MSL 1101
Foundation of Officership I
(1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F
Introduction to issues and competencies of the Army officer profession. Stereotypes about the military, the role of the Army officer, customs and traditions within the military, and personal and physical development. Not open to students with credit in MSL 212 or
MSL 2212. 1 lecture. Formerly MSL 101.
MSL 1102
Foundation of Officership II
(1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: SP
The role of leadership within a large organization. Definition of leadership, leadership framework, individual and organizational core values, and the moral responsibility of leadership. Not open to students with credit in MSL 212 or
MSL 2212. 1 lecture. Formerly MSL 102.
MSL 1110
Basic Exercises in Military Leadership
(1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F, SPCR/NCPrerequisite: Enrollment in any MSL course or consent of department head. Recommended: Concurrent enrollment in MSL 1101, MSL 1102, MSL 2201, or MSL 2202. Small-unit military operations. Incorporation of the military decision-making process in the planning, execution and conducting of a wide variety of squad, platoon, and company sized missions. Credit/No Credit grading only. 1 activity. Formerly MSL 110.
MSL 1111
Orienteering
(2 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Principles of orienteering, basic map reading, and compass skills, including practical land navigation techniques. 2 lectures. Formerly MSL 111.
MSL 1112
Basic Army Physical Training Program
(1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
The Army Physical Fitness Program and its proper execution. Physical training to the Army standards with the goal of successfully passing the Army Combat Fitness Test. 1 laboratory. Formerly MSL 112.
MSL 2201
Foundations of Leadership I
(2 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
First of two courses taken sequentially for the development of individual leadership traits and capabilities using the Army officer as a model. The Army's problem solving methods, written and oral communications, tactics, and group leadership. Not open to students with credit in MSL 212 or
MSL 2212. 2 lectures. Formerly MSL 201.
MSL 2202
Foundations of Leadership II
(2 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Continuation of the development of individual leadership traits and capabilities using the Army officer as a model. The Army's problem solving methods, tactics, and group leadership. Not open to students with credit in MSL 212 or
MSL 2212. 2 lectures. Formerly MSL 202.
MSL 2212
Leader's Training Course
(6 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Completion of Leader's Training Course (LTC). Five weeks of training off campus at a designated military base. Travel pay and salary provided through the Military Science Department. No obligation. LTC graduates eligible to enroll in ROTC Advanced Program. Not open to students with credit in MSL 101, MSL 102, MSL 201, MSL 202,
MSL 1101,
MSL 1102,
MSL 2201, or
MSL 2202. 6 lectures. Formerly MSL 212.
MSL 2240
American Military History and the Evolution of Western Warfare
(4 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Comprehensive analysis of American military history from the early Anglo-French period to the end of the 20th Century. Examination of the strategies, operations and tactics of military warfare, and exploration of how social, economic, and technological factors produced the distinct patterns of war that characterize the struggles of the past two hundred plus years. 4 lectures. Formerly MSL 240.
MSL 2275
Facilitation and Teambuilding Experiences
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Techniques and models used in leadership, facilitation, and team building. Emphasis on leadership and facilitation styles and models, team building and group dynamics, and working with various populations. Field trip required. 3 seminars. Crosslisted as EIM/
MSL 2275. Formerly MSL/RPTA 275.
MSL 3301
Tactical Leadership I
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: FPrerequisite: One of the following: MSL 101, MSL 102, MSL 201, MSL 202, MSL 1101, MSL 1102, MSL 2201, or MSL 2202; or equivalent training provided and certified by the United States Army and approved through the Cal Poly ROTC Program (e.g. Advanced leadership skills through a focus on the Army's Training Management process, the Warfighting Functions, and foundational command and control doctrine. Analyze and apply mission planning tools (OPORDs, METT-TC), rehearse leadership in field scenarios, and engage in peer evaluation, self-development, and professional reading. 3 lectures., U.S. Army Basic Training, U.S. Army ROTC Basic Camp, etc.). Formerly
MSL 3301.
MSL 3302
Tactical Leadership II
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SPPrerequisite: MSL 301 or MSL 3301. Applied leadership in small unit operations through experiential learning in tactics, ethical decision-making, and communication. Leadership theory and personality assessment tools, offensive and defensive operational plans, and platoon-level operations. 3 lectures. Formerly MSL 302.
MSL 3310
Intermediate Exercises in Military Leadership
(1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F, SPCR/NCRecommended: MSL 301 or MSL 3301. Build upon foundational military leadership in leadership roles during training exercises. Leadership of peer teams through drill, tactical training, and fieldcraft. Initiative, accountability, and instructional ability in dynamic environments. Repeatable up to 3 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. 1 activity. Formerly MSL 310.
MSL 3312
Intermediate Army Physical Training Program
(1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F, SPRecommended: MSL 301, MSL 302, MSL 3301, or MSL 3302. The Army's Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) framework. Student-led physical training (PT) at the junior-cadet level. Cadets will lead group PT sessions, incorporating principles of performance readiness, injury prevention, and fitness planning while developing confidence and command presence in physical training environments. 1 laboratory. Formerly MSL 312.
MSL 3314
Leadership Development and Assessment Course
(6 units)
Term Typically Offered: FCR/NCPrerequisite: MSL 301 or MSL 3301; MSL 302 or MSL 3302; and consent of instructor. Six-week summer training program required to achieve an Army commission. Testing and training as functional Army officers and determination of potential for service. Travel pay, room and board, and salary provided by the United States Army. Held at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Field trip required. Credit/No Credit grading only. 6 lectures. Formerly MSL 314.
MSL 4401
Developmental Leadership I
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: FPrerequisite: MSL 302 or MSL 3302. Knowledge, skills, and attributes expected of future Army officers operating in complex environments. Mission command, multidomain operations, and unit readiness. Assess threats, plan and evaluate training, and operate as leaders within the Army's organizational and operational structures. 3 lectures. Formerly MSL 401.
MSL 4402
Developmental Leadership II
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SPPrerequisite: MSL 401 or MSL 4401. Full spectrum of responsibilities expected of a Company Grade Officer. Multidimensional role of platoon leaders, from fostering ethical climates and mentoring subordinates to ensuring unit readiness, legal compliance, and operational effectiveness. Personal leadership development, military professionalism, and transitioning into officership. 3 lectures. Formerly MSL 402.
MSL 4410
Advanced Exercises in Military Leadership
(2 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SPCR/NCPrerequisite: MSL 302 or MSL 3302 and MSL 310 or MSL 3310. The supervision and evaluation of the organization, planning, resourcing, and execution of selected Army tactical missions, and mentoring assigned students. Repeatable up to 3 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. 2 activities. Formerly MSL 410.
MSL 4412
Leadership of Army Physical Training Program
(1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F, SPPrerequisite: Senior standing and contracted status in Army ROTC. Recommended: MSL 401 or MSL 4401. Senior-level Cadet's ability to lead, mentor, and evaluate junior-level Cadets through the lens of the Army's Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) system. Supervise physical training sessions, provide developmental feedback, and assess performance in alignment with Army readiness standards. Leadership in health, wellness, resilience, and physical performance. Repeatable up to 3 units. 1 laboratory. Formerly MSL 412.
MSL 4501
Military Leadership at the Platoon Level
(1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F, SPPrerequisite: MSL 402 or MSL 4402. Individual research and study into the Army Leadership Philosophy and it's practical application to military leadership at the platoon level. Assess and evaluate multiple military leadership techniques and processes to better prepare for future military career. Repeatable up to 2 units. Formerly MSL 400.
MSL 4502
Military Leadership in an Organizational Staff
(1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F, SPPrerequisite: MSL 402 or MSL 4402. Individual research and study into the Army Leadership Philosophy and it's practical application to military leadership in an organizational staff. Assess and evaluate multiple military leadership techniques and processes to better prepare for future military career. Repeatable up to 2 units. Formerly MSL 470.
