MILSCI 400 – Senior Year

The MS400 year is the capstone of the ROTC journey at the University of Michigan. By this point, cadets have completed the MS100, MS200, and MS300 levels, as well as Cadet Summer Training (CST)—a rigorous, culminating experience where they demonstrate their leadership, tactical knowledge, and physical readiness. Reaching the MS400 year means a cadet has met all Cadet Command requirements and is either contracted or in the final stages of contracting with the goal of commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

As an MS400, cadets step into their most advanced leadership roles within the Wolverine Battalion. They work side-by-side with ROTC Cadre to plan, resource, and execute training events while upholding Army standards. These cadets are no longer just participants—they are leaders shaping the program and mentoring younger cadets.

In the classroom, the MS400 curriculum goes beyond tactics. Cadets dive into operational doctrine, military history, and strategic thinking. They learn to build and brief detailed training plans, develop the leadership lab calendar, and prepare for the realities of leading Soldiers in a real Army unit. Topics like Multi-Domain Operations expose cadets to the complexity of today’s global battlefield and how different Army echelons work together for mission success.

One of the highlights of the MS400 year is the opportunity to lead and execute a nationally unique Joint Service Wargame, partnering with Air Force and Navy ROTC cadets. This project fosters collaboration across services and sharpens decision-making skills in a simulated operational environment, setting Michigan cadets apart from their peers nationwide.

Cadets also explore military history through an in-depth study of D-Day. Each cadet is assigned a specific unit to research and brief. This work culminates in a once-in-a-lifetime staff ride to Normandy, France, where cadets walk the actual battlefield, present their findings to Army alumni, and reflect on the leadership lessons that still apply today.

The MS400 year is more than just the final step—it’s where cadets transform into confident, capable leaders, fully prepared to lead Soldiers and make an impact from day one in their Army careers. It’s the moment when years of learning, training, and personal growth come together, setting Wolverine Battalion graduates apart as leaders of character in the United States Army.

Key Tasks

• Conduct Historical Analysis
• Execute Joint-Service Wargame
• Lead and Mentor
• Prepare for Commissioning

Leadership Lab

During the MS400 year, cadets take full ownership of the Leadership Lab by serving as its primary designers, planners, and executors. In close coordination with the ROTC Cadre, MS400s determine the goals and objectives of each lab session, ensuring that all training aligns with Army standards and prepares underclassmen for success.

Drawing on their own experiences from MS100 through MS300, as well as their time at Cadet Summer Training, MS400 cadets develop and resource training events that are meaningful, realistic, and challenging. Their focus is on mentoring and guiding their peers, helping each cadet improve and grow into the leader they are meant to become.

At this stage, MS400s are expected to model what right looks like, not only in planning and execution but in character and leadership. Their goal is to ensure that every lab contributes to a strong, cohesive, and prepared battalion—one that continues to improve year after year.

Ultimately, the MS400 Leadership Lab experience is the final rehearsal for leading in the operational Army. It provides cadets with the opportunity to refine their leadership style, build confidence in their decision-making, and transition as closely as possible into the role of a future Platoon Leader before they take on that responsibility for real.