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DS320 2023-2
|
INTRO TO STRATEGIC STUDIES |
3.0
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE DS320 is the introductory course of the Defense & Strategic Studies major and therefore covers the foundational concepts within the field. This course addresses the enduring and contemporary issues of strategy by studying key components of international relations, geopolitics, military theory, and grand strategy. Cadets will apply course concepts through traditional coursework such as papers, presentations, and exams. Lastly, the course aims to develop foundational skills in research, writing, and critical thinking to enable success as a DSS graduate. |
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DS345 2020-1
|
MILITARY INNOVATION |
3.0
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE This interdisciplinary course examines the subject of military innovation from a theoretical, strategic, historical, and policy oriented perspective. DS 345 addresses several key questions: Why do militaries innovate? How does this process of innovation occur? Why do attempts at military innovation succeed or fail? To answer these questions, this course introduces the innovation concept and ties innovation to the levels of war. It provides the historical narrative to military innovation, while emphasizing the contemporary operating environment by exploring the possibility of a recent Revolution in Military Affairs through emerging technologies and the international security environment. |
| 2025 |
1 |
| 2026 |
1 |
| 2026 |
2 |
| 2027 |
1 |
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DS350 2023-2
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PERSUASIVE COMMUNICATIONS |
3.0
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE Strategic thinkers and leaders must possess the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. DS350 is grounded in the application of sound communication techniques relevant to the tactical, operational, and strategic levels of war. The course introduces communication and persuasion theories and techniques applicable for the proper delivery of messages in a professional organization, beginning by building cadets' public speaking and presentation abilities. Cadets then gain foundational knowledge in the dynamics of negotiations, applying their persuasion skills in various simulation exercises. The course then turns to the study of the interactions between the military and the media to understand their influence on the contemporary battlefield. The course culminates with the development of communication synchronization plans aimed at addressing key strategic issues. |
| 2024 |
2 |
| 2025 |
1 |
| 2025 |
2 |
| 2025 |
8 |
| 2026 |
1 |
| 2026 |
2 |
| 2026 |
8 |
| 2027 |
1 |
| 2027 |
2 |
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DS360 2023-2
|
SPECIAL OPS: THEORY & PRACTICE |
3.0
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE This course explores the nature and dynamics of low-intensity conflict in contrast to conventional and high-intensity warfare. Specifically, cadets will examine the strategy and tactics of insurgency, counterinsurgency, international terrorism, and peace operations. Another component of this course examines Special Operations Forces (SOF) by exploring the unique methods of special operators and their relationship with irregular warfare. Cadets will examine how U.S. SOF are organized, how special operations in general succeed, and why SOF are well-suited for low-intensity conflict. Several relevant guest speakers are integrated into the instruction throughout the course. |
| 2025 |
1 |
| 2026 |
1 |
| 2026 |
2 |
| 2027 |
1 |
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DS370 2023-2
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STRATEGY AND POLICY |
3.0
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE This course introduces cadets to foundational concepts within national policy, strategic theory and military strategy. Cadets analyze case studies and apply major theoretical concepts in strategy and policy through individual critical thinking, group collaboration and oral and written communication. Graduates will be able to understand, analyze and effectively communicate the relation of tactical action to national policy. |
| 2024 |
2 |
| 2025 |
2 |
| 2026 |
2 |
| 2027 |
2 |
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DS399 2023-2
|
STRATEGIC STUDIES INTERNSHIP |
3.0
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE The Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) program is designed to give cadets practical experience in their field of study and to reflect on their experiences by completing specified requirements. Current AIADs that cadets may potentially execute for credit include domestic and international staff rides and internships to areas of strategic relevance, though AIAD availability will vary by year. Instructors, students, and host agencies will develop a specific academic plan prior to executing the AIAD that will require either department or curriculum review depending on the nature of the trip. Students will normally complete specially assigned readings, a daily reflective journal based on their practical experiences, and write a term paper that benefits the host organization or expands on the AIAD's purpose. The assigned instructor will provide feedback on student submissions and assign term grades accordingly. |
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DS455 2023-2
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COMPARATIVE DEFENSE POLICY |
3.0
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE This course's objective is to analyze the defense policies of various countries and the outcomes of those defense policies, to include national security objectives, national military objectives, military doctrine, force structure, and military capabilities. Countries studied will include actual and potential coalition partners and potential adversaries. Cadets will examine the political, economic, and social influences on each military establishment. Cultural influences on the development and implementation of the defense policies for countries studied will be examined, including the effects each country's culture has on the missions, structure, roles, and capabilities of the military. Cadets will develop their own framework of analysis to critically analyze the defense polices and cultures of other countries, and will be able to clearly articulate that analysis through written and oral means. Guest speakers include liaison officers and Foreign Area Officers to provide insight into the specific military establishments of those countries studied. |
| 2024 |
2 |
| 2024 |
8 |
| 2024 |
9 |
| 2025 |
2 |
| 2025 |
8 |
| 2026 |
1 |
| 2026 |
2 |
| 2026 |
8 |
| 2026 |
9 |
| 2027 |
1 |
| 2027 |
2 |
| 2027 |
8 |
| 2027 |
9 |
| 2028 |
9 |
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DS460 2023-2
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REBELLION, INSURGNCY & CIV WAR |
3.0
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE Why do men rebel and how do states react? DS460 examines the nexus between social movements, revolutions and insurgencies and introduces cadets to how this is applicable to national security and policy. Cadets will apply theoretical frameworks to analyze insurgencies from the individual, community and state level and understand applicable counterinsurgent strategies. Cadets do this through historic case study analysis, group collaborative projects, and both oral and written communication. Graduates will be able to analyze internal conflict and understand how this applies to national security policy.
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| 2024 |
2 |
| 2025 |
2 |
| 2026 |
1 |
| 2026 |
2 |
| 2027 |
2 |
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DS475 2018-2
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STRATEGIC DECISION MAKING |
3.0
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE This course introduces Cadets to the interdisciplinary nature of strategic decision making. The course seeks to answer the question of how strategic leaders make decisions in situations of incomplete, conflicting, and incorrect information. Strategic studies is leveraged to explore Clausewitz?s conception of military genius, the role of military deception, and the value of adopting a red team approach. Psychology is incorporated to explore the role of cognitive biases in addressing situations of incomplete, conflicting, and incorrect information, specifically from an intelligence analysis perspective. Political science is utilized to explore the utility of game theory to model basic strategic interactions and decisions in incomplete information games. Decision science is incorporated to explore how decision science informs military decision making processes. Philosophy is integrated to explore the importance of ethical considerations in strategic decision making. History is leveraged to explore case studies of past strategic decisions. Cadets will leave the class with a basic understanding of the complexities involved in strategic decision making, as well as methods to frame, understand, and address that complexity. Students will be equipped to recognize the strategic context of decisions, identify the effect of biases, select how to model strategic interactions, recognize the science behind military decision making processes, evaluate decisions for their moral quality, and compare and contrast contemporary decisions with the historical record. |
| 2024 |
2 |
| 2025 |
2 |
| 2026 |
2 |
| 2027 |
2 |
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DS485 2023-2
|
DOMAINS OF WAR |
3.0
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE This course provides a historical, theoretical, and practical understanding of the roles of sea, air, space, and cyber power in military strategy and national security policy. After establishing a strong theoretical and historical foundation in each of the domains, students apply acquired knowledge to assess the strategies of multiple state and non-state actors, and to make practical recommendations on the application of military power across all domains to affect the outcomes of competition, crisis, and conflict. |
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DS489 2013-1
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ADV IND STUD-DEF/STRAT STUDIES |
3.0
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE The course provides an environment that is conducive to independent effort in a subject area of special interest to the cadet. Original research or specialized study can be accomplished in any of the many fields within Defense and Strategic Studies. The course is conducted in three phases. First, the cadet and the individual advisor from the Defense and Strategic Studies faculty will reach agreement on a subject area for research. Research methods will be studied under the direction of the faculty member. Research may involve field trips and personal interviews with experts in the area of study. In the second phase, the cadet will engage in independent research and prepare a draft analytical paper or report detailing the findings. During this period, frequent consultation with the faculty advisor occurs regarding the progress in the project. In the third phase, the cadet will present and define the findings before a faculty committee. |
| 2025 |
1 |
| 2025 |
2 |
| 2026 |
1 |
| 2026 |
2 |
| 2027 |
1 |
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DS489A 2023-1
|
ADV IND STUD-DEF/STRAT STUDY A |
3.0
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE The course provides an environment that is conducive to independent effort in a subject area of special interest to the cadet. Original research or specialized study can be accomplished in any of the many fields within Defense and Strategic Studies. The course is conducted in three phases. First, the cadet and the individual advisor from the Defense and Strategic Studies faculty will reach agreement on a subject area for research. Research methods will be studied under the direction of the faculty member. Research may involve field trips and personal interviews with experts in the area of study. In the second phase, the cadet will engage in independent research and prepare a draft analytical paper or report detailing the findings. During this period, frequent consultation with the faculty advisor occurs regarding the progress in the project. In the third phase, the cadet will present and define the findings before a faculty committee. DS489A can only be taken after a cadet has completed DS489. |
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DS490 2020-1
|
SPECIAL TOPICS: STRAT STUDIES |
3.0
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE The Special Topics Course provides cadets an opportunity for reading and analysis in depth within a topic area of special interest and timely relevance to Defense and Strategic Studies. The course director will determine the approach dependant on the topic and enrollment. Courses will normally develop the cadet's understanding of the topic through study of theory, history, doctrine, and historical and contemporary case studies. A generous portion of the course will normally address modern complex problems related to the topic area and assignments will emphasize analytical writing. Topics will vary by semester. A past Special Topics Course was "Sea and Air Power."
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| 2024 |
8 |
| 2025 |
1 |
| 2025 |
2 |
| 2026 |
1 |
| 2027 |
1 |
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DS495 2019-2
|
RESEARCH METHODS STRAT STUDIES |
3.0
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE This is a research methods course designed to support the interdisciplinary nature of the research-based courses in the Defense & Strategic Studies Program, DS496 Strategic Studies Thesis and DS498 Strategic Studies Capstone. In this course, students will learn different research methodologies for the strategic studies field and develop effective writing skills in a seminar format. Partway through the semester students will choose an interdisciplinary research topic related to the Defense & Strategic Studies field. The topic, approved by the Course Director, will either be as part of a student-selected thesis for DS496 or an assigned client-based project for DS497. Thesis students must also select faculty members from across the institution to serve as their thesis advisors as part of DS495. Student assignments include practical exercises, a research proposal, a literature review and a draft research methodology.
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| 2025 |
1 |
| 2026 |
1 |
| 2026 |
2 |
| 2027 |
1 |
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DS496 2022-2
|
STRATEGIC STUDIES THESIS |
3.0
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE Strategic Studies Thesis is an integrative course in strategy designed to provide Defense & Strategic Studies majors with practical experience in addressing real, complex and ambiguous strategic issues. Students will write and defend an interdisciplinary thesis that in some way relates to the military instrument of power or national security. Thesis cadets will continue the work they began with their faculty advisors in the fall by revising their literature review and research methodology, then complete data collection, data analysis, thesis writing and ultimately conduct an oral defense of their thesis before an interdisciplinary faculty board. |
| 2024 |
2 |
| 2025 |
2 |
| 2026 |
2 |
| 2027 |
2 |
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DS497 2022-2
|
STRATEGIC STUDIES CAPSTONE |
3.0
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE Strategic Studies Capstone is an integrative course in strategy designed to provide Defense & Strategic Studies majors with practical experience in addressing real, complex and ambiguous strategic issues. Students will work in small groups to solve such a problem for an external client organization focusing on the use of the military instrument of power or national security strategy. Student groups will determine stakeholder needs, define the client's problem, and conduct appropriate research to develop a viable solution or set of recommendations. Groups will meet regularly with their client, complete a final written report and provide a formal presentation with an oral defense to the faculty. Alternatively, select students may work with an interdisciplinary team from another academic department's capstone course to contribute analysis from the strategic studies perspective to the group's project. Capstone cadets will continue the work they began with their faculty advisors in the fall by revising their literature review and research methodology, then complete data collection, data analysis, final report writing and ultimately conduct an oral defense of their work before an interdisciplinary faculty board.
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| 2024 |
2 |
| 2025 |
2 |
| 2026 |
2 |
| 2027 |
2 |
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DS498 2022-1
|
LEADERSHIP IN FUTURE WAR |
3.0
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE Clausewitz states that the violent, interactive, and fundamentally political nature of war is unchanging. The character of war, however, changes with technology, society, and the international political system. This course integrates previous instruction from DS320, DS370, and academy core courses on leadership and strategy while exploring how emerging technologies interact with the contemporary international environment to influence the character of war. Cadets analyze how technologies like artificial intelligence, autonomous weapons, social media, cyber, and drones might influence the future of war and create the need for adaptive leaders. In line with strategic guidance, this course emphasizes intellectual leadership and professionalism in the art and science of warfighting, deepens Cadets' understanding of history, and embraces the role of emerging technologies to better prepare leaders to compete with adversaries. DS498 seeks to deepen this understanding through case study analysis, written and oral communication, and collaborative projects. |
| 2024 |
2 |
| 2025 |
2 |
| 2026 |
1 |
| 2026 |
2 |
| 2027 |
2 |
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ML100 2020-3
|
INTRO TO WARFIGHTING LAB |
0.0
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE ML100 Introduction to Warfighting Laboratory is a forty-seven-day period of instruction for Fourth Class cadets at the United States Military Academy. ML100 is offered during the summer term as part of Cadet Basic Training (CBT). CBT is a demanding progression of training requirements that forms the foundation for all future instruction at USMA. It instructs, trains, inspires, and transitions civilians and prior service military personnel into Cadets and future officers. CBT also inculcates attributes expected of future officers, including foundational military competencies and the values of character and commitment. |
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ML200 2024-0
|
INTRO TO SMALL UNIT OPS |
0.0
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE ML200 Introduction to Small Unit Operations Laboratory is a six-to-eight week program of instruction for Third Class cadets at the United States Military Academy. ML200 is offered during the summer term as part of Cadet Field Training (CFT I and CFT II). ML200 expands on the knowledge gained in MSL100 and MS100 by providing hands on application of concepts and lessons in a tactical field environment. Cadets perform select BOLC-A tasks in order to further develop the military and tactical knowledge necessary for future field training and lays the foundation for subsequent Military Science courses. The purpose of ML200 is to emphasize the foundational military competencies; prepare Third Class cadets to assume duties as NCOs in the Corps of Cadets; instill the warrior ethos in each cadet; and inspire each cadet to professional excellence through physically and mentally demanding training. |
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ML300 2021-1
|
CLDT LAB |
0.0
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE Cadets are enrolled in ML300 during their second or first class summer. This course trains, mentors, and assesses basic leadership skills focusing on Troop Leading Procedures (TLPs), effective communication, and tactical decision making in order to develop competent and confident small unit leaders capable of operating in an uncertain and rapidly changing environment. In a series of tactical scenarios that reflect the Decisive Action Training Environment, cadets experience a minimum of two assessed leadership positions which provides the cadet with a common experience to further enhance his/her leadership ability to solve difficult tactical problems. |
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ML300A 2021-0
|
CDT LEAD DEV TRAIN (SANDHURST) |
3.0
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE ML300A CLDT Sandhurst is a 28-day period of instruction for rising Second- and First-Class cadets held at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst in the United Kingdom. ML300A is offered during each summer term to Cadets who demonstrate excellence across all three pillars. It is a demanding progression of training requirements that serves as a culminating event for all military training at USMA. CLDT ML300A evaluates Cadet leadership potential through execution and assessment of core warrior skills and a tactical field problem in order to improve their competence and fitness for future service as leaders within the Corps of Cadets and as commissioned officers in the United States Army. Cadets who successfully complete ML300B will receive credit for their ML300 requirement in lieu of participating in CLDT at USMA. |
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MS100 2019-1
|
INTRODUCTION TO WARFIGHTING |
1.5
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE This course provides cadets with the foundation of military and tactical knowledge necessary for future field training and development in subsequent military science courses. Cadets will gain a solid foundation built on basic Army concepts such as Shoot, Move, and Communicate. Cadets will also learn fundamental Army unit organizations, capabilities and missions, and develop an understanding of the roles of NCOs and Officers. Cadets who have successfully completed MS100, will understand their role as Soldiers and will be well prepared as they transition from follower to leader during the next chapter of their military education, Cadet Field Training. |
| 2024 |
2 |
| 2025 |
1 |
| 2025 |
2 |
| 2026 |
1 |
| 2026 |
2 |
| 2027 |
1 |
| 2027 |
2 |
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MS200 2024-0
|
FUNDAMENTALS OF SMALL UNIT OPS |
1.5
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE This course introduces cadets to the small unit leader's role in the Army by developing the foundational tactical knowledge, critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for adaptive leaders in current and future operational environments. Fundamentals of Small Unit Operations builds upon the knowledge, competencies and experience cadets gain in MS100 and Cadet Field Training. It explores Army leadership, troop leading procedures, and small-unit tactics to develop and hone decision-making skills. Throughout the course, cadets demonstrate their knowledge through a series of tactical decision exercises, mission briefing assignments, written assessments, and simulations lab activities. Cadets who successfully complete MS200 are able to apply problem solving techniques to unstructured tactical problems and scenarios, use and incorporate battle drills, demonstrate foundational military competencies, and execute principles of patrolling and planning in a multi-domain operational environment. |
| 2024 |
2 |
| 2025 |
1 |
| 2025 |
2 |
| 2026 |
1 |
| 2026 |
2 |
| 2027 |
1 |
| 2027 |
2 |
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MS250X 2025-1
|
ADV FUND OF SMALL UNIT OPS |
1.5
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE This course provides an enhanced exploration of MS200 course material by introducing cadets to the small unit leader's role in the Army by developing the foundational tactical knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills necessary for adaptive leaders in current and future operational environments. Advanced Fundamentals of Small Unit Operations builds upon the knowledge, competencies and experience cadets gain in MS100 and Cadet Field Training while further challenging cadets on its respective application to modern Army leadership, troop leading procedures, small-unit tactics, and decision-making skills within the context of complex and real-world problem sets. Throughout the course, cadets demonstrate their knowledge through a series of tactical decision exercises, development of operational planning products and orders, mission briefings, written assessments, and simulations lab activities. Cadets who successfully complete MS250X are postured to excel in follow-on advanced military instruction and can apply problem solving techniques to unstructured tactical problems and scenarios, use and incorporate battle drills, demonstrate foundational military competencies, and execute principles of patrolling and planning in a multi-domain operational environment. **This is a pilot course and must receive approval from the CC NLT AY25-2 to continue.** |
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MS300 2022-0
|
PLATOON OPERATIONS |
1.5
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE This course builds upon foundational tactical planning and decision-making skills taught during MS200. MS300 further develops the cadet's knowledge of doctrinal tactical principles and general professional knowledge, using Troop Leading Procedures (TLPs) as a framework for planning and preparation. Cadets are challenged to apply tactical knowledge, competencies, and decision-making to solve complex situations that require critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. Instruction in the fundamentals of small unit operations emphasizes both offensive and defensive tactics. Additionally, cadets are expected to demonstrate an increased understanding of the TLPs and mental agility through execution of tactical decision-making exercises. In addition to tactics, cadets continue their general instruction in the various Army systems, procedures and functions that are important aspects of officership. Finally, cadets examine the small unit leader's role in ensuring that the moral and ethical decision making process is integrated into all operations. |
| 2024 |
2 |
| 2025 |
1 |
| 2025 |
2 |
| 2026 |
1 |
| 2026 |
2 |
| 2027 |
1 |
| 2027 |
2 |
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MS350X 2025-1
|
ADVANCED PLATOON OPERATIONS |
1.5
(BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0) |
| SCOPE This course provides an enhanced exploration of MS300 course material by building upon foundational tactical planning and decision-making skills taught during MS200. MS350X further develops the cadet's knowledge of doctrinal tactical principles and general professional knowledge, using Troop Leading Procedures (TLPs) as a framework for planning and preparation. Cadets are challenged to apply tactical knowledge, competencies, and decision-making to solve complex situations that require critical thinking and creating problem-solving skills. Instruction in the fundamentals of small unit operations emphasizes both offensive and defensive tactics. Additionally, cadets are expected to demonstrate an increased understanding of the TLPs and mental agility through execution of tactical decision-making exercises. In addition to tactics, cadets continue their general instruction in the various Army systems, procedures, and functions that are important aspects of officership. Finally, cadets examine the small unit leader's role in ensuring that the moral and ethical decision-making process is integrated into all operations. **This is a pilot course and must receive approval from the CC NLT AY25-2 to continue.** |
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