MMA Cadet Leaders Present 2025 JROTC CIP to 3rd Brigade

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, Missouri Military Academy cadet leaders met with United States Army Cadet Command 3rd Brigade inspectors to present a JROTC Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP). After reviewing the Academy's JROTC program last semester to identify areas for improvement, the cadets proposed a plan centered on hosting and organizing JROTC Raiders meets at MMA. In the featured photo above, Cadet Battalion S-1 (Adjutant) Michael Pfeifer presents to the JROTC 3rd Brigade on January 14. 

"Your cadets, as is the usual standard for an MMA cadet, performed very well," said Robert Fischer, one of the 3rd Brigade inspectors, after the visit. "They were prepared, well-rehearsed, and, despite issues due to inclement weather, performed to the usual MMA standard of excellence."

The cadets' CIP outlined a goal timeline, starting with short-term objectives for spring 2025. These included successfully hosting a minor Raider meet at MMA, conducting off-season meets to identify opportunities for improvement, and making necessary adjustments.

Above, Cadet Battalion Sergeant Major Kruze Hagan reviews key points of the CIP with the group.

Intermediate goals for fall 2025 focused on hosting larger Raider meets, perfecting meet logistics, restructuring to prepare for national competitions, and incorporating new elements such as a gauntlet and other structures to align with national standards. The long-term vision involves hosting major Raider meets annually, including the Annual 3rd Brigade Challenge, and fostering community and college involvement.

"The 3rd Brigade visit is vital as it allows the corps to gauge where improvements are needed and how we can further improve everyone's experience at MMA," said Cadet Battalion Commander Mason Brooks '25. "The visit also enables our cadet leaders an immense opportunity to learn how to plan, execute, and review projects, allowing them to grow as leaders and further contribute to the Academy's achievement, which is vital for continuous improvement."

Above, MMA Cadet Battalion Commander Mason Brooks addresses the group.

"Feedback from the 3rd Brigade indicates that our cadets are performing above their peers. They stepped up to the challenge, utilizing the lessons learned in JROTC, and completed their mission," said MMA JROTC Senior Army Instructor MAJ Wayne Welander, USA (Ret). "I am very proud of them."

The MMA Corps of Cadets will conduct an Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) Program of Accreditation (JPA) inspection in May. U.S. Army Cadet Command requires MMA to undergo this inspection every three years, but MMA voluntarily participates in annual inspections to encourage and maintain consistently high standards within the corps.

See more photos from the January 14 presentation on MMA's Flickr account.