The Military System

During their first year, cadets participate in the New Cadet system, which places a strong emphasis on self-discipline, honorable behavior, respect, attention to detail, responsibility, accountability, and followership. New Cadets learn to take care of themselves, become meaningful members of their units and are evaluated within their units on their followership performance as well as their future leadership potential. The New Cadet experience culminates when the cadets pass their Branch Qualification Boards, an individual endeavor consisting of performance-oriented and knowledge-based assessments designed to certify they have learned the military system’s fundamentals and are ready to progress to the next stage of their development as leaders.

After branch qualification, cadets are are considered official members of the unit and eligible to participate in the CMA leadership system as leaders. Culver Military Academy uses multiple rotations among cadets – called “makes” – to provide developmental and growth opportunities for branch-qualified cadets.

Please note: A cadet is considered a New Cadet regardless of his class position upon enrollment. For example, if a cadet enters Culver Military Academy in what would be his junior year, he is considered a new cadet until his successful completion of the Branch Qualification Boards process. From that point, he will be positioned within his school year class.

Cadets continue to learn and take care of themselves, while also being assigned to official positions of leadership. They can be assigned one or more New Cadets to lead, to help the New Cadets being their journey, working as a team leader. They can be assigned as unit clerks, guidon bearers, and other auxiliary positions within the unit. Additionally, they can seek a position in an honor organization. 

From the lessons learned in the classroom and residential life setting, cadets are prepared, and expected, to assume responsibility for others. Cadets begin influencing the day-to-day operations of the Corps, assisting with maintaining the discipline of the unit and the completion of daily tasks and reports. Additionally, cadets serve as squad leaders and other positions in the unit.

The culmination of Culver's system sees first classmen taking responsibility for the military system. The lesson is one of service leadership. A First Class Cadet may be appointed to leadership positions such as Platoon Leader, Unit Commander, or the top billet of Regimental Commander. These cadets in top leadership positions report to the Commandant and military staff and are responsible for maintaining the standards and discipline of the corps.