Malaysian AIAD with NDUM

Cadets Peter Elmlinger '19, Silas Martinez '19, Joy Orr '20 and LTC Jordon Swain (BS&L) travelled to Malaysia for an Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) with the National Military University of Malaysia (NDUM). The AIAD included a visit with US embassy personnel in Kuala Lumpur, survival training in the Malaysian jungle school, and a visit to the U.N. Peace Keeping Center. The West Point Cadets interacted with their Malaysian counterparts in all three branches of service, provided a briefing on the West Point Leader Development System (WPLDS), and even taught blocks of instruction on combatives and survival swimming. The schedule also allowed for experiences in downtown Kuala Lumpur and an excursion to the UNESCO world heritage site in Melaka where cadets learned about the history of the region. The AIAD not only improved cadets' cross-cultural competence but gave them insights into the nature of non-combat missions military leaders face in today's Army. Senior NDUM personnel requested information on PL300: Military Leadership. As they continue to improve their leader development practices at NDUM and expressed their excitement about further involvement in the annual West Point McDonald Conference for Leaders of Character (MCLC). Future AIADs to NDUM will be synched with USAFA and USNA in an attempt to improve the experience even more.