Sergeants Major Academy holds graduation for Master Leader Course pilot class

A Senior Leader recently attended the Master Leader's Course (MLC) Operational Trial #2 at Ft. Knox, Ky. Below are his AAR comments and guidance for you to disseminate to your formations and spheres of influence. Note the information provided is based upon this particular leaders assessment, expect changes as the program is still in the pilot phase.
MASTER LEADERS COURSE (MLC) NOTES:


NOTE 1:
Do not go into MLC thinking that it is just like any other NCOES that you have been to in the past. This course is much more challenging. He attended SLC 3 years ago and this course is much more demanding than that was. Leaders will be overwhelmed and uncomfortable with the level and volume of information. Students spent three days on leadership principles, communicating and speaking. Students then transitioned into strategic level planning and then moved down into operational domain. If leaders treat this course like every other NCOES they may still pass their DA 1059 however, will appropriately reflect.
NOTE 2 (Written Evaluations):
The course lasted 15 days. During that period, there were 8 separate evaluated events/products that comprise a leaders DA 1059. There are no more open book, open note, multiple choice style test. All test are essay based and from memory. Students received 60 minutes per written exam (a total of 2) to read the situation, gather thoughts and then compose a 500-800 word essay. Based on class feedback, this could be extended to 90 minutes. This is not a lot of time. Students need to be clear and concise and relate their response specifically to the material presented in the class. No one knew the topic ahead of the test, even the instructors didn't know what was to be tested. Leaders don't have to be able to type 70 wpm to make it through, but they do need to be able to type.
NOTE 3 (Reading):
Students are given a multitude of reading assignments to prepare for the next day's course. It is encouraged to read/scan all of the material; it was apparent to the class and instructors who did and did not read the material. Again, class participation is evaluated. If Students don't spend the time to at least review the 20-50 pages of material each night it will show.
NOTE 4 (Writing Assignments):
Students were responsible for two 3-5 page writing assignments, APA format was required. Recommended to utilize the Purdue Owl APA style guide to assist students with preparing and producing products. It's the same guide the instructors use to evaluate student paper submissions. The topics are very broad and 5 pages can go quick. There is not a lot of room for transition paragraphs. Understanding how to use level 1-3 headings within an APA paper is key. From these papers, Students were paired into a group of 4-5 with similar topics but separate areas. They were then required to give a 40-50 minute presentation on the topic including visual aids. Grades for this group project was the same for everyone in the group. If the group struggled, everyone was affected. Rehearsal is key. Again, it is very clear which groups rehearsed and understood what they were doing prior to presenting and those that did not.
NOTE 5 (APFT/Enumeration):
Students will take an APFT. Please, emphasis to your formations, and seniors that this is not a check the block and pass APFT. Student scores are calculated into their overall results for this course. Students are also enumerated against their peers during this course. Meaning their DA 1059 will reflect their class ranking. If the Student was 28 of 32 in class, their DA 1059 will state just that. This goes back to approaching this course with the proper mindset.
NOTE 6 (Preparation):
Several Students stated they wish they would have known ahead of time some of the course material to allow adequate preparation. Recommended leaders focus on three areas, Joint Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment (JIPOE), Joint Operations Planning Process (JOPP) and Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB). These three things "could" set leaders in the right direction for the majority of the course.
NOTE 7 (Rubrics):
Almost everything evaluated was done so through the use of a rubric. Because there are no clear-cut right and wrong answers to grading a decision paper or essay, the instructors use these to guide them through an otherwise subjective process. Students are encouraged to not begin anything without first taking a moment to familiarize themselves with what they are looking for. These rubrics are provided for everything Students are graded on to include the written essays. Using them to format products is key.
NOTE 8 (Time Commitment):
If a Student wishes to excel, they will need to spend just about all of their free time focusing on the course. This is a multi-compo school, meaning AD, Reserves and NG are all in the course together. For this reason, the course is 15 straight days, no days off. This facilitates the Reserve/NG being able to attend. They pack a lot of information into this time. Students were in class from 0730-1800 each day and then had several hours of homework each night. Inform your leaders to not expect to leave the course and still try to focus on their normal duty positions.
NOTE 9 (Public Speaking):
Students will be in front of their peers presenting information or speaking. Though this was easy to some, it isn't for all. Some of this will be prepared briefings while other times it is impromptu (drawing a topic from a hat and speaking about it). If leaders know they're uncomfortable speaking recommend taking a speech course prior to attending MLC.
NOTE 10 (ELM):
The course is instructed using the Experiential Learning Model. The instructors simply facilitate group discussion and keep the discussion on topic. Students will learn from the experience of its members. The course is not MOS specific similar to what is usually seen in ALC and SLC.