How is rank determined among Naval Academy midshipmen?

Can anyone explain how the ranking system works for midshipmen at the Naval Academy? I'm trying to understand if rank affects daily life or responsibilities while attending the academy.

At the U.S. Naval Academy, the student body is organized into a brigade, which is divided into six battalions, each containing five companies. Each company is led by midshipmen officers, with the highest position being the Brigade Commander, who is in charge of the entire student body.

The rank of a midshipman is largely determined by their academic class year, starting with Midshipman Fourth Class (freshmen) and progressing up to Midshipman First Class (seniors). As midshipmen move up in class years, they typically assume roles with more responsibilities.

However, within each class year, there are also positional ranks based on the leadership roles midshipmen hold. These roles can range from squad leaders and company executive officers up to the aforementioned Brigade Commander. Leadership positions are typically held by upperclassmen, with the most senior positions held by Midshipman First Class. Each leadership position comes with its own set of duties and responsibilities which can impact daily life at the academy.

While academic performance, physical fitness, and military performance all contribute to a midshipman's overall standing, the leadership roles they hold within the brigade structure primarily determine their positional rank. Importantly, these leadership positions are an established part of the academy's mission to develop future naval officers, providing real-life leadership experience and practical application of what students learn in the classroom.

Therefore, while rank is tied to a midshipman's year, it is not wholly restrictive, and even lower classmen may have opportunities for leadership roles and extracurricular activities that can significantly impact their Naval Academy experience.