Train Like a Soldier. Lead Like an Officer.

Military Training at West Point: Where Leadership Is Forged Through Action

Train Like a Soldier. Lead Like an Officer.

Military Training at West Point: Where Leadership Is Forged Through Action

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Challenge Yourself. Lead Others. Become Army Strong.

At West Point, military training isn’t just part of the experience—it’s the core of becoming a leader of character in the U.S. Army. From the first day of Cadet Basic Training through advanced summer missions and field exercises, you’ll learn what it means to serve, lead, and succeed under pressure. With every challenge you take on—whether you're mastering land navigation, leading a patrol, or rappelling down a cliff—you’ll be building the skills, confidence, and grit required to lead America’s soldiers..

Learn more about the U.S. Corps of Cadets (USCC) Learn more about USCC Leadership

Cadet Summer Training: Building Leaders Year by Year

Cadet Summer Training (CST) is where classroom lessons meet real-world leadership. Each summer at West Point brings new challenges and opportunities to grow—from learning basic soldier skills to leading tactical missions. With each year, you’ll be expected to do more, lead more, and be more. CST prepares you for your future as an Army officer—by putting you in the boots of one.

Cadet life begins with Cadet Basic Training, where civilians become cadets. You’ll push yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally as you learn to shoot, march, navigate, and think like a soldier. You’ll also build your first leadership muscles by working as a team and learning to trust your classmates.

Highlights:

  • Rifle marksmanship & land navigation
  • Mountaineering, CBRN training, and live-fire drills
  • The famous 12-mile March Back to West Point
  • The Cadet Oath and the values of Honor, Duty, and Integrity

By the end of CBT, you won’t just be ready for academic life—you’ll be ready to lead.

View all CBT photos on West Point FLICKR

Now it’s time to step up. As a Yearling, you’ll take on Cadet Field Training, where you practice leading in the field while sharpening your soldier skills. You'll conduct small-unit missions, learn to lead under stress, and start thinking like a noncommissioned officer (NCO).

Highlights:

  • Tactical field operations & live exercises
  • Warrior Ethos training: grit, courage, and resilience
  • Field survival, team leadership, and fitness under pressure
  • The March Back from Buckner Training Area

This is where you prove you can lead from the front—no matter the conditions.

View all CFT photos on West Point FLICKR

CLDT is the capstone of your leadership training. Whether you’re a Cow selected early or a Firstie preparing to commission, this course puts you in the driver’s seat of tactical leadership. You'll lead platoon-level operations in complex environments and be tested on your decision-making, communication, and ability to inspire under pressure.

Highlights:

  • Lead in live-action combat simulations
  • Practice real Army Troop Leading Procedures (TLPs)
  • Get evaluated on how you lead under stress
  • Work with Army officers and NCOs as mentors and graders

This is what it means to be ready to lead soldiers from day one.

View all CLDT photos on West Point FLICKR
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Run Back 2024

Mountaineering

CRBN

CFT 2024

CFT Exercise

CLDT 2024

Go Even Further: Cadet Advanced Training (CAT)

Want to take your training to the next level? Cadets can apply for elite summer schools and training with U.S. and foreign forces. These once-in-a-lifetime opportunities push your physical and mental limits and set you apart as a future Army leader.

Opportunities Include:

  • Airborne School (Parachuting)
  • Air Assault School (Helicopter operations)
  • Combat Diver Qualification Course
  • International exchanges (Chile, Georgia, and more)

Explore military enrichment opportunities
Commandant of Cadets

The Commandant of Cadets leads the Military Program—ensuring every cadet develops the character, discipline, and skills of an Army officer.

Meet the Commandant
Department of Military Instruction

The Department of Military Instruction (DMI) runs the courses, training, and strategy behind your leadership development—bringing in real-world Army knowledge and cutting-edge tactics.

Explore DMI
Brigade Tactical Department (BTD)

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.

Explore BTD