Your First Day

As a new student in a new school, there is a lot to learn. First days are always a little daunting, so we want to give you an idea of what it will be like. You will go to registration and meet one of the leaders from your unit. This cadet is a returning student who holds a leadership position. He will guide you through the registration process each step of the way. Once through registration, the leader will take you back to the barracks to introduce you to the unit commander and the counselor. You and your parents will have an opportunity to relax and talk with the counselor to get to know him. Then, another student leader will take you to your room. He will make sure you have everything you need and help you set up your room. Later in the day, you will meet your roommate, and then all new cadets and unit leaders will have a meeting run by the counselor. This will simply be to get to know the fellow members of the unit and some of the upper classmen, and to hear what to expect in the days and year ahead.

Your First Year

The new cadet system is one that emphasizes followership the first year, then leadership in the years after. In your first year here at Culver, you will take a course called “Orientation to Culver.” This class will teach you about the history of Culver, traditions that have been around for many years, etiquette and how to be a follower. This is a very important part of learning how to be a leader. As a new cadet, certain things will be expected of you, such as marching in the hallways of your barracks and greeting the upperclassmen. These are the same responsibilities that every new cadet has done for over a century.

Upon completing the orientation course and military training and maintaining your good citizenship standing in the unit, leaders within the unit will invite you to the Branch Qualification Boards. “Boards,” as they are commonly referred to, is a combination of written and oral exams that test the new cadet’s knowledge of all the information and training they have received up to this point. By passing “boards,” you are no longer considered a new cadet but an official member of the unit, eligible for future rank and promotion. There is a great deal of pride and honor that goes into this process because it is the cadet leaders passing down the traditions they were once taught.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CMA CADET