L.LEA 195 – Junior War College

Overview: This conference is a ten-day immersion in military history and strategy for high-performing high school students. Through classroom teaching, guest speakers, interactive small-group work, and a final simulation, students will gain exposure to a broad array of current issues relating to many dimensions of military science, from battlefield logistics to tactical planning. In addition, students are taken through LeadAmerica’s leadership curriculum, which is designed to help them enhance their abilities to lead in their personal, academic, and professional lives. Students who complete the course earn one college credit from Loras College (a second credit is optional). Lecturing is performed by college professors and former military personnel with the assistance of Team Leaders, who are typically graduated or upper class Cadets from the Citadel, the Virginia Military Institute and North Georgia College and State University.

Course Content: The following topics will be covered in the Junior War College conference.

Readings: Students will be given approximately 60 pages of college level background reading assignments in defense, intelligence, and national security. In addition, they will be given approximately 50 additional pages of material to read for the simulation.

Simulation: Throughout the course of the program, students will learn the process of writing an operations order increasing in complexity and size throughout the week. Students will learn the intricacies of offensive vs. defensive tactics and utilize a squad level Leadership Reaction Course, a platoon level offensive and defensive operation (Paintball simulation), and a battle computer simulation to apply the skills they learn throughout the week.

Classroom Activities: In addition to lecture and discussion, students will:

          • Road Marches
          • Leadership Reaction Course
          • Ropes Course
          • Firearms Training Simulator (FATS)
          • Paintball Skirmish
          • Military Tactics computer simulations
          • Leadership Problem Solving

Off-site experiences: In addition to field trips intended to expose students to the city in which the conference is held, conference participants take trips to some or all of the following: Atlanta, Stone Mountain, Dobbins Air Force Base, Chicamawga Battlefield, Camp Merrill and a number of local military bases.