Join the Brigade Tactical Department Team!

The Tactical NCO and MS Instructor/Writer are the first NCOs that a future officer will contact. They must exemplify the highest standards of the NCO Corps, as they will have great influence over a cadet’s development to live honorably, lead honorably, and demonstrate excellence for years to come. They must be in the top 15% of the NCO Corps.

Tactical NCO and MS Instructor/Writer positions are extremely competitive based on the level of responsibility and operational tempo of their duties surrounding a cadet’s life at West Point.  All prospective candidates are screened against the enlisted manning cycle marketplace. All Tactical NCOs selected have promotion potential and have been successful platoon sergeants. Tactical NCOs return to the Army ready to serve as First Sergeants.

What does a Tactical Non-Commissioned Officer do?

The Tactical Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) serves as a pivotal figure within the United States Military Academy and the United States Corps of Cadets, central to the integration and enforcement of standards and discipline at the Cadet Company level. This position is instrumental in shaping the military training, accountability, and development of future Army leaders, emphasizing the critical Officer/NCO relationship. Some of their major responsibilities are highlighted below: ​

• Standards and Discipline:​

  • Serve as the primary integrator of standards and discipline within the Cadet Company, ensuring adherence to the Army Values and standards.​

  • Uphold and enforce military regulations, fostering a culture of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.​

• Officer/NCO Relationship:​

  • Mentor and guide Cadet Officers in understanding the vital dynamics of the Officer/NCO relationship, emphasizing mutual respect, effective communication, and collaborative leadership.​

  • Facilitate joint training opportunities for Cadet Officers and NCOs to enhance teamwork and cohesion.​

• Military Training and Development:​

  • Spearhead the training and development of cadets in the Art and Science of military leadership.​

  • Conduct regular training sessions focused on tactical skills, small-unit tactics, and leadership principles.​

  • Foster an environment that encourages critical thinking, adaptability, and quick decision-making in challenging scenarios.​

• Mentoring and Evaluation:​

  • Provide mentorship to Cadet NCOs, guiding them in their roles and responsibilities.​

  • Conduct regular evaluations to assess the performance and progress of Cadet NCOs, providing constructive feedback and developmental support.​

• Enforcement of Army Values:​

  • Instill a deep understanding of Army Values and ethical standards among cadets.​

  • Lead by example in demonstrating the highest standards of integrity, loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, and personal courage.​

• Company-Level Leadership:​

• Ensure all Cadets are fostering a positive and inclusive environment.​

• Collaborate with Cadet Officers to develop and execute plans for company-level events, activities, and training.​

What does a Military Science (M/S) Instructor/Writer do?

The Military Science (M/S) Instructor/Writer at the United States Military Academy provides college accredited instructions on small unit tactics to over 100 West Point cadets and foreign exchange cadets from ~12 different countries; develops the cadet’s ability to make sound tactical plans and timely decision making in challenging and stressful environment; plans, resources and executes course lessons, tactical decision exercises and field training events for more than 1,400 cadets.

What are the development opportunities in these positions?

Tactical NCOs and MS Instructor/Writers have the opportunity to attend the Benavidez Leader Development Program (BLDP).  BLDP is a full-time, 3-week executive education program in Organizational Psychology and Leadership Development delivered at USMA for week 1 and at Columbia University (Teachers College) for the following two weeks. 

Additionally, NCOs are also provided opportunities to attend military schools in the summer and college courses while at West Point during off duty hours. Educational advancement is highly encouraged for all Tactical NCOs.  Mount St. Mary’s College, Long Island University, St. Thomas Aquinas, and online agencies all offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs through West Point's Educational Center. 

Benavidez Leader Development Program (BLDP)

The Benavidez Leader Development Program (BLDP) is an executive education leader development program designed to educate USMA’s Cadet Company Tactical Non-Commissioned Officers so that they are prepared to educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets, and to prepare the TAC NCOs to excel as senior NCOs at the tactical, operational and strategic levels of our Army.
 
The Purpose of BLDP: 

To provide each USMA Cadet Company Tactical Non-Commissioned Officer (TAC NCO) world-class executive-education experience in organizational leadership to:

• Prepare them to better develop, educate, lead, and train their cadet companies
• Prepare them to better develop, lead, and train their future Army companies, battalions, brigades, and above
• Align them conceptually with the education of their partner Tactical Officers
• Provide them with a world-class educational experience commensurate with the US Army NCO Corps’ remarkable dedication and service
• Bridge the civil-military divide by immersion in the environment at Teacher’s College, Columbia University  

For more information please contact:
MSG Donald Seidle, 845-938-2113