (COE).

MSL 202: Foundations of Tactical Leadership – 2 credit hours

MSL 202 examines the challenges of leading tactical teams in the COE. The course highlights dimensions of terrain analysis, patrolling, and operation orders. Further study of the theoretical basis of the Army leadership framework explores the dynamics of adaptive leadership in the context of military operations. MSL 202 provides a smooth transition into MSL 301. Cadets develop greater self-awareness as they assess their own leadership styles and practice communication and team building skills. COE case studies give insight into the importance and practice of teamwork and tactics in real world scenarios.

Required 3 credit hours of MSL 241 or MSL 242

MSL 241: US History 1740-1900 – 3 credit hours

MSL 241 will use eighteenth and nineteenth century US military history to explore the developments in the US military, as well as to explore the evolution of warfare at large during the time period. Emphasis will be on using campaign analysis as a vehicle to examine the evolution of military doctrine, technological developments, the changing nature of warfare, and other relevant topics.

MSL 242: US Military History 1900-2000 – 3 credit hours

MSL 242 will use twentieth century US military history to explore the emergence of the US military as a world power, as well as to explore the evolution of warfare at large during the time period. Emphasis will be on using campaign analysis as a vehicle to examine the evolution of military doctrine, technological developments, the changing nature of warfare, and other relevant topics.

Third Year

MSL 301: Adaptive Team Leadership – 3 credit hours

MSL 301 challenges cadets to study, practice, and evaluate adaptive leadership skills as they are presented with challenging scenarios related to squad tactical operations. Cadets receive systematic and specific feedback on their leadership attributes and actions. Based on such feedback, as well as their own self-evaluations, cadets continue to develop their leadership and critical thinking abilities. The focus is developing cadets' tactical leadership abilities to enable them to succeed at ROTC's summer Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC).

MSL 302: Leadership under Fire – 3 credit hours

MSL 302 uses increasingly intense situational leadership challenges to build cadet awareness and skills in leading small units. Skills in decision-making, persuading and motivating team members when "under fire" are explored, evaluated, and developed. Aspects of military operations are reviewed as a means of preparing for the ROTC Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC). Cadets are expected to apply basic principles of the Law of Land Warfare, Army training, and motivation to troop leading procedures. Emphasis is also placed on conducting military briefings and developing proficiency in Garrison operation orders. MSL 302 cadets are evaluated on what they know and do as leaders.

Fourth Year

Overview of LDAC: Leader Development and Assessment Course

LDAC/Warrior Forge is the crucible of the Army ROTC Program. As such, Cadet Command must provide the best professional training and evaluation possible for all cadets. The primary focus at LDAC is to evaluate each cadet's officer potential in a collective environment. The secondary purpose of LDAC is to validate specific skills taught on campus and to impart selective individual and collective common skills. LDAC represents the only opportunity for this command to assemble cadets from disparate schools into an environment with common operational conditions.

MSL 401: Developing Adaptive Leaders – 3 credit hours

MSL 401 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. Lessons on military justice and personnel processes prepare cadets to make the transition to Army officers. MSL IV cadets analyze, evaluate, and instruct cadets at lower levels. Both their classroom and battalion leadership experiences are designed to prepare MSL 401 cadets for their first unit of assignment. They identify responsibilities of key staff, coordinate staff roles, and use situational opportunities to teach, train, and develop subordinates.

MSL 402: Leadership in a Complex World – 3 credit hours

MSL 402 explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations in the COE. 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.