Leadership Development Assessment Course (LDAC)

LDAC puts each Cadet through 32 days of intense individual, squad and platoon-level training to assess leadership potential. Cadets are measured against 23 leadership criteria such as: physical stamina, technical competence, delegation, decisiveness, and problem analysis. Instruction and evaluation at LDAC is progressive, building on individual skills like the Army Physical Fitness Test, basic rifle marksmanship, land navigation, and Individual Tactical Training.

The LDAC also allows Cadets to meet other students from across the country and work with them as a team. This is one of their greatest challenges at LDAC and also one of its best facets. By consolidating LDAC into one nationwide event in 1997, Cadet Command has been able to ensure standardized training and evaluation for all ROTC Cadets.

LDAC training committees employ active-duty Soldiers from Fort Lewis and Army Reserve and National Guard units from across the country to instruct Cadets in such skills as automatic weapons operation, calling for fire using field artillery assets, and small unit tactics.

Cadets face squad and platoon level situational training exercises which involve carefully evaluated missions, such as conducting an ambush, reacting to sniper fire, or performing a reconnaissance patrol.

Throughout LDAC, leadership positions are constantly rotated as each Cadet is monitored closely by committee members. Cadet Command staff, who conduct most of the training and evaluations, are Officers and senior NCOs who teach military science subjects on college campuses, nationwide. Once the Cadets finish LDAC, many may choose to attend Airborne or Air Assault School or go to a Cadet Troop Leadership Training assignments to gain additional experience.