I’m a ‘97 graduate of North Georgia College & State University, and I never commissioned, but chose to go to the civilian world. I have absolutely no regrets going to NGCSU, and would recommend it or any other SMC to anyone, whether you plan on a military career or not. My experience has made me a better person and has instilled in me character, discipline, honor, and integrity that I probably would otherwise not have today. I’m not going to say that it’s made me better than everybody else, but I feel that I have somewhat of an advantage over life than others lacking a fine military education. In many ways, it doesn’t stress me out too much, because I know from past experience that “That which doesn’t kill me only makes me stronger.” I especially feel that it’s helped me become a better father. The civilian world just doesn’t teach honor and integrity, and it doesn’t teach you self-sacrifice and other important virtues that, in my opinion, are necessary for citizenship in a free, democratic society.

I am a sophomore at Norwich, in VT, and I have many friends that have transferred here. I’m assuming your an MS II in Army? If so you would come here as a freshman rook in the Corps of Cadets, however, you would also be an MS III in the Army ROTC Dept and an academic Junior. Hope this helps, let me know if you have any more questions.

As a graduate of the Citadel, I don’t believe my time there molded me into any greater of a man than anyone else. I currently serve in the military and have met outstanding men from all walks of life. I also have many civilians friends from civilian colleges who are some of the most upstanding and successful men I’ve ever met. If I could do it all again, as hind sight is 20/20, I would have made the same choice. But that was what I felt was right for me. You should pursue what calls you.

America consists of diverse cultures, and produces diverse men and women. That is what makes America strong. To each his own! Celebrate that we have the right to make those choices in life.

We do have an ROTC, and cadets are required to participate for the first two years. To quote a former student, “Alot of people when they think of the Corps of Cadets, they think of the physical challenges. The running in the morning, the push-ups, etc. But it’s the mental strength that you gain from those physical challenges, when you think you can’t do one more push-up, when you think you can’t take on one more task because you’re so loaded down. It’s overcoming the barriers that you think exist.”

I, as a cadet, am required to wake up at 0600, go to formation, eat, and clean my room by 0730. I then get academic time to go to class, study, and participate in student activities until 1630. Then is unit training time, follow by dinner at 1800. At 1900, mandatory study begins and lights out is at 2230. With the need to get up so early, and go to bed so early, we have to manage our time well. We can’t be like regular college students and wake up 20 minutes before class, roll out of bed, and run to class. We get up early, so if we have a late class, we have to make use of the time we have.

It’s a different experience. It’s a rewarding one. It’s an experience that requires sacrifice, but in the end, you get alot out of it. Great friends, a great education, and you come out knowing you’re ready to take on the world.

For the detractors here, it is easy to laugh or dismiss a military college (oh, the pretty uniforms, look at the guns, etc) unless you attended one. Go on a tour and talk to some cadets and alumni who succeeded there and in their careers afterward, and then take stock of the lessons they teach you about life.

I don’t suppose you are in G-4, are you?

Great article: I think there is a major lack of awareness and understanding regarding SMC’s; I know I had no idea what they were when I was in highschool.

Joe
USMA 2012

My education at The Citadel was first rate. I can certainly appreciate the opinions of some of the commentators that going to a military college is lame, or doesn’t allow you to “have fun”, etc. However, I had a great time. I’m still friends with everyone from my company. My children refer to each of them as “uncle.”

I would also add that The Citadel still produces gentlemen even though it allows women to attend. In fact, the transition from an all male college to co-ed has provided to opportunity for the young men who attend to prepare themselves for the society that they will be rejoining upon graduation. After all, the real world is co-ed.

Thanks for the comments in support of SMCs, Stephen. Good Luck at The Citadel.

When it is all said and done, nobody else cares. If you want to soldier, join the French Foreign Legion. If you want to see action and fight, join the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The people who enroll here are engaging in their own personal challenges and taking a course different than most of their peers.

I would guess that more than half have military plans or backgrounds that lead them to their choice while others had different reasons (sports, academics, personal). The commissioning rate quoted here is probably low since I believe it applies to military service immediately after graduation and may not include those who join after some civilian time (there are more than a few who do).

Ed VMI’94
USMC enlisted 94-95
USMC officer 95-00

I agree that these are traits that are fostered, but to what end. The integrity and discipline to take orders from your superiors who may have to place you in the middle of hell to fight the enemy and the integrity and discipline to GIVE orders to place men in the middle of hell to fight the enemy. THAT is what the military does, it has to foster something in someone in order to put men in the front line without question.

The problem though is when people from military schools come out into the work force and are surprised when others do not act the way they do, NO SHIT.

I’m sorry that many of you are so anti-military. Those of you making comments about ‘playing soldier’ and troglodytes obviously misunderstand the goals and the realities of military colleges. The two most valuable traits a man can have are integrity and discipline, and these are fostered at military colleges. If you think that is a bad thing, then I just don’t know what to say to you.