Course Feature: MIL 230 United States Military History
MIL 230 U.S. Military History takes students from the earliest days of the U.S. military through modern American wars and conflicts of the 21st century. The course describes and analyzes military strategy as well as the causes of war throughout the evolution of the United States military with topics ranging from theories of war, Just War, Realism and Liberalism, strategy versus tactics, and technology and military strategy. Additionally, it examines how the military has confronted social changes and diversity.
Students taking MIL 230 analyze ethical challenges of a new operational environment, examining modern American wars of Afghanistan, Iraq, and the War on Terror, and look at the future of the U.S. military and the threats and challenges that lie ahead. Students interested in military history or history in general are most interested in taking this course, says Brenda Roth, faculty program director for the national security and military leadership programs.
Roth says MIL 230 is a fundamental course in the military leadership program, but it can fill a history or social science requirement. “Generally, students who take the course are in the military, but students of history, strategy, or technology will find it engaging,” says Roth.
Roth explains the biggest takeaway from this course is that the United States has evolved through its conflicts and wars. For example, America was once a colonial outpost in the late 18th century, but against all odds, it won its independence. Says Roth, “From the War for Independence, a second ugly engagement with England in 1812, through a bloody Civil War, two World Wars, and into modern times with the War on Terror, Afghanistan, and Iraq, the United States has fought and survived to become a world power. It is the fighting spirit that led to [the] growth and prosperity we enjoy today.”
Students typically enjoy the course, saying things like, “I wouldn’t change anything about this course. It is laid out perfectly for maximum learning,” and “I enjoyed this course and will recommend it to others.”
Faculty, too, enjoy Military History: “I enjoy teaching this course and the students are the best,” and “This is one of my favorite courses to teach. The students make it interesting, and it is a subject that I love to get into.”
If you are interested in learning more about military history, learn more about getting your Bachelor of Science in History.
