School of Defense and Strategic Studies Archives

Defense and Strategic Studies launches new scholarly journal

December 11, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s School of Defense and Strategic Studies (DSS) has published the inaugural issue of its online journal, “Defense and Strategic Studies Online,” or DASSO.

“We are very pleased to announce the release of the first issue of the DSS program’s flagship publication,” said the Hon. Christopher A. Ford, professor of defense and strategic studies and DASSO’s editor.

“This is one example of the excellent work that helps elevate our academic profile,” said Dean Shawn Wahl of the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities.

Other members of the editorial board are Dr. Gary L. Geipel, Dr. Kerry M. Kartchner and Col. Curtis D. McGiffin, USAF (ret.).

First issue explores U.S. policy in Asia

DASSO’s first issue features an introductory essay by the journal’s editorial board and articles on American responses to Asian policies.

“The first issue of the journal includes articles on data-driven analysis of Chinese grand strategy, historical lessons for a potential U.S.-China conflict over Taiwan from Thucydides and more recent great power conflicts, and how America’s adversaries strive to weaponize its moral integrity against it,” Ford said.

“This online journal showcases articles, essays, book reviews, and other commentary written by MSU faculty and students, as well as contributions from outside the MSU community,” he added.

The editorial board invites submissions for publication in future issues of DASSO, Ford said. Those interested can email DASSO for more information.

Read DASSO

ROTC more than just “playing Army”

April 26, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Tucked away in the basement of Freudenberger residence hall, the Department of Military Science often goes unnoticed by passersby.

The concrete-grey steps leading down to the department draw little attention.

Just inside, the mood changes. Visitors encounter a bold welcome message on the department’s front doors:

“What’s your warrior? Join our TEAM.”

This is the home of the MSU Bear Battalion.

The Bear Battalion

Military personnel in gear — Maybe not your typical college classroom. ROTC students at lab. Photo credit: Department of Military Science.

MSU’s Bear Battalion was established in 1952. During the 1970s, the program branched out to include other area schools. At this time, Evangel, Drury and Southwest Baptist University also participate in the Bear Battalion.

According to the Army ROTC website, ROTC was officially created in 1916 when President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Defense Act.

Its roots can be traced back to 1819 when the American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy was formed in Norwich, Vermont, to develop “citizen-soldiers” while providing them with an education.

The concept continued to expand, culminating in the official creation of ROTC in 1916.

Since then, Army ROTC has become the “largest officer-producing organization with the American military.” The organization has produced over 600,000 men and women commissioned officers.

At Missouri State, the Bear Battalion is just part of that 600,000 ROTC-strong.

These young men and women stand out on campus when they wear their military gear, especially on Thursdays, when they have ROTC lab.

Otherwise, they blend in with other MSU students, milling about campus in their jeans and khakis and “BearWear.”

They act like other MSU students, too. They goof off and kid around, they go on spring break trips, they play video games. They are into art and music and movies. They are active in campus organizations and church.

They truly do look and act like “regular” college students. And they want people to know that they are regular college students.

Yet their experience as Bear Battalion cadets does make them a little different.

They admit it themselves when they talk about how ROTC has changed their lives for the better.

MSU’s Bear Battalion wins Task Force Ranger Challenge

October 19, 2023 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Bear Battalion Ranger Challenge team took first place in the Task Force Ranger Challenge Competition held Oct. 13-14 in Fort Leonard Wood, defending their championship.

The win ensures that the team advances to the Brigade Ranger Challenge competition Nov. 3-5 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Difficult and complex competition

The Bear Battalion competed in the 11-person team challenge, according to Major Eric Wahner, assistant professor of military science.

Maj. Wahner described the difficulty and complexity of the competition.

“The competitive tasks the team faced on the first day of competition included a very difficult timed obstacle course with monkey bars, rope bridges, cargo nets and rope climbing,” Maj. Wahner said.

After that, the team interacted with a “call for fire” digital trainer, which tested the cadets’ ability to request artillery against an enemy target.

Next, the team completed a land navigation written exam, followed by a competitive test at a chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear defense station, which required donning protective equipment and performing several dexterity tasks.

The team concluded with a fitness event that required them to run one mile while carrying two 40-pound kettle bells and two ammo cans.

“The entire 11-person team crossed the finish line together, as a team, in a record seven minutes,” Maj. Wahner said.

And that was just Day 1.

Defense and Strategic Studies honors 25 new graduates at spring commencement

July 23, 2023 by Reynolds College

Missouri State University’s School of Defense and Strategic Studies (DSS) honored 25 new graduates in a spring commencement ceremony May 19, 2023, in Fairfax, Virginia.