The sophomore year, or Military Science 200 level, marks a pivotal point in a cadet’s ROTC journey. Whether continuing from the first year or joining ROTC for the first time, cadets are welcome to participate; no military commitment is required at this stage. Sophomores who are new to the program have the option to take both the 100- and 200-level courses concurrently to stay on track for future training opportunities.
During this year, cadets build on the foundational skills introduced in their first year and begin to take their first steps into formal leadership roles. The focus shifts from being part of a team to leading one. Cadets will be given responsibility for leading small groups of 3–4 peers, learning to make decisions that directly affect others, and being held accountable for the outcomes. This experience teaches the core Army principle of servant leadership putting others first and learning through real responsibility.
A key area of emphasis in MS200 is the Army Leadership Requirements Model (ALRM). Cadets will explore what it means to lead through the lens of both attributes (who you are and what you know) and competencies (what you do and how you do it). This framework helps cadets reflect on their own development while learning how to grow and mentor others as emerging leaders.
In the classroom, cadets will further develop critical communication skills through writing operations orders (OPORDs), practicing concise military writing, and learning how to brief and communicate effectively in team settings. These skills are essential for success both in ROTC and in future leadership positions.
The MS200 year is designed to challenge cadets to grow not only as leaders but as followers who can inspire and support others. It’s a formative time where cadets gain confidence, develop their voice, and begin to understand what it means to lead in the Army.
Key Tasks
- Build Upon Foundational Military Skills
- Develop First-Line Leadership Abilities
- Participate in Leadership Labs and Field Training
- Mentor and Support New Cadets
Leadership Lab and the MS200 Experience
For MS200 cadets, the Leadership Lab is where theory becomes action. It is the first real opportunity for cadets to exercise formal leadership as Team Leaders, responsible for guiding and developing their peers in a training environment.
During the fall semester, MS200 cadets will demonstrate individual-level tasks to MS100 cadets, serving as role models and instructors. As labs progress into squad-level operations, MS200s are assigned team leader positions within those squads. In these roles, they are accountable for the success of their teams, typically 3–4 cadets, ensuring they understand the mission, stay motivated, and perform effectively.
By the winter semester, MS200s continue to build on their leadership foundation, now focusing on execution within a larger platoon structure. Their responsibilities include communicating clearly with higher leadership, directing team efforts, and managing peer-to-peer relationships under pressure. This phase introduces more complexity, mirroring the “crawl-walk-run” approach to leadership development, where the fall semester represents the crawl and walk stages, and the winter semester becomes the run.
Throughout the year, MS200 cadets are not only learning to lead—they are also learning to follow. Developing into an effective Army leader requires understanding how to support others, accept feedback, and contribute to the broader success of the unit. Leadership Lab gives MS200s the space to make mistakes, grow through experience, and lay the groundwork for success in advanced ROTC training.