The Corps of Cadets at New Mexico Military Institute has its own chain of command which is responsible to the Commandant of Cadets and his staff. He and his staff are responsible to the Superintendent for the organization, control, discipline, training, health and welfare of the Corps of Cadets. The Corps of Cadets is organized as a regiment of cavalry, emanating from the school's cavalry tradition. The regiment consists of three squadrons. Each squadron has five troops with two platoons of three to four squads each.
All cadet officers are college cadets.
College cadets entering the Corps of Cadets for the first time are new cadets for one semester. College new cadets receive yearling status at the completion of one semester and old cadet status with the completion of one year. The new cadet environment is stressful, formal, strict and just. All cadets are held strictly accountable for their actions. The Corps of Cadets has an honor system and strives to instill in every cadet the highest standards of personal integrity.