Corps of Cadets with Leader Development Mockup - draft | United States Military Academy West Point

Welcome to the Corps

At West Point, every student is a cadet—and together, cadets make up the U.S. Corps of Cadets (USCC), one of the most close-knit student bodies in the world. From your first day as a plebe to your final moments as a firstie, you’ll grow, lead, and serve alongside teammates who will push you to be your best—because the bonds built here last a lifetime. The Corps isn’t just where you live and learn—it’s where you become a leader of character.

The Corps of Cadets is more than a student body—it’s a full military organization. Structured like an Army unit, the Corps is divided into four regiments and 36 companies, each with its own unique identity and traditions. You’ll live, eat, train, and lead with your company—learning to work as a team, earn respect, and grow as a leader under the mentorship of experienced Army officers and NCOs.

Learn more about USCC regiments and companies

"The long gray line of us stretches thro' the years of a century told, and the last man feels to his marrow the grip of your far off hold."

- Line from The Corps by Bishop H.S. Shipman

Train Like a Leader, Lead Like a Warrior

Cadets spend summers in high-impact leadership roles. You might lead basic training for incoming plebes, train with active-duty Army units, or take part in advanced military courses. These one-of-a-kind experiences prepare you for the complexity, responsibility, and challenge of leading soldiers in the U.S. Army.

Cadet Leader Development by Year

At West Point, leadership isn’t a class—it’s a way of life. Every cadet takes on more responsibility each year, learning to follow first, then to lead others. As you rise through the Corps, you'll move from learning the basics of teamwork to leading your own squad, platoon, or even an entire regiment.

Fourth Year – Plebe (Freshman)

Your journey starts with learning to follow. You'll focus on discipline, teamwork, and mastering the fundamentals of cadet life.

Leader Development (MD101/102): Cadet privates serve as members of a squad in their assigned companies while enrolled in MD101 and MD102 in the fall and spring terms, respectively. Cadet privates begin their leader development by learning to be good followers, USMA customs and courtesies, serving as a member of a team, and how to successfully complete their assigned duties and responsibilities as outlined in USCC PAM 6-22.

Third Year – Yearling/Yuk (Sophomore)

Now a team leader, you’ll guide plebes, learn hands-on leadership, and begin shaping your own leadership style.

Leader Development (MD201/202): Cadet corporals are enrolled in MD201 and MD202 in the fall and spring terms, respectively, and serve primarily as team leaders. Cadet corporals assume a direct leadership role in the chain of command for the first time. They learn to lead others by exercising responsibility for the professional development of one or two subordinates (cadet privates) while performing as a member of a larger military unit.

Second Year – Cow (Junior)

You’ll take on even greater roles—either training younger cadets during summer or leading real-world missions through Cadet Troop Leader Training (CTLT).

MD300 - Leader Detail (70% of Cows): Cadets must serve in a West Point Leader Detail in either their second class or first class summer. During this detail, cadets can plan, resource, and lead the Cadet Summer Training executed by underclassmen. Evaluations during a West Point Leader Detail include a cadet’s overall performance as a leader, including assigned duties and responsibilities, professional conduct, and physical fitness.

MD400 - Cadet Troop Leader Training (CTLT) (40% of Cows): Cadets spend three weeks embedded with an Operational Unit. The primary objective of CTLT is to provide upper-class cadets with a realistic leadership experience in the Operating Force, enabling cadets to confirm their branch preference while also identifying any remaining developmental needs as they approach commissioning.

First Year – Firstie (Senior)

You’re now a cadet officer, guiding the Corps and preparing for life as a commissioned Army officer. This is where all your training and experience come together.

MD300 - Leader Detail (30% of Firsties): Cadets must serve in a West Point Leader Detail in their second class or first class summer. During this detail, cadets can plan, resource, and lead the cadet Summer Training executed by underclassmen. Evaluations during a West Point Leader Detail include a cadet’s overall performance as a leader, including assigned duties and responsibilities, professional conduct, and physical fitness.

MD400 - Cadet Troop Leader Training (CTLT) (60% of Firsties): Cadets spend three weeks embedded with an Operational Unit. The primary objective of CTLT is to provide upper-class cadets with a realistic leadership experience in the Operating Force, enabling cadets to confirm their branch preference while also identifying any remaining developmental needs as they approach commissioning.

Leader Development (MD401/402): First class cadets are enrolled in MD401 and MD402 in the fall and spring terms, respectively, and serve as cadet officers and command sergeants major, where they learn to lead organizations within the Corps. They serve in leadership positions from platoon leader through brigade commander, and in a variety of staff positions at company through brigade level. They learn to rely upon the performance of others for success.

"Encourage us in our endeavor to live above the common level of life. Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong… Help us to maintain the honor of the Corps untarnished and unsullied and to show forth in our lives the ideals of West Point in doing our duty to Thee and to our Country.”

- Excerpt from the Cadet Prayer

Cadet Community: Built to Last

You’ll be part of a tight-knit company where lifelong friendships form. You’ll support each other through tough training, late-night study sessions, and unforgettable shared experiences. Your company becomes your home, your team, and your family.

Explore the cadet community

Meet the Team That Guides You

Each cadet company is supported by a Tactical Officer and Tactical NCO—together known as a “TAC Team.” These Army professionals are your go-to mentors for leadership, development, and support. They’re part of the Brigade Tactical Department, which helps shape cadets into officers ready to serve with honor.

Learn more about Corps leadership

Join the Team - Become a TAC

A major component of the BTD is "TAC Teams" - the tactical officer and tactical non-commissioned officer pair that is assigned to each of the 36 cadet companies. TAC Teams serve as the primary leader developers/integrators of the academy's developmental programs.

Learn more about tactical officers Learn more about tactical non-commissioned officers