![Battalion Commander Bradley Thumbi]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1689182486/missourimilitaryacademyorg/kotuxfoymzinj7bnrc2k/Thumbi-2-M.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1689182486/missourimilitaryacademyorg/kotuxfoymzinj7bnrc2k/Thumbi-2-M.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1689182486/missourimilitaryacademyorg/kotuxfoymzinj7bnrc2k/Thumbi-2-M.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1689182486/missourimilitaryacademyorg/kotuxfoymzinj7bnrc2k/Thumbi-2-M.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1689182486/missourimilitaryacademyorg/kotuxfoymzinj7bnrc2k/Thumbi-2-M.png","width":1365}])
Name: Bradley Thumbi
Rank: Battalion Commander, Fusileer Color Guard Commander
Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya
At MMA Since: September 2020
Activities at MMA: Football, soccer, Fusileers drill team, Color Guard, track, Boy Scouts, Triumph Program, Lunch Buddies, Ambassador
Favorite book: “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins
Hobbies: Reading and hanging out with family and friends.
Favorite class: My favorite class at MMA was Chemistry with Mrs. Briggs because she was a very caring teacher and loves to do what she does.
Favorite food in mess hall: Biscuits and gravy with the side of chicken
Plans after graduation: To attend a United States service academy, commission into the military and serve as an officer in the armed forces.
Why did you enroll at MMA? I enrolled at Missouri Military Academy because of COVID. MMA was one of the only schools still open during the pandemic and I needed to be at an in-person school. The other reason I enrolled at MMA was because this school would help achieve my goals of attending a service academy.
Why do you now attend MMA? I now attend Missouri Military Academy because of my brothers here at the Academy and to help them strive to achieve greatness.
What is the most important thing you have learned so far at MMA? The most important thing I have learned is to keep trying. Life is filled with obstacles, and it is up to you to overcome them. Also, your MMA brothers are family, so you always have a shoulder to lean on.
What advice do you have for new cadets? New cadets — life is tough and nothing will ever be handed to you, so strive for what you want. It’s up to you to determine how far you will go. Remember, listening is a skill that requires attention rather than talent.
The battalion commander assumes full responsibility for everything in the corps that is inherent in command. This includes employing staff and commanders to plan, develop, and execute key corps events, such as room inspections, physical training, company competitions, activities calendar, and more; enforcing cadet standards of conduct, including appearance, barracks cleanliness, and traditions; and ensuring all cadets strictly follow the cadet chain of command, including supervising other cadet leadership and conducting weekly cadet staff meetings.
The battalion commander also ensures all members of the corps have an opportunity to develop leadership experience corresponding with their individual abilities, and recommends cadets promotions, demotions, and awards.
Battalion commanders receive and act on guidance from the Commandant of Cadets and keep him informed about general trends involving cadet training, leader development, discipline, morale, health and welfare, concerns, suggestions, problems, and safety. He also serves as the senior member of the cadet honor council.