Cadet officers learn to lead organizations within the Corps down to platoon level through their personal influence upon both a chain of command and staff. They serve in leadership positions from platoon through brigade level. They also serve in a variety of staff positions at company through brigade level. They learn that success as a leader is based on the performance of the unit. They demonstrate their capacity to exercise personal self-discipline in the absence of close supervision. Additionally, they are responsible for the development of cadet NCO's and for setting the example for all subordinates by establishing, attaining, maintaining, and exhibiting sound goals, standards of behavior, and values within the organization. They are responsible for developing subordinates in such a fashion as to foster teamwork, cohesion, and the desire to excel in all areas of endeavor; and to foster cooperation among cadet officers, while supporting and reinforcing policies/decisions of higher levels in the cadet chain of command. Cadet officers are evaluated by the cadet chain of command and tactical officer. Evaluation is based on performance data within the framework of the Leader Characteristics. The sources of this data include academic instructors, team coaches, club officers-in-charge, and other members of the staff and faculty who observe cadets in different situations. The cadet receives a MD grade for MD401. There is an expectation of improved performance during MD402 based on lessons learned during MD401 and an increased understanding and inculcation of what is expected within the framework of the Leader Characteristics.
