MMA Hosts Nearly 400 Cadets for Statewide JROTC Leadership Challenge

A large formation of JROTC cadets in camouflage uniforms stands at attention and salutes inside a gymnasium. In the foreground, one cadet salutes while another holds a gray guidon flag labeled 'JROTC' with a gold torch emblem. Rows of cadets in the background mirror the salute, standing in organized ranks
MMA Hosts Nearly 400 Cadets for Statewide JROTC Leadership Challenge

Missouri Military Academy (MMA) served as the host site for the annual Missouri Junior Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC) from May 30 through June 3, welcoming nearly 400 U.S. Army JROTC cadets from 26 high schools across Missouri.

A large group of JROTC cadets in camouflage uniforms march in formation onto a track field.

Selected by Missouri's U.S. Army JROTC program, MMA provided the venue and support for this brigade-level event aimed at developing future leaders through immersive, adventure-based training. JCLC includes activities such as rappelling, land navigation and obstacle courses designed to build teamwork, strengthen leadership skills and challenge cadets in high-pressure environments.

JROTC cadet in uniform rappels down a wooden wall wearing an orange helmet and safety harness

MMA Cadet Jordan Milzark on the rappelling tower. 

Participating MMA cadets included Cadet Tegan Compton '28 (Lebanon, IL), Cadet Jordan Milzark '28 (Lexington, KY), Cadet Ulis Gordon Jr. '26 (Independence, MO), Cadet Raymond McDonald '26 (Austin, TX) and Cadet Lukas Joiner '26 (Sullivan, MO). All five MMA cadets successfully completed the program.

School photo of Cadet Lukas Joiner dressed in his military attire with a gray backdrop.

MMA Cadet Lukas Joiner '26

Cadet Lukas Joiner received special recognition for his leadership during the event. He earned an award for exemplary performance, having stepped into a leadership role from the first day by leading his platoon and calling cadences.

Cadet Lukas Joiner dressed in military uniform and an orange helmet for the rappel tower.

MMA Cadet Lukas Joiner geared up for the rappelling tower. 

“The camp was a resounding success, due in large part to the outstanding support and dedication of the MMA staff,” said MMA Senior Army Instructor MAJ Wayne T. Welander (Ret). “Cadre from various schools expressed high praise for the exceptional efforts of the staff at MMA in ensuring a well-organized and impactful experience for the cadets.”

Two cadets in military training uniforms work together to flip a large tire on a grassy field.

MMA Cadets Ulis Gordon Jr. ’26 and Raymond McDonald ’26 work together for a tire-flip challenge. 

Cadets in military OCPs work together to tie a rope around a large tree.

 

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Missouri Military Academy Interim Commandant of Cadets Major Wayne Welander stands in his military uniform against a backdrop of the American and MMA flags.
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