Officership in the American Military Tradition

American military officers share a common moral foundation and practice a common professional ethic that is rooted in the American military experience going back to George Washington and the “Minute Men” of the Revolution. This three-credit one-semester course introduces students to this distinctive American military tradition of officership—commissioned leadership. The course takes a historical approach focusing on a selection of generals and other officers who played significant roles in fighting our wars and shaping the beliefs, values, virtues, principles, and standards of excellence that constitute the moral foundation of American officership. The class is required for the Military Leadership minor but is open to all students with an interest in the military, military history, martial and civic virtue, professionalism, professional ethics and leadership.