Military Science – U.S. Army
The Department of Military Science provides undergraduate and graduate students at Saint Louis University the opportunity to earn a commission in the United States Army through a program of combined academic study and military officer training. The department offers both lower and upper-division courses.
Enrollment in upper-division courses requires the approval of the professor of military science at Washington University in St. Louis. (Call 314-935-5546 for more information.)
Curriculum Overview
Lower-Division (General Military) Course
Military science courses MILS 1010 through MILS 2020 are basic or general military science courses. Grades earned in these courses will be computed in the student’s overall grade point average. Advanced placement for lower-division courses can be granted for qualifying students.
Upper-Division (Professional Officer) Courses
Military science courses MILS 3010 through MILS 5010 are advanced or professional officer development courses. Enrollment requires satisfactory completion of lower-division courses or equivalent advanced placement credit. While some flexibility in scheduling exists, MILS 3010 and 3020 must be taken sequentially.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MILS 1010 | Introduction to Leadership I | 2 |
| MILS 1020 | Introduction to Leadership II | 2 |
| MILS 2010 | Innovative Team Leadership | 3 |
| MILS 2020 | Foundations of Tactical Leadership | 3 |
| MILS 3010 | Adaptive Team Leadership | 3 |
| MILS 3020 | Applied Team Leadership | 3 |
| MILS 4010 | Adaptive Leadership | 3 |
| MILS 4020 | Leadership in a Complex World | 3 |
| Total Credits | 22 | |
MILS 1010 - Introduction to Leadership I
2 Credits
Examine the challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership. 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. MILS-1010 is open to all students and enrollment does not require a commitment to join the US Army.
MILS 1020 - Introduction to Leadership II
2 Credits
Investigate leadership fundamentals such as 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. Learn fundamental military concepts and explore the Army's leadership philosophy. MILS-1020 is open to all students and enrollment does not require a commitment to join the US Army.
MILS 2010 - Innovative Team Leadership
3 Credits
Explore the dimensions of creative and innovative tactical leadership strategies and styles by examining team dynamics and leadership theories. The course continues to build on developing knowledge of 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. Enrollment in MILS-2010 does not require a commitment to join the US Army.
MILS 2020 - Foundations of Tactical Leadership
3 Credits
Develop greater self-awareness as you assess your own leadership styles and practice communication and team building skills. Examine and practice the challenges of leading teams in the complex operational environment. Study dimensions of terrain analysis, patrolling, and operation orders. Explores the dynamics of adaptive leadership in the context of military operations. Enrollment in MILS-2020 does not require a commitment to join the US Army.
MILS 2930 - Special Topics
3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
MILS 2980 - Independent Study in Military Science
1 or 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
MILS 3010 - Adaptive Team Leadership
3 Credits
This is an academically challenging course where you will study, practice, and apply the fundamentals of Army leadership, officership, Army values and ethics, and small unit tactics. 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 practical exercise (PE), a leadership lab, or during a military situational training exercise (STX) in a field environment. Prerequisite for this course is the successful completion of MSL 101 through 202; OR attendance at the Leader’s Training Course (LTC). Contact the Military Science Department for more details.
MILS 3020 - Applied Team Leadership
3 Credits
Continue to learn and apply the fundamentals of Army leadership, officership, Army values and ethics as you hone your leadership abilities in a variety of tactical environments and the classroom. Successful completion of this course will help prepare you for success at the ROTC Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) which you will attend the summer following this course at Fort Lewis, WA. You will receive systematic and specific feedback on your leadership attributes, values and core leader competencies from your instructors, other ROTC cadre, and senior cadets.
MILS 3930 - Special Topics
3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
MILS 3980 - Independent Study in Military Science
1 or 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
MILS 4010 - Adaptive Leadership
3 Credits
This course focuses on practical application of adaptive leadership. Throughout the semester, students will apply the fundamentals of principles of training, the Army writing style and military decision making. Students will study the special trust reposed to Army Officers by the US Constitution and the President of the United States--a special trust given to no other civilian professions. Students will also study the Army officer’s role in the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and the counseling and development of subordinates. Prerequisite for this course is the successful completion of the ROTC Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) or permission of the instructor.
MILS 4020 - Leadership in a Complex World
3 Credits
Explore the dynamics of leading in the complex situation of current military operations in the contemporary operating environment. Examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in the face of international terrorism. You will also explore aspects of interacting with non-government organizations, civilians on the battlefield and host nation support. Significant emphasis is placed on your transition to officership, preparing you for your branch school and first unit of assignment.
MILS 4500 - Modern American Military History
3 Credits
A survey of US military involvement beginning with the Treaty of Versailles following World War I and concluding with the current Global War on Terror. Students will follow a chronological study of crucial battles of World War II, Korea, Vietnam and conclude with in-depth case studies from Iraq and Afghanistan. The class focuses on both tactical and strategic lessons learned and the political and cultural influences that effect the way wars are fought. Prerequisite for this course is sophomore status and good standing in the ROTC program.
MILS 4930 - Special Topics
3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
MILS 4980 - Advanced Independent Study in Military Science
1 or 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)