“The Civilian-Military Experience”: Army civilians get sneak peek into cadets' training world

By Maj. Ian Kent Character Education Officer, Simon Center for the Professional Military EthicSeptember 6, 2023

The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors...
1 / 16 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors from the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic and Character Integration Advisory Group, participants lived under a regimen of military instruction and discipline with assigned leadership roles. They participated in events such as the Leader Reaction Course, warrior tasks and drills, Army profession classes, land navigation, patrol base activities, an “Inspiration to Serve” cemetery tour and the Water Confidence Course. This event increased participants’ connection to the Army profession, facilitated an appreciation of cadet life, provided context to their role in developing leaders of character, and fostered connections across the installation. (Photo Credit: Christopher Hennen) VIEW ORIGINAL
The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors...
2 / 16 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors from the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic and Character Integration Advisory Group, participants lived under a regimen of military instruction and discipline with assigned leadership roles. They participated in events such as the Leader Reaction Course, warrior tasks and drills, Army profession classes, land navigation, patrol base activities, an “Inspiration to Serve” cemetery tour and the Water Confidence Course. This event increased participants’ connection to the Army profession, facilitated an appreciation of cadet life, provided context to their role in developing leaders of character, and fostered connections across the installation. (Photo Credit: (U.S. Army Photo by John Pellino/USMA)) VIEW ORIGINAL
The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors...
3 / 16 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors from the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic and Character Integration Advisory Group, participants lived under a regimen of military instruction and discipline with assigned leadership roles. They participated in events such as the Leader Reaction Course, warrior tasks and drills, Army profession classes, land navigation, patrol base activities, an “Inspiration to Serve” cemetery tour and the Water Confidence Course. This event increased participants’ connection to the Army profession, facilitated an appreciation of cadet life, provided context to their role in developing leaders of character, and fostered connections across the installation. (Photo Credit: Christopher Hennen) VIEW ORIGINAL
Civilian staff, faculty and coaches take part in the Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX). CivMX offers participants the opportunity to experience an immersive 3-day field training exercise that mimics cadet life and training. Led by SCPME...
4 / 16 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Civilian staff, faculty and coaches take part in the Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX). CivMX offers participants the opportunity to experience an immersive 3-day field training exercise that mimics cadet life and training. Led by SCPME mentors, participants gain appreciation for the rigors and challenges faced by the cadets they will mentor. CivMX is held at Camp Buckner, West Point, NY, June 7-9, 2023. (U.S. Army photo by Christopher Hennen, USMA) (Photo Credit: Christopher Hennen) VIEW ORIGINAL
The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors...
5 / 16 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors from the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic and Character Integration Advisory Group, participants lived under a regimen of military instruction and discipline with assigned leadership roles. They participated in events such as the Leader Reaction Course, warrior tasks and drills, Army profession classes, land navigation, patrol base activities, an “Inspiration to Serve” cemetery tour and the Water Confidence Course. This event increased participants’ connection to the Army profession, facilitated an appreciation of cadet life, provided context to their role in developing leaders of character, and fostered connections across the installation. (Photo Credit: (U.S. Army Photo by John Pellino/USMA)) VIEW ORIGINAL
The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors...
6 / 16 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors from the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic and Character Integration Advisory Group, participants lived under a regimen of military instruction and discipline with assigned leadership roles. They participated in events such as the Leader Reaction Course, warrior tasks and drills, Army profession classes, land navigation, patrol base activities, an “Inspiration to Serve” cemetery tour and the Water Confidence Course. This event increased participants’ connection to the Army profession, facilitated an appreciation of cadet life, provided context to their role in developing leaders of character, and fostered connections across the installation. (Photo Credit: (U.S. Army Photo by John Pellino/USMA)) VIEW ORIGINAL
The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors...
7 / 16 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors from the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic and Character Integration Advisory Group, participants lived under a regimen of military instruction and discipline with assigned leadership roles. They participated in events such as the Leader Reaction Course, warrior tasks and drills, Army profession classes, land navigation, patrol base activities, an “Inspiration to Serve” cemetery tour and the Water Confidence Course. This event increased participants’ connection to the Army profession, facilitated an appreciation of cadet life, provided context to their role in developing leaders of character, and fostered connections across the installation. (Photo Credit: Maj. Ian Kent Character Education Officer/SCPME) VIEW ORIGINAL
8 / 16 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors...
9 / 16 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors from the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic and Character Integration Advisory Group, participants lived under a regimen of military instruction and discipline with assigned leadership roles. They participated in events such as the Leader Reaction Course, warrior tasks and drills, Army profession classes, land navigation, patrol base activities, an “Inspiration to Serve” cemetery tour and the Water Confidence Course. This event increased participants’ connection to the Army profession, facilitated an appreciation of cadet life, provided context to their role in developing leaders of character, and fostered connections across the installation. (Photo Credit: Maj. Ian Kent Character Education Officer/SCPME) VIEW ORIGINAL
The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors...
10 / 16 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors from the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic and Character Integration Advisory Group, participants lived under a regimen of military instruction and discipline with assigned leadership roles. They participated in events such as the Leader Reaction Course, warrior tasks and drills, Army profession classes, land navigation, patrol base activities, an “Inspiration to Serve” cemetery tour and the Water Confidence Course. This event increased participants’ connection to the Army profession, facilitated an appreciation of cadet life, provided context to their role in developing leaders of character, and fostered connections across the installation. (Photo Credit: Maj. Ian Kent Character Education Officer/SCPME) VIEW ORIGINAL
The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors...
11 / 16 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors from the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic and Character Integration Advisory Group, participants lived under a regimen of military instruction and discipline with assigned leadership roles. They participated in events such as the Leader Reaction Course, warrior tasks and drills, Army profession classes, land navigation, patrol base activities, an “Inspiration to Serve” cemetery tour and the Water Confidence Course. This event increased participants’ connection to the Army profession, facilitated an appreciation of cadet life, provided context to their role in developing leaders of character, and fostered connections across the installation. (Photo Credit: Maj. Ian Kent Character Education Officer/SCPME) VIEW ORIGINAL
The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors...
12 / 16 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors from the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic and Character Integration Advisory Group, participants lived under a regimen of military instruction and discipline with assigned leadership roles. They participated in events such as the Leader Reaction Course, warrior tasks and drills, Army profession classes, land navigation, patrol base activities, an “Inspiration to Serve” cemetery tour and the Water Confidence Course. This event increased participants’ connection to the Army profession, facilitated an appreciation of cadet life, provided context to their role in developing leaders of character, and fostered connections across the installation. (Photo Credit: Christopher Hennen) VIEW ORIGINAL
The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors...
13 / 16 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors from the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic and Character Integration Advisory Group, participants lived under a regimen of military instruction and discipline with assigned leadership roles. They participated in events such as the Leader Reaction Course, warrior tasks and drills, Army profession classes, land navigation, patrol base activities, an “Inspiration to Serve” cemetery tour and the Water Confidence Course. This event increased participants’ connection to the Army profession, facilitated an appreciation of cadet life, provided context to their role in developing leaders of character, and fostered connections across the installation. (Photo Credit: Christopher Hennen) VIEW ORIGINAL
The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors...
14 / 16 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors from the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic and Character Integration Advisory Group, participants lived under a regimen of military instruction and discipline with assigned leadership roles. They participated in events such as the Leader Reaction Course, warrior tasks and drills, Army profession classes, land navigation, patrol base activities, an “Inspiration to Serve” cemetery tour and the Water Confidence Course. This event increased participants’ connection to the Army profession, facilitated an appreciation of cadet life, provided context to their role in developing leaders of character, and fostered connections across the installation. (Photo Credit: Christopher Hennen) VIEW ORIGINAL
The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors...
15 / 16 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX) was a three-day, two-night immersive Cadet Summer Training opportunity for 19 Army civilian staff, faculty and coaches from across the U.S. Military Academy from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. Led by instructors from the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic and Character Integration Advisory Group, participants lived under a regimen of military instruction and discipline with assigned leadership roles. They participated in events such as the Leader Reaction Course, warrior tasks and drills, Army profession classes, land navigation, patrol base activities, an “Inspiration to Serve” cemetery tour and the Water Confidence Course. This event increased participants’ connection to the Army profession, facilitated an appreciation of cadet life, provided context to their role in developing leaders of character, and fostered connections across the installation. (Photo Credit: Christopher Hennen) VIEW ORIGINAL
Civilian staff, faculty and coaches take part in the Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX). CivMX offers participants the opportunity to experience an immersive 3-day field training exercise that mimics cadet life and training. Led by SCPME...
16 / 16 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Civilian staff, faculty and coaches take part in the Civilian-Military Experience (CivMX). CivMX offers participants the opportunity to experience an immersive 3-day field training exercise that mimics cadet life and training. Led by SCPME mentors, participants gain appreciation for the rigors and challenges faced by the cadets they will mentor. CivMX is held at Camp Buckner, West Point, NY, June 7-9, 2023. (U.S. Army photo by Christopher Hennen, USMA) (Photo Credit: Christopher Hennen) VIEW ORIGINAL

After ascending a 75-foot ladder, a camouflaged individual looks out into the mountainous valley surrounding Lake Popolopen, and while his teammates cheer him on, the trainee embarks on his 15-second-high speed ride splashing into the cool lake water during the “Slide for Life” at the U.S. Military Academy.

This event, according to West Point Range Operations, is designed to “instill confidence in a trainee’s mental and physical abilities” and is an academy requirement for all cadets to graduate. It also represented the final training evolution for “The Civilian-Military Experience,” or CivMX.

Nineteen Army civilian volunteers, led by three military officers and one civilian instructor, conducted three days and two nights of military training from June 7-9 at Camp Buckner. This experience immersed the participants in military life, connected them to the Army profession, and forged cohesive bonds across the installation.

CivMX offered these Army civilians a unique 56-hour military opportunity. Professional titles like doctor or coach were replaced with alphanumeric roster numbers (e.g., C08).

They relied on each other during the Leader Reaction Course, learned basic land navigation and provided a collective security perimeter for their patrol base. Other basic Soldier tasks such firing a weapon, use of formations and employing the chain of command familiarized these Army civilians with other facets of Army life. These volunteers experienced a taste of the team-oriented culture of the Army, while also learning about the profession of arms.

CivMX reinforced to the participants that they are a critical component to the Army profession. According to Army Doctrine Publication 6-22, “The Army profession is a trusted vocation of Soldiers and Army civilians…”

Instructors from the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic led discussions on the characteristics of the Army profession, including honorable service, trust, stewardship, esprit de corps and military expertise.

Participants also examined their oath of office and explored other subjects like mission command, multi-domain operations and critical thinking. Additionally, the Army civilians toured the West Point Cemetery to observe the inherent sacrifices and risks of the profession. These discussions highlighted that each member could simultaneously serve as a leader, follower and teammate and facilitated trust within the group.

CivMX fostered strong, cohesive bonds among entities on West Point. Professors from the Department of Chemical and Mechanical Engineering, assistant coaches from the Army West Point women’s basketball team, and surgery technicians from Keller Army Community Hospital were just three of the 12 organizations represented.

These connections underscored the significant role all Army civilians at West Point have in developing leaders of character over a cadet’s 47-month experience. This team dynamic manifested in laughter and camaraderie at the “Victory Social” as participants recounted their shared hardships and triumphs.

CivMX produced several positive outcomes for both USMA and the 19 Army civilian volunteers. The civilians can now better relate this immersive military experience to their respective disciplines, are more connected to the Army profession, and have forged a cohesive network of teammates across the installation. One recent graduate summed up his personal development through the training by stating “CivMX has been, without question, the best three days of my time at West Point. All Army installations would benefit from an event like CivMX. It cements the importance of our Army civilians to ‘Be All You Can Be’ as they contribute to the Army’s mission, ‘to deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars.’”