The New Cadet Experience – What to Expect

The New Cadet Experience – What to Expect
The New Cadet Experience – What to Expect

One of the greatest assets that a military boarding school offers pre-teens and teenagers is also one of the most challenging aspects when they first arrive – structure. Upon moving into the barracks to begin a new middle school or high school experience, new Missouri Military Academy (MMA) cadets are asked to let go of their old expectations and embrace the new lifestyle before them – one of schedules, rules, high expectations, and brotherhood. 

For many new cadets, this lifestyle change is challenging. However, with time, an open mind, and support, cadets come to understand that the structure and accountability benefit them – and that is when the magic happens. When cadets lean into their own self-discipline and embrace their environment and brotherhood, they are able to take everything MMA offers and use it to actively achieve their full potential.  

ARRIVAL

Upon moving into the barracks, cadets will receive their haircut, room assignment, initial uniform issue and welcome aboard by the Commandant of Cadets.

A few days after arrival, new cadets will make the new cadet oath at the New Cadet Resolution Ceremony. The ceremony will be recorded and posted online for families and friends to enjoy. The new cadet oath is as follows:

“My goal in life is to achieve in my profession and to become a citizen of the highest integrity in my community.

To this end I resolve that:

  • Honesty and integrity in thought, word, and deed shall characterize my relationships with others.
  • Excellence shall be the hallmark of my endeavors.
  • Respect and consideration for all persons and their property shall be my resolve.
  • Strength of character shall be my objective as I strive to achieve greater self-discipline and the highest physical, mental, spiritual, and moral development at MMA.
  • Responsibility shall be my watchword, both in my obligations to others and my commitment to my own objectives and ideals.
  • Remembering that noble thoughts inspire noble deeds, I shall aspire to a life of honor and able service to my family, self, community and country.”

Officially a new recruit, new cadets begin their Maroon and Gold Phase training.

MAROON PHASE

Supporting cadet’s social and emotional transition to MMA, Maroon Phase is an eight-week training period for new cadets. During this time, new cadets come together as a team, are challenged to push themselves, begin to develop self-discipline and learn the motivation and pride that comes with being part of the MMA Corps of Cadets.  

While in Maroon Phase, new cadets do not have privileges – such as cell phone, general leave, dinner permits, computer, etc. When contacting home, cadets may email or Skype family throughout the week. However, most phone calls are made on Sunday evenings from barracks phones between 3-5 PM CST.

Throughout this orientation period, new cadets receive formal training on the virtues of teamwork, respect, responsibility, duty, service and self-discipline. They study the MMA Cadet Handbook, which teaches them the conduct, standards, rules, customs and traditions at MMA. Additionally, they receive a formal introduction to the daily operations and the corps of cadets and the cadet chain of command. 

CRUCIBLE

Following the completion of the cadet handbook test, new cadets undergo one of the most challenging rites of passages at MMA – the Crucible. The Crucible is a series of physical and mental obstacles intended to challenge cadets as leaders and as a team. It is arguably one of the most difficult challenges they will face during their time at MMA, which is why the impact and significance of the challenge is profound. Read about previous Crucible challenges here.

At the end of the Crucible, cadets will take pride in what they have accomplished and realize a new sense of self-confidence and community. They will know: 

  • If they set their mind to something, they can accomplish anything. 
  • At MMA, they have a brotherhood that will support and encourage them through challenges they will face together. 
  • MMA will push them to their fullest potential. It won't always be easy, but it will always be rewarding.

By successfully completing the Crucible, cadets will earn their coveted hat brasses and black shoulder boards and celebrate their official entrance into the MMA brotherhood at the Passing Through Ceremony during Fall Family Weekend (or Spring Family Weekend for midterm arrivals).

PASSING THROUGH CEREMONY

The Passing Through Ceremony will take place during Fall Family Weekend or Spring Family Weekend. Friends and families will gather on campus to witness their cadet’s official promotion to the MMA Corps of Cadets. An intimate and exciting tradition, MMA families will take part in the ceremony by pinning their cadet’s hat brass onto his hat.

QUESTIONS

If new parents have any questions regarding their cadet or would like to speak with their cadet, they can contact their cadet’s company leadership advisor (CLA) at any time. CLA’s are directly responsible to families for the safety, security, health and well-being of their cadet. They are also responsible for his character development, mentoring, counseling, discipline and accountability during his time at MMA. Anytime families have questions or concerns regarding their cadets, CLAs are the best point of contact for an update or answers.

Families can contact company leadership advisors via email —

Please note that all outdoor events are weather pending and subject to change by the commandant. 

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