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MSCI 112

MSCI 112: Introduction to the Profession of Arms

Prerequisites: None

Credit Hours: (2) One hour lecture; two hours laboratory

MSCI 115 introduces the student to the professional challenges and competencies that are needed for effective execution of the profession of arms and Army communication.


Detailed Description of Content of Course

The student will learn how Army ethics and values shape the Army and the specific ways that these ethics are inculcated into Army culture.
    1) Explore the Seven Army Values and the Warrior Ethos
    2) Investigate the Profession of Arms and Army leadership as well as an overview of the Army
    3) Gain practical experience using critical communication skills

This course includes reading assignments, homework assignments, practical exercises, a mid-term exam, and a final exam. The student will receive systematic and specific feedback on their leader attributes, values, and core leader competencies. Successful completion of this course will help prepare the student for the ROTC Military Science 200.


Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The one-hour class is summarized as "lecture or informal discussion. A two-hour laboratory is devoted to hands on training in basic military skills along with 3 to 5 hours of physical training.


Goals and Objective of the Course

1) Explain the mission and organization of the U.S. Army
2) Identify the seven Army Values
3) Analyze the Warrior Ethos
4) Describe the profession of arms and what it means to be an Army officer
5) Apply the Army writing style
6) Explain the communications process and barriers to communication
7) Apply knowledge of squad and platoon tactics as an individual infantry squad member

Assessment Measures

Earn a final average of 70% or better
Earn a 70% or better average on all quizzes, midterm, and a final exam
Participate in all leadership labs and leadership training exercises
* Complete 6 Mile Road March
Complete term paper
* Pass the Army Physical Fitness Test with a goal of attaining 300 points with at least 100 or more in each event
Complete all administrative requirements

The ROTC program breaks students down into two groups: enrolled students and participating students. Enrolled students are fully enrolled in the Army ROTC program and are actively pursuing a military career. Participating students are those who choose to take an Army ROTC basic course, but are not actively pursuing a military career.

*Participating Students (those students who are not enrolled in the ROTC commissioning program) do not attend leadership lab, Physical Training, Road March events, or the APFT. These events will not factor into their final grade.

GRADING CRITERIA FOR ENROLLED STUDENTS                VALUE
    Quizzes                                                                                  20%
    Land Navigation Exam                                                          5%
    Mid Term and Final Exam                                                      20%
    Term paper                                                                             20%
    6 Mile Road March                                                                 5%
    Physical Fitness (APFT&HT/WT)                                          10%
    Attendance & Participation                                                   20%

GRADING CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATING STUDENTS        VALUE
    Quizzes                                                                                20%
    Land Navigation Exam                                                        5%
    Mid Term and Final Exam                                                    20%
    Term paper                                                                           30%
    Attendance & Participation                                                 25%

Additionally, students who participate in extracurricular events (supporting community service projects, such as Color Guard, Polar Plunge, and Highlander Days) Can earn up to 10 points for extra credit.


Other Course Information

Leadership Lab Focus. Serves as learning laboratories for hands-on practical experiences. MS 412 students serve as senior mentors to underclassmen and provide task and leadership evaluations and feedback to prepare them for their role as officers in their first duty assignment. The APFT is administered to assess the state of physical development. Specific lab topics include:

1) Individual and Buddy First Aid
2) Squad reconnaissance/ Squad Ambush
3) Squad Assault
4) Platoon reconnaissance
5) Prepare Squad/Platoon Combat Orders
6) Navigate using Map and Compass
7) React to Contact Squad/Platoon
8) Conduct Platoon Attack / Raid
9) Conduct Platoon Ambush
10) Army Physical Fitness Test

Spring Field Training Exercise Focus. Continues development of leader skills in a field environment. The focus is on soldier-team development at small unit level. Training is supplementary in scope and includes leadership, operations and tactics, and land navigation subjects.

Special topics include: Performing Platoon and Squad Level Operations and using Teamwork of the unit to conduct multiple task. Specific topics include:

1) Establish a Patrol Base
2) Conduct Land Navigation
3) Conduct Troop Leading Procedures
4) Conduct Platoon Offensive Operations
5) Conduct an After Action Review
6) Apply field craft - Field sanitation, camouflage
7) Redeploy to Campus

Cadet Command Events

1) Social functions, Awards Ceremony
2) Physical Training (two to five times per week)

 

Review and Approval

April 18, 2017
March 16, 1998 Updated MAJ Perry N. Caskey