A Transformative Achievement: MMA Cadets Conquer the 2025 Spring Crucible

On Friday, March 14, 2025, qualifying new Missouri Military Academy (MMA) cadets completed the Crucible, one of MMA’s most revered traditions and an important rite of passage.

The Crucible is a capstone event that every cadet must face, signifying the culmination of their maroon phase training. When they fulfill the maroon phase requirements, cadets earn their coveted hat brass and black shoulder boards, symbols of their official rank as full members of the MMA Corps of Cadets.

"I am incredibly proud of our cadets for their resilience and determination," said MMA President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret.). "The Crucible is more than a test of physical endurance — it proves to cadets they can persevere and the value of teamwork. Pushing past their perceived limits and supporting each other through challenge, they find inner strength that will not only guide them through MMA graduation but throughout their lives as leaders."

The day begins before sunrise with a physical training (PT) test, consisting of push-ups, sit-ups and a one-mile run. Following the PT test, cadets embark on a six-mile hike across MMA’s back campus. At the halfway point, they must carry one cadet on a stretcher for the remaining miles — a symbolic act representing the MMA brotherhood, where no cadet is left behind.

After the hike, cadets take on a three-mile obstacle trail run, featuring 16 challenges, before moving to Flanagan Field for a paintball battle. This tactical exercise demonstrates their ability to work together as a unit. Next, cadets complete a half-mile rope run and a modified combat fitness test (CFT), modeled after the Marine Corps CFT, which includes an ammo can lift and a shuttle run.

The final challenge is a boat run and river-crossing exercise in MMA’s indoor swimming pool. Cadets must swim the length of the pool twice while pulling a boat loaded with their gear. Each year, Crucible challenges may vary slightly, but the rigor and significance remain constant.

"This is a day they’ll remember for a long time — a lasting reminder of what they can achieve when they persevere and support each other as a team," said MMA Activities & Recreational Specialist Elliot Goodwin.

The Crucible tests cadets' physical and mental limits and teaches them vital lessons. They learn that, at MMA, they are part of a brotherhood that encourages and supports them through shared challenges. They come to realize that with determination and teamwork, they can accomplish anything. 

Once new cadets complete all Maroon Phase requirements — which includes Maroon Phase training, a cadet handbook test and the Crucible — they will be formally recognized at the Passing Through Ceremony on Saturday, April 5, 2025, during Spring Family Weekend.

The Passing Through Ceremony is a time-honored tradition at MMA where new cadets are presented with their well-earned hat brasses and black shoulder boards, which signify their official rank in the MMA Corps of Cadets. Families, loved ones and friends are invited to take part in the ceremony by presenting each cadet with their hat brass and pinning it to their hat. 

View more photos from the Spring 2025 Crucible here.