PL300 seeks to do that with diverse readings and the teachings of distinguished combat leaders, with guest lecturers and frequent classroom visitors, and through the shared leadership experiences of a military faculty, many of whom have served in combat. But delving into experience is only part of the study of leadership, for leadership is both an art and a science. Frederick the Great observed in the 18th Century, and his point remains valid today. Cadet understanding of leadership theory aids their intelligent reflection on experience, both actual and vicarious. When combined in PL300 with frequent opportunities for practical application, the result is a potent formula for enhancing cadet understanding and learning about military leadership.
All cows take the course in their first or second semester.
It builds on their baseline competence in understanding human behavior established in the plebe general psychology course. We placed PL300 in the second class year for several reasons. First, by this time, cadets have had sufficient leadership and military experiences against which to understand and apply relevant leadership theory. Second, with two years under their belts, cows have the intellectual maturity to engage in the critical reflection essential for integrating theory and experience into the practice of leadership. Finally, they have time remaining as cadets for the practical application of this new leadership knowledge before they are commissioned.