The G5 Office of Policy, Strategic Planning and Assessment supports the Superintendent and the command group in formulating and articulating USMA policies and programs; provides analysis in support of the decision-making process; conducts strategic planning; assesses the effectiveness of the Military Academy in accomplishing its mission; and documents command decisions and major events for the historical record.

G5 is composed of three branches: a Policy & Stretegic Planning branch, an Institutional Research & Assessment branch, and the USMA Historian.

G5 is the focal point for the Cadet Leadership Development System or CLDS. The Cadet Leader Development System (CLDS) is West Point’s framework for developing leaders of character for the Army. CLDS aligns the many activities and guides them in a common purpose: to prepare cadets for a professional career as commissioned Army officers. Serving as a commissioned officer requires competence and good character. CLDS is explicitly designed to develop both components; moreover, it seeks to inspire cadets to the profession of arms and a desire for an Army career.

Branching - Every year, West Point assigns each First Class (senior) cadet a branch in which they will serve in the Army. Branches are assigned based upon the needs of the Army and cadet preferences. The Department of Military Instruction, in coordination
with the USMA Office of Strategic Planning, Policy, and Assessment, and the Brigade Tactical Department, oversees the process. In the fall of senior year, First Class cadets submit their branch preferences. Branches are assigned based on class standing (Cadet Performance Rank or CPR) and the needs of the Army. The Army sets ceilings and floors on the number of West Point cadets that may be assigned to each branch.

G5 produces the annual USMA Assessment Report. Department of Defense (DOD) Directive, 1322.22, requires an annual report concerning the current and anticipated status of Academy programs, operations, facilities, resources, staff and faculty, candidates, and cadets. This report documents the major events, significant trends, and mission accomplishment in the Fiscal Year (FY), of the United States Military Academy (USMA) and the United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS).

G5 reviews proposed USMA policy memoranda.