44 FIRSTIE YEAR Purpose of First Class Military Program The final two terms of the West Point Experience provide cadets the opportunity to lead as officers and senior NCOs in the Corps of Cadets before they are commissioned. First-Class cadets will be inspired to achieve professional excellence, are expected to demonstrate foundational military competence, and should demonstrate the courage, character, integrity, grit, and effective leadership expected of a junior officer in accomplishing assignedmissions. Coursework First-Class cadets are enrolled in MX400 Officership in the fall or spring term. MX400, overseen by the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic (SCPME), complements the first three years of cadet education and training by engaging in discussion-based seminars based on the Army’s professional leadership framework of character, competence, and commitment. Its goals and objectives are described in the Gold Book (character development book). MX400 is a relatively new component of the core academic curriculum. Military Development (MD) Grades—First-Class cadets receive one MD grade each for the fall (MD401) and spring (MD402) term and serve as officers and command sergeants major where they learn to lead organizations within the Corps. They serve in leadership positions fromplatoon leader through brigade commander, and in a variety of staff positions at company through brigade level. They learn to rely upon the performance of others for success. Cadet Officers are evaluated by the Cadet Chain of Command and Tactical Officer based on their overall performance as leaders of character in both their individual responsibilities and their Chain of Command duties and responsibilities. TAC teams also evaluate the potential of the cadets to serve as leaders of character.
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