Leader Developement and Assessment Course (LDAC)

The Leadership Developement and Assessment Course is the single most important block of training in the career of the US Army ROTC cadet. It is often the first exposure to the Active Army and it is the only arena where cadets from various college campuses undergo a common, high quality training experience.

The Leadership Developement and Assessment Course is an intensive 5-week training experience, held during the summer at Fort Lewis, Washington. It is intentionally tough and introduces stress. The days are long with considerable night training and no days off - in short, a tough camp. Throughout the five weeks cadets encounter physical and mental obstacles that challenge them as a person, soldier, and leader. Cadets gain self-confidence through accomplishment of tough training. Platoon competition develops collective cohesion from individual performance.

Training at camp uses small unit tactical training as the vehicle for evaluation cadet potential to server as a commissioned officer.

Training is sequenced at LDAC in a logical, building-block manner. The cadet regiments report to camp on separate dates. This "tiered" approach allows an ideal flow of training, which is maintained for each cycle. The training covers the basic military skills that are needed for the tactical exercises at individual and squad levels. Training culminates with tactics instruction at the platoon level.

Evaluation is constant and begins shortly after the cadet arrives. The tactical officers and NCOs advise, coach, and ultimately, render an official evaluation of the cadet's potential to serve as an officer.

Many cadets follow LDAC with additional training through Cadet Professional Development Training (CPDT).

Training requirements for LDAC are located in Cadet Command Regulation 145-3, Precommissioning Training and Leadership Development and the U.S. Army Advance Camp Program of Instructions.

For more information about the Leaders Developement and Assessment Course, visit the United States Army Cadet Command Headquarters, or the Fort Lewis Homepage.