Cadet sergeants serve in NCO positions to include: squad leader, platoon sergeant, first sergeant, and command sergeant major. They also serve in a variety of staff sergeant positions at the company, battalion, and regimental level. Cadet sergeants lead through subordinate leaders; that is, they lead small military units in which they exercise responsibility for other members through their influence upon subordinate leaders. They set the example for subordinates by the establishment, attainment, and maintenance of sound goals, standards of behavior, and values in concert with the guidance of the chain of command. Cadet sergeants develop team leaders in such a fashion as to foster teamwork, devotion to excellence, and concern for the subordinate. They support the policies of the chain of command and appointed leaders. Cadet sergeants continue to strive for personal excellence in each of the three developmental programs. Areas of responsibility include:
(1) Learning the role of the NCO in a military unit and following the orders, policies, and decisions of cadet NCO's and cadet officers in the chain of command.
(2) Exercising effective influence in a small military unit through direct influence on intermediate leaders; practicing the Principles of Leader-Subordinate Relationships.
(3) Setting an example of leadership worthy of emulation by all subordinates.
(4) Understanding the Values Education System (Honor and Respect code) in the context of the professional military ethic and moral reasoning and learning.
(5) Teaching/training others in fundamental skills and knowledge of the soldier-cadet.
(6) Learning the role of platoon leader.
(7) As a staff sergeant, supporting the unit and chain of command in routine operations and accomplishing specific goals.
(8) Leading others in physical development programs.
Cadet sergeants are evaluated by their cadet chain of command and tactical NCO. Evaluation is based on performance data within the framework of the Leader Characteristics. The sources of this data include academic instructors, team coaches, club officer-in-charge, and other members of the staff and faculty who observe cadets in different situations. The cadet sergeant is assigned a MD grade for MD301. There is an expectation of improved performance during MD302 based on lessons learned during MD301 and an increased
understanding and inculcation of what is expected within the framework of the Leader Characteristics.
