Do Cadets Outrank Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs)?

The simple answer to the question of whether cadets outrank NCOs is a resounding No, with some important caveats. In military organizations, the rank structure is well-defined, and cadets, who have not yet been commissioned, typically do not outrank NCOs, who hold established ranks and responsibilities within the enlisted ranks.

Understanding the Rank Structure

In most military branches, the rank structure follows a clear hierarchy with officer cadets at the beginning of the career path and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) holding more senior enlisted positions. Officer cadets are considered trainees and have not yet been formally commissioned as officers. NCOs, on the other hand, hold positions that involve substantial leadership and responsibility. This typically means that NCOs have more authority and experience than cadets.

The Reality of Officer Cadet Status

As highlighted by various experiences and military regulations, the status of an officer cadet is fundamentally different from that of an NCO. In fact, officer cadets do not hold a military rank in the traditional sense until they have successfully completed their training and been commissioned. During their training, they do not outrank NCOs in any capacity. For instance, an officer cadet, even if actively participating in training, is not considered to be of a higher rank than an NCO. This is in line with the principles of military protocol.

Historical and Training Perspective

Personal accounts, such as those from individuals who have served as NCOs and trained cadets, provide further insight into the relationship between cadets and NCOs. For example, an E-4 (corporal) who trained ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) cadets in 1967 had several instances where cadets performed drills (e.g., "drop and give me 20") for various infractions. Notably, none of the cadets claimed to outrank the E-4. This experience, combined with the historical context of military regulations, confirms that at no point do cadets hold the authority of NCOs.

Formal Regulations and Military Protocol

The military's official regulations, particularly those outlined in Title 10 of the United States Code (10 USC), are clear on this matter. According to Title 10, the status of a cadet is forfeit until they graduate and are commissioned as officers. This means that if a cadet is not actively serving and does not graduate, they may be discharged. Even if a cadet is serving, they are usually required to revert to their previous rank upon conclusion of the training program. If a cadet successfully graduates and is commissioned, their rank and seniority are established at that moment, allowing them to outrank enlisted and warrant officers.

Rank and Pay Structure

It is also worth noting that, while cadets often receive a stipend to cover expenses like laundry and haircuts, this is not a military salary but rather a reimbursement for costs incurred during their training. Cadets do not receive a formal pay grade or rank until they are commissioned. This distinguishes them from NCOs, who have both a rank and a pay grade.

Conclusion

In summary, officer cadets do not outrank NCOs in the military hierarchy. The status of an officer cadet is defined by their training and future commissioning, while NCOs hold established ranks and responsibilities. Understandably, this structure can vary slightly between different military branches, but the overarching principle of rank and seniority holds true.