The Academy’s focus on character and leadership development has served and continues to serve as a hallmark of an R-MA education. Providing Cadets the tools to be successful in the classroom and beyond, the Character and Leadership Development Program (CLDP) will focus on self-discipline; holistic health and fitness; emotional resilience; the Code of Conduct and citizenship; drill and etiquette; teamwork: applied and adaptive leadership; and ethical decision-making.
Cadets will receive CLDP training four days a week. This training will consist of mandatory, for credit classes and Cadets will attend classes with their unit, not as a class year. Attending and working as a unit will enable leadership and mentorship opportunities, unit cohesion, common objective setting, and begin to develop an understanding of the importance of good followership skills as essential to effective leadership. During the week each Cadet will follow four tracks: Code of Conduct, Military Courtesy and Drill; Physical Fitness and Wellness; GPS for SUCCESS; and Principles of Leadership.
Cadre Summer Leadership School
Summer Leadership School (SLS) attendees are selected among rising juniors and seniors who are prepared for their assigned leadership positions in the Corps for the upcoming year. Students learn about basic drill instruction, uniform and personal appearance, team building, discipline and respect, honor, and leadership. Many activities include visits to D.C. monuments, visits to military installations or activities, and laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Drill and Ceremonies:
One of the cornerstones of the Randolph-Macon Academy Cadet Corps customs, courtesies, and traditions is our execution of close order drill and ceremonies. These traditions are perpetuated from one generation to the next through constant use and practice. The “esprit de corps” of every cadet has been brought about by their ever-present feeling of pride, not only in their unit, but also in themselves.
The preservation of traditional discipline, our customs and courtesies, and the heritage of our Corps is our duty. It is our further duty to see that the same high standard of discipline and esprit de corps is not only preserved, but also further strengthened. These intangibles must be passed on to the future Cadets who will take their place among the ranks of our Corps.
The object of close drill is to teach Cadets by exercise to obey orders and to do so immediately in the correct way. Close order drill is one foundation of discipline and esprit de corps. Additionally, it is still one of the finest methods for developing confidence and leadership abilities in our subordinate leaders.
Ceremonial duties are written deep into our history as a Corps. It is no coincidence that among the units famous for ceremonial prowess and spit-and-polish showcases the discipline of the unit. Click on the box below to understand more about the Code of Conduct as it pertains to Military Courtesy and Drill.