MISC 4020 introduces Cadets to the challenges of mission command and gaining an understanding of the Army Profession.  Cadets learn the basics of what mission command is and how to use it in Army operations.  Students will examine the Army Profession and what it means to be a professional in the U.S. Army.  The overall focus is on developing basic knowledge and comprehension of Army leadership while gaining a big picture of understanding the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, its purpose in the Army, and its advantages for the student.

This Course is designed to be student-centric with the onus of learning on the student, but facilitated by the instructor.  Army Officers are expected to be life-long learners who take responsibility and personal initiative for their learning.  You must properly conduct your pre-class assignments in order to come to class with a foundation of knowledge on the subject taught by your instructor.  Doing so will allow your instructor to spend the majority of the class time on specific areas that are least understood from the pre-class assignment rather than your instructor re-teaching the subject from scratch.  Your instructors have a wealth of experience and knowledge to share in the classroom—do your homework so your instructors can spend more time sharing their personal knowledge and experiences with your class.  Class will be conducted in an interactive manner with ample opportunities for small group discussions and practical exercises.  Everyone will be responsible for contributing to the success of the learning experience.  

The theme this semester is completing the transition from Cadet to Lieutenant.  We will develop opportunities both in and out of scheduled class times to have alumni and other Leaders talk with our Cadets and provide additional perspectives on the topics presented in class and affecting our military.  As future Officers we need a well rounded perspective about life to face current and future challenges in the Army and beyond.  Leaders in our Army yearn for an ability to understand culture, geography, business, colors of money, negotiation, law enforcement, politics, etc.

The Advance Course is designed to enhance student interest in ROTC, the Army, and produce a junior officer who encapsulates the following (according to the six Army Learning Areas/MSL IV Outcomes):

1. The Army Profession

• Synthesizes all aspects of Army Values and Warrior Ethos required to succeed as an Army Officer.

2. Professional Competence

• Demonstrates the ability to plan, prepare, execute, and assess platoon-level training strategies including individual and collective tasks to enable mission accomplishment.

3. Adaptability

• Recognizes and analyzes ambiguous situations and develops solutions to tactical, ethical, and leadership problems.
• Demonstrates ability to apply agile and adaptive decisions in a complex and ambiguous environment.

4. Teamwork

• Demonstrates the ability to build and sustain multi-functional teams in a complex, uncertain environment and able to accomplish the mission within the commander’s intent.
• Assesses the impacts of cultural differences on military operations and anticipates the consequences.
• Analyzes and synthesizes the communication process to effectively communicate as a leader.

5. Life Long Learning

• Applies the principles of lifelong learning and continued education ensuring personal, professional, and organizational improvement.

6. Comprehensive Fitness

• Demonstrate leader responsibilities in the Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness program to reduce and manage stress (spiritual, psychological, physical).