THE GUIDON 2024-2025

staff. Our mission to educate and develop principled leaders for all walks of life has never been more essential to the nation and to the world. We are dedicated to the future success of our students, dedication that is steeped in the quality of teaching, thoughtful advising, and insightful mentorship throughout your next four years. You will learn to embrace our Core Values of Honor, Duty and Respect. These values are lived by everyone on campus and enrich our shared culture. Two of the most valuable components of our College are our esteemed faculty and our small class sizes, enabling you to get to know your professors well and work with them on exciting research and meaningful community service projects. 7 You have chosen the road less traveled by committing to The Citadel Experience of academic distinction and military discipline. It will be challenging, but it will be worth it. Citadel graduates are enriched with our loyal alumni network and the opportunities that come with a Citadel band of gold. Take this time to experiment with new activities and push yourself beyond your comfort zone. The years will go by quickly, so enjoy them and realize that the friendships you forge here will last a lifetime. In four short years, we will gather together at McAllister Field House to celebrate your successes and your graduation! Dr. Sally Selden Brigadier General, SCM Provost and Dean of the College 8 MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT Congratulations on your choice to embark on “the road less traveled.” Your journey will require subjecting yourself to the trials of the Fourth- Class System and adhering to a culture of discipline to reap its transformational benefits. When you succeed, you will forevermore be known as a Citadel Graduate and a member of the Class of 2028. Membership in this “Long Gray Line” is earned and extended only to those living our core values of honor, duty, and respect. Developing men and women of virtue and character, and returning principled leaders to society is our mission. Here we build “inner citadels” of character, resourcing the world with servant leaders for all walks of life. The Citadel’s Leadership Development Program is unique in its focus on the whole person. It rests upon four pillars: academics, military, fitness, and character. Academics develop skills and knowledge, enhancing your ability to think critically, and inspires lifelong learning. The military component represents discipline and leadership development. Fitness is not simply physical, here we develop spiritual strength and emotional wellness. Character development, however, is not a workout program–it is a choice. Your character is defined by your personal choices. It takes form in your inner confrontations and the struggle to overcome internal weakness in the pursuit of virtue. These choices, repeated over time, become habits–an engraved set of dispositions and a desire to do the right thing. The Citadel’s Honor Code is foundational to your pursuit of virtue. You are required to adhere to its tenets during your four years at The Citadel and the balance of your 9 life. More importantly, you are expected to move beyond the Honor Code’s simple negatives (shalt not’s) to a broader concept of integrity, making good on your promises, and standing up for your beliefs. The Citadel’s Fourth-Class system will challenge you. Everything worthwhile in life is achieved by overcoming a difficult experience. Remember, and never forget, your “why.” We will put your why to the test. Here you will learn to make the best of adversity by reframing stressful situations as opportunities. In navigating the system, you will discover character strengths, time management skills, and the ability to operate - and succeed - under stress. As a Citadel graduate, and now the Commandant of Cadets, this place will forever hold a special place in my heart. My classmates helped mold me into the person I am today. I could not have done it without them, and you will not be able to do it by yourself either. By design, the system cannot be completed alone. You will need the trust and support of your classmates, and be a good teammate yourself, to make it. Followership represents the earliest step in your leadership development. Knobs give up freedom of time and action and earn them back as privileges. You, however, will always retain agency over your preparation, effort, attitude, and response. The system is all about achieving a standard–The Citadel standard. Rules and regulations govern daily cadet life, and you must know, understand, and follow them. Always act responsibly, treat others with respect, and hold yourself accountable for your decisions. You chose to prove yourself – remember your purpose. I am here for you. Thomas J. Gordon Colonel, USMC (Retired) Commandant of Cadets Citadel Class of 1991 10 MESSAGE FROM THE REGIMENTAL COMMANDER Class of 2028, Congratulations Welcome to the Military College of South Carolina. You have taken the first step in your journey to become a principled leader. Your first year at The Citadel will not be easy; the fourth-class system will ensure that. However, there is a reason that you chose this institution; never let that go. You are here to become a Citadel Man or Woman, the whole person. This achievement does not magically happen when you don the ring but requires your constant dedication over the next four years. In a world that often settles for mediocrity and adequacy, The Citadel is a refuge of diligence and perseverance. Your achievements will be earned, not given, just like your peers. Your first year at The Citadel is a crucial time for self-development. Aim for excellence in your academics, physical fitness, and character, as these will be tested in your leadership in the years to come. The Honor Code is one of the most significant adjustments you will make at the Citadel. “A Cadet will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do.” You must bear this code for four years at The Citadel and carry it with you for the rest of your life. However, this code is the bare minimum that is being 11 asked of you. Your honor will be tested in your daily interactions, commitments, and leadership. The last thing that you should think of before departing your room in the morning is to return with honor. Luckily, you will not walk this road alone. Take comfort in knowing that there are thousands that have come before you, thousands that will come after you, and hundreds that are walking with you today. You will learn the importance of teamwork in accomplishing anything. There will be nights that feel impossible this year, times that push you to your limits, but remember your duty to your classmates to pick each other up and keep moving forward. A phrase that I have become well acquainted with during my time at The Citadel and that I would like to share with you all is This Too Shall Pass. These four short words will hopefully give you the same hope it gives me during hard times, but also a reminder that the good times will also pass. Nothing in this life lasts forever; you can only live in this moment. So cherish them all and remain keen on becoming the best that you can be. Congratulations on your first step on the road less travelled. Take as many lessons with you as you can this year. Becoming a Citadel Man or Woman is a challenging task. It will require your constant attention. “Duty is the sublimest word in the English language.” Do not neglect your duty to yourself, your family, and the ring to become the best version of yourself that you can; act with honor in all things; and respect your fellow man. Cadet Colonel Sam E. Wilson Regimental Commander, SCCC 12 CHAPTER 1: VISION, MISSION & CORE VALUES The Statement Of Vision Achiveing excellence in the education and development of principled leaders Mission The Citadel’s mission as an institution of higher education is “to educate and develop our students to become principled leaders in all walks of life by instilling the core values of The Citadel in a disciplined and intellectually challenging environment.” The Citadel recognizes that this lifelong process of education and development begins before matriculation and continues long after graduation. Leadership is inherently relational, and “good” leadership proves to be both effective and ethical. Such leadership requires actions and behaviors that influence others toward positive, beneficial change. Therefore, while leadership development may begin with one’s own development, at its best, leadership is not about one’s self or personal success but rather about developing and serving others in ways that help everyone to succeed together. While leadership education and development draw from many different leadership approaches, styles, and techniques, none alone serves equally well in every possible context and situation. Therefore, to be fully effective and successful, 13 emerging leaders must understand and master an array of concepts to discern the type of leadership that will be most effective in a given situation. Recognizing that The Citadel’s mission calls for preparing principled leaders in all walks of life, students learn a wide range of leadership approaches and techniques that this program tests in proven, diverse organizational settings. Applying two of the key concepts within The Citadel’s mission, the Cadet Leader Development Program emphasizes the importance of development and environment. Development engages a process in which the individual becomes able to respond effectively in many different situations and integrate many diverse experiences. The environment consists of the context in which the development process occurs, including the challenges and support that enable such growth, both in the classroom and beyond. From The Citadel’s longstanding history and deeply embedded traditions have emerged the institution’s three core values: HONOR, DUTY, & RESPECT. Their importance permeates the entire Citadel community, and their emphasis creates a common identity, sense of unity, and shared expectation that cadets integrate these values into all aspects of life and demonstrate them at every level and in every endeavor. The values of honor, duty and respect constitute the foundation of the Cadet Leader Development Program. 14 Core Values Honor Honor preserves the moral authority and trustworthiness leaders must earn to effectively influence others. People of honor lead with integrity and conduct themselves with the knowledge of being part of something larger than they are. A person of honor does the right thing the right way–even when no one is watching or when a personal cost is incurred. This value begins with personal adherence to the letter and the spirit of the Honor Code that “a cadet does not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do.” In its more advanced stages, honor includes forging a unity of values that guides the action of all members in the organization. Duty Duty instills a personal sense of accountability and eagrness to lead others to mission accomplishment. It means doing what needs to be done without being asked or ordered. A strong concept of duty allows a leader to persevere, overcoming obstacles and challenges, leading a team to success. This value begins with adherence to the Cadet Regulations. In its more advanced stages, duty includes building an organization in which individuals act on their own initiative to fulfill a vision. Respect Respect demands that cadets treat other people with dignity and worth – the way cadets would want others to treat them. Respect for others eliminates any form of prejudice, discrimination, or harassment. Respect demands that cadets are duly obedient to those in positions of authority. Finally, respect includes respect for God and country. 15 Principled Leadership Principled leadership is influencing others to accomplish organizational goals while adhering to the organization’s core values. Principled leadership puts the leader’s character into action, guiding thoughts, words, and deeds to produce outcomes consistant with the core values of the organization. While principled leaders reject decisions, priorities, or actions counter to these values or their own moral and ethical standards, principle leaders represent a particularly empowering form of leadership that allows the freedom to develop creative and adaptive solutions that meet the demands of fluid and complex situations. 16 The Citadel System The Citadel system matures, refines, trains, and schools the totality of one’s character. This finely balanced process is called the “whole person” concept. During four years as a cadet you will be developed academically, physically, militarily, morally, and ethically through a process more completely described in A Guide for the Cadet Leader Development Program (LDP). This guide is available on the website for the Krause Center for Leadership & Ethics. The Fourth Class system is part of the “prepare” stage in this process. 17 Challenge and Support In order for growth and development to occur, challenges in the environment must be balanced with environtmental supports. One of the first challenges you will encounter at The Citadel is the fourth class system. There are many supports available to help you meet this challenge including your cadre, classmates, and TAC. These and other supports are noted in Section VIII. They are critical to The Citadel Experience and your success in it. 18 19 CHAPTER 2: CHALLANGE WEEK SUCCESS DAY 1: Matriculation Congratulations! You have taken the first and the most crucial step in your journey as a cadet - You showed up. Like your peers, you may have second-guessed this decision, especially in the last few days. Despite your uncertainty, you are here, and that took courage. You are among a very select few in the entire nation who have chosen a senior military college for your college experience. This chapter will provide guidance on how to succeed this week and beyond. As you begin your Fourth-Class passage, take a moment to capture your “WHY?” You must never lose sight of it.* In the space below, articulate the following: WHY I chose The Citadel: _____________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ WHAT I hope to accomplish or improve about myself this year: ________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ 20 Initiate a conversation with your roommate(s) about their WHY. What did you learn? ____________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ * If you struggle with these questions, your cadre are here to help you. They can help you discover your WHY. Remember, too, that your WHY may change over time. Explore and adjust your goals, dreams, and strategies, but always maintain a firm grasp of what you are doing and WHY. When the days get long and you feel overwhelmed with the “road less traveled,” use this time-tested technique: Take each day one hour at a time. Do not think about tomorrow, next week, or even later today. Just be the best follower you can be from one hour to the next. The hours will stack into days, and the days will become weeks. It will be Parents’ Weekend and Thanksgiving break much sooner than you think. Lean into each day. Trust the process. 21 DAY 2: Most of you have a new haircut. All of you have new conduct standards, expectations, and a set of Citadel uniforms. You are now well on your way to being a Cadet Private at The Citadel. As you experience fatigue and self- doubt, remember that your cadre and every single graduate has experienced the same: the blistering Charleston heat, the relentless schedule, the mosquitos and gnats, and the rigid discipline expected of you. Others have done it, and you can too. You can be proud of yourself for “embracing the suck.” Life is hard. You are harder, so be confident. Remember that you are never alone in this challenge. Knob year is a team effort, and you will complete this challenge as a class. Do not forget that you are stronger together. Lean on your classmates and be someone who can be leaned on in return. Tips for success: You must sleep and hydrate this week. Focus on your training modules. Some sessions will be in the classroom environment while others like Drill and Ceremony will be outside in the elements. Embrace the schedule and move from each training evolution to the next. Do not overthink or question it. Just remain in the moment and invest in the training. Success starts with concentration and effort, which require rest, nutrition, and hydration. The goal of this section is to help you build resiliency through a variety of techniques. These techniques will help you progress through this week, this year, and the rest of your life. Presented as fundamentals, the Resiliency Modules are prepared with your success in mind. 22 Resiliency Fundamental: SPIRITUAL Spiritual resiliency is the ability to rely on your senseof purpose and meaning in times of hardship. The belief in a higher calling can be a strengthening force during tough times. Spiritual strength can provide a positive reminder of your greater purpose. Remember, your values and principles will be critical to you in both good times and bad. Spiritual wellness is not limited to religion, however. Seeking composure and clarity through reflection, meditation, and prayer will help you get through demanding times like Challenge Week, but you will also benefit the rest of your life from the deliberate practice of calming your mind. Adherence to the values of your chosen faith and/or to your own personal ethics can ground you to your WHY. At times like these, when you might feel isolated or overwhelmed, your spirituality can also ground you and provide a base for greater resiliency. Our spiritual practices remind us of life’s bigger purposes and deeper meanings. Use your spirituality to help you see the bigger purpose and the deeper meaning of this week. Today you have the option to attend services or take the time to reflect about ethics. Should you have questions, the Chaplain’s contact information is listed under Day 6 of this section. 23 Has prayer or meditation ever helped you overcome a difficult circumstance? ___________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ Here are some key points to successful prayer and/or meditation*: 1. Focused attention: helps free your mind from the many things that cause stress and worry. Think about things you did well today and things you want to improve tomorrow. 2. Relaxing: deep, even-paced breathing and a comfortable position. 3. Quiet: minimize distractions, movements, and noise. *Cadre will introduce, demonstrate, and have you practice “box-breathing” as a means to calm yourself, reduce stress, and lower cortisol levels to support relaxation and sleep. 24 DAY 3: By today, you have met your training Cadre and your TAC advisor (Teach-Advise-Coach). They are here to challenge and support you this week. Your TAC will support you throughout your career as a Cadet. Your Cadre will be your primary instructors through Parents’ Weekend. Stay focused each day and efficiently learn your “Knob Knowledge.” Continue to get rest and show up every day with a clear and focused mind so that you get the most out of this vital week of accelerated training. You should also have inventoried your new gear and uniforms and met your Academic Teams. The Academic Officer/NCO are tasked with helping you achieve academic success. They can guide you even more once classes start next week. Get to know them and take advantage of their knowledge and expertise. Every single day is a new step for you and your classmates, so keep grinding. Today’s resiliency focus is mental. Resiliency Fundamental: MENTAL Mental resiliency is the ability to cope with mental and emotional stress. This fundamental will be a key to your current and future success regardless of career path. Recognize and take control of your feelings. In the words of Viktor Frankl, “Everything can be taken from a (person) but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” Even when you are weary, discouraged, and frustrated, you have a choice. Choose to pick yourself up and move on. 25 Reframe your circumstances to maintain personal agency. When you reframe your circumstance, you restore your perspective. It is when we forget our ability to choose, we learn to be helpless. Leave the past where it is. Have a short memory. The future will present itself soon enough, so do not worry about what you cannot control. Focus on the present and being the best you can be in THIS moment. You will feel distress and discomfort, but the question is what will you do about it? Will you succumb, surrender, retreat, or will you CHOOSE to accept failure as the price of admission to future success and move on? Understanding that challenges and obstacles will always materialize is half the battle. Expect them, meet them, and learn to grow from them. Also, never forget your WHY. Never lose confidence that you will prevail in the end. Coming back stronger after any setback is how you win. Practice positive self-talk and learn from your mistakes. You decide how you deal with success and failures, just remember that both are temporary. A healthy balance of high expectations versus grace and humility will always serve you well. Think of a previous experience where you failed or faced adversity. What effects did you endure (mentally/ physiologically)? _________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ What was helpful in navigating the struggle (strategies that you used)? _________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ 26 What was unhelpful? ___________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Resiliency in Action: In Jan. 1982, Citadel graduate, Arland D. Williams, Jr. gave his life to save others following a plane crash into the frozen Potomac River. He refused rescue until every other initial survivor was pulled from peril. His humanity and sacrifice was subsequently described as “the best we can do.” Read his story in Annex 10. “Profiles in Principled Leadership.” 27 DAY 4: You have been issued a rifle and begun your drill instruction under arms. If you experienced physical discomfort (i.e., profuse sweating and fatigue) due to the heat, humidity, and exertion, you have officially started investing sweat- equity towards your eventual ring and diploma. Enduring physical challenges like early morning PT, Leadership Training Exercises (LTE), obstacle courses, PT runs, combative training, and ROTC field training exercises (FTX) on top of what you will choose to do for personal physical training will build your strength and stamina. Physical fitness is a major component of long-term wellness, and it is a hallmark of Citadel graduates. Physical wellness will provide you with the endurance to keep going long after your co- workers have shut down, and it will allow you to accomplish missions that would not have been possible otherwise. If you are struggling now, keep working. You will improve. Physical fitness takes time, effort, and patience. The key to building physical endurance is to push on when you feel you can’t, and next time that moment will come later. Resiliency Fundamental: PHYSICAL Physical resiliency is the developed ability to sustain your health and flourish under extreme conditions. Physical exercise along with good nutrition will help you build a body and mind connection. Making healthy food choices at the dining facility will ensure that you have the proper amount of energy needed to thrive during the rigors of Challenge Week. Getting the proper amount of sleep will not only allow you to be at your best but also will help you assist the team through being able to process and professionally complete training tasks rapidly. 28 Be judicious with your use of energy drinks, caffeine, and sugar products to boost your energy level. These are short cuts. Being physically fit, eating well-balanced meals, and staying hydrated with water are the recipe for long-term health. Caffeine will get you through acute moments of fatigue, but for long-term success, you must be disciplined with how you approach your physical well-being. “The last three or four reps is what makes the muscle grow. This area of pain divides a champion from someone who is not a champion.” - Arnold Schwarzenegger What have you worked the most on to prepare for this week? ____________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ What are your physical concerns moving forward? What do you need to improve? _______________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ When you experience physical exhaustion, say to yourself, “One more, one more time.” 29 DAY 5: Congratulations! You and your classmates are officially halfway through your Challenge Week! Has your WHY changed? If so, how? If you are tired, good; that means you have worked extremely hard. Keep it up. “Beach Day” is just a few days away. It is a day to celebrate, recuperate, and spend some downtime with your classmates at The Citadel Beach House. This “boot camp” phase of training is almost over. A week from today you will be in college classes, and your 17-hour Cadre days will be behind you. Life will slow down and become more manageable. You will soon be focusing on your academics and enjoying more freedom to choose what you do during your school day and your weekends. You should be more comfortable with some routine individual activities: ironing your uniforms, shining your brass and shoes, folding your clothes, and preparing your room for inspections. However, one key component of your success here and anywhere you go will be your relationships and your ability to work with others. Your classmates and company-mates will grow to be some of your most treasured friends and allies. Build cohesion and trust by getting to know each other through shared experiences. Talk to each other when you have time. Use one another’s strengths to enhance your abilities to adapt and to improve yourselves personally and collectively. Resiliency Fundamental: SOCIAL 30 Social resiliency is the ability to cope, adapt, and transform difficulties by including others in this process can make it easier to respond. Use this week’s shared experiences to build connections with your classmates. Challenge week and knob year forge a bond between you and your classmates. Social connections and relationships can help diminish feelings of isolation and can heighten the feelings of togetherness. Make building your Citadel community a priority this week. Get to know your roommate and company-mates. This community will be a key to your success this year and will provide the social support you need when coping, adapting, and transforming during times of hardship. When the semester starts, make the time to introduce yourself to classmates outside of your company, join clubs to expand your social circles, and seek the guidance of advisors, TAC officers, professors, and campus support staff. Building and sustaining healthy relationships is part of “Principled Leadership,” and you are building your future “Long Gray Line” network each day. “For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.” -Rudyard Kipling, The Jungle Book Which one of your classmates can you count on the most? ___________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ 31 Resiliency in Action: On Sept. 2, 1965, Col J. Quincy Collins, Jr., USAF, Citadel Class of 1953 was forced to eject over North Vietnam. He suffered severe injuries of the head, leg and arms on ejection. Collins was immediately captured and held as a prisoner of war for the next 2,721 days before being released on Feb. 12, 1973. During his time as a POW, he endured constant torture at the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, a.k.a. Hanoi Hilton, and labeled as “incorrigible” by the North Vietnamese. His “cellmate” was the late Senator John McCain. 32 DAY 6 Congratulations, only a couple of days left until “Beach Day.” Today’s training highlights should include meeting many of the staff members and cadet support teams that will be available to you throughout your time on campus. CARE (Campus Advocacy, Response, and Education) works directly with your Human Affairs teams to create a safe and respectful environment for all Cadets. If you experience anything that feels overwhelming or a traumatic event, trust your HA Officer/NCO, TAC, and Cadre team to help you navigate the situation. Help is all around you. CADIC (Campus Alcohol and Drug Information Center) was established to help you make informed choices when it comes to alcohol and other stimulants. If you have a concern and want to talk to CADIC or CARE, please do so. You might be the one person that makes a difference in someone else’s life by simply seeking guidance. In addition to your Cadre, you have a wide variety of resources on campus. Other resources on campus include the Title IX Office, the office of the Chaplain, Ombudsperson staff, The MUSC Clinic and Counseling Center, and your TAC officer. If you have questions, Self-Reflection Resources / Contact # Chaplain to the Corps of Cadets 843-953-5049 CARE Director 843-953-5114 Ombudsperson 843-953-5118 Citadel Counseling Center 843-953-4827 33 If you do not already have a favorite motivational quote, research one when you have internet access. When you have chosen one, write it here: ___________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Why did you choose that quote? _________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ “Be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it.” - Ziad K. Abdelnour 34 DAY 7 & 8 By now, you are getting the hang of rifle manual, marching, shining brass, morning PT, formalized mealtimes, cleaning your room, and so much more. Remember, the days feel long, but the weeks go by fast. Keep working and giving it your all. Soon you will be standing proudly with your classmates on Recognition Day when you will be welcomed into the Corps of Cadets by your upperclassmen. This week is almost over. Take a breath and refocus on the last couple of days of Challenge Week. These last two days will assess your training thus far. Do your best. The cadre will tell you where you need to improve. Take note of what you can do better and put plans in place to improve. Perfection is unattainable, but the pursuit of it is eternal. Push hard through these last two days of your Challenge Week. You will soon have earned your place as a Cadet Recruit. Academic classes start next week. The rigors of college- level coursework will now take priority amongst your daily duties. You now have a foundation to manage a full schedule, and you will get so good at what you have been taught that you will be able to manage more things with ease. Your time management skills and cadet efficiency will continue to prosper. Soon, you will be tasked with “training your replacement.” Congratulations on finishing perhaps the hardest week of your life. Do not stop now. Willingly seek the next challenge. Take risks for the better good. Bet on yourself and your team. Never stop improving. 35 What have been your greatest challenges this week? ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ What are you most proud of? ____________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ Has your “WHY?” changed, or has it been reaffirmed? ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ What do you most look forward to on Sunday? _____ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ If there is no struggle, there is no progress” – Frederick Douglass 36 CHAPTER 3A: ACADEMICS - -How to Succed as a Knob- You are in college now, and academics is the cornerstone of your mission to earn a degree, develop your mind and skills, and mold yourself into an asset in the workforce of the future, but at The Citadel you will be required to do much more than simply focus on your classroom education. Demands will be placed upon your time and energy, so you must adapt to preparing, planning, organizing, and managing your time, sleep, and resources. You will experience competing obligations to your pursuit of academic excellence: freshman duties, physical training, military obligations, character development, free time – and some of these obligations will require time and effort on the weekends. Being a freshman at The Citadel is not easy and requires sacrifice, but it is very manageable if you understand the expectations and requirements - and you put in the work. Ultimately, it is worth the demands because you develop resilience and demonstrate the ability to prioritize and honor commitments. Committing to “Academics, Plus” and a balance in personal development is what your future employer and your family will appreciate in your training and development at The Citadel. This chapter will help you to understand many of the nuances of Cadet life, get you started on the things that you must learn and embrace outside of the classroom, and provide practical guidance on how to be successful as a freshman and beyond. 37 The Fourth-Class system (4CS) is a key component of the “prepare” stage in The Citadel’s four-year leader development model. It is more than merely a rite of passage. It is a purposeful program designed to teach followership, instill discipline, and transition cadet recruits into the corps. The system makes deliberate use of induced stress to accelerate the training process, and you will find knob year to be challenging, demanding, and difficult. The Citadel, the staff and faculty, and your cadet chain of command are dedicated to your success and take seriously their individual and collective responsibilities to help you achieve your goals. This section will help you understand and contextualize the 4CS and provides practical advice to help you negotiate some of the tasks and new expectations. Part 1- The Objectives of the Fourth-Class System The White Book lists the objectives as: -To provide new cadets with an understanding of The Citadel’s core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect. -To teach new cadets the regulations, customs and traditions of The Citadel. -To remove wealth and former station as factors in the development of new cadets. -To instill in new cadets a sense of humility and selfless subordination. -To develop personal character and create a foundation for honorable and ethical decision-making. 38 -To instill new cadets with self-discipline. -To physically challenge new cadets and establish a foundation of understanding the necessity of physical fitness for life. -To instruct new cadets in time management. -To prepare new cadets for academic achievement. -To inculcate class cohesion in support of The Citadel Mission and the development of Principled Leaders. Values help establish a collective identity by embodying what the organization believes is important and providing a basis for the behavior of its members. Values set parameters for decision- making, inform priorities, and serve as guides to action. Leadership decisions and actions that run counter to the organization’s values must be rejected. At The Citadel, our core values are honor, duty, and respect. They are described in detail in A Guide for the Cadet Leader Development Program available at the website of the Krause Center for Leadership and Ethics http://www.citadel.edu/root/krause- center-publications. You will be formally instructed on The Citadel core values in various forums including LDRS academic classes and the Principled Leadership Skills (PLS) Program. “Regulations” are prescriptive in nature and are the rules established by the proper authority to govern how an organization or system operates. The Citadel regulations come from the authority of the Commandant and are described in the Blue Book. Many of the procedures that support implementation of those regulations are in the White Book. Both documents are available at the website of the Office of the Commandant at http://www.citadel.edu/root/ cadet-regulations. You will receive basic training on specific regulations, but you are responsible for mastering their entirety by independent study. 39 “Customs” do not have the authoritative or prescriptive characteristics of regulations, but they do represent the usual way of acting in given circumstances in a particular society. A military society such as The Citadel has numerous “customs and courtesies” that contribute to good order and discipline as well as add interest, pleasure, and graciousness to life. As a knob you will participate in many customs such as remaining standing as a class to cheer on the team at football games. “Traditions” are customary patterns of thought, action, or behavior held by an identifiable group of people that help connect one generation to another. They are usually passed by word of mouth rather than written instruction. The Citadel has its own collective traditions, and individual companies also have their own unit traditions. Customs and traditions are subordinate to and can never conflict with regulations. Likewise, regulations are routinely reviewed by the Commandant to ensure consistency with Citadel core values. Unfortunately, some cadets occasionally attempt to excuse or justify their deviations from The Citadel’s core values and regulations by misidentifying them as customs or traditions. As a knob, you may find yourself deliberately or accidentally placed in such situations. You should know that there are no customs or traditions at The Citadel that do not align with our values and regulations, and knobs, like all cadets, are responsible for using proper judgment in all circumstances. The knob response “Request better judgment, Sir or Ma’am” is a tactful way of signaling that you perceive a lack of alignment between an upperclassman’s instructions and your understanding of The Citadel’s values and regulations. Cadets operate in a standards-based environment in which natural and logical consequences are generated by performance. Rewards and punishments are governed by “rule of law,” 40 rather than the fickle and capricious whim of an individual. Additionally, the routine cadet life includes myriad tasks of varying degrees of tedium and fulfillment. All of them must be done in order for the organization to function as a whole and there is sufficient work that all cadets must do their share. No one is “too good” to pitch in and no task is “too menial” for anyone. Because Citadel cadets come from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds, not all have operated in such an egalitarian and communal environment. The austere initial knob haircut, restriction on freedom of action, and the close quarters living arrangements are all contributors to this objective. While The Citadel is in the business of developing principled leaders, it also recognizes that even leaders have someone that they report to, receive guidance from, and obey the orders of. The Citadel also recognizes that to be a good leader, you must be able to empathize with your subordinates. Therefore, The Citadel’s leadership development model begins by teaching cadets how to be good followers, and its 4CS helps cadets understand the sense of humility and selfless subordination that characterize a good follower. Like all followers, Fourth Class cadets should strive in all ways to be “easy to lead.” This means respecting authority, complying with regulations and standards, giving maximum effort, being open and receptive to new ideas, and being active participants in the learning process. It also means putting aside one’s own opinion or preferences and willingly adopting the leader’s agenda and her decisions as if they were your own. Such an attitude may at first seem unnatural and cause conflicts with your previous habits. The 41 Fourth Class system is designed to disengage you from this self-centered attitude and start you on a path of leadership as service to others. Character is the complex of mental and ethical dispositions that mark and often individualize a person. The 4CS uses induced stress to create the competing demands for time, energy, effort, and resources that help a knob become aware of and develop his or her character. A major part of this development comes from learning to live by the letter and spirit of the Honor Code. You will be formally instructed on the Honor Code in a variety of forums including the Principled Leadership Skills (PLS) training and the Honor Manual. For more information go to https://krausecenter. citadel.edu/the-honor-code/ Self-discipline is the ability to regulate, manage, and hold oneself accountable throughout the process of achieving one’s vision, values, and mission. Despite all the attention they get from upperclass cadets, knobs remain responsible for developing in themselves the discipline necessary to succeed at The Citadel. The stress of the 4CS is designed to accelerate this process, but it is not designed to sustain it. Throughout the course of the year, Fourth Class cadets should rely progressively less on externally-motivated discipline and more on the internally motivated kind. They should develop the disciplined habits of duty, prioritization, obedience, time management, problem-solving, decision-making, and consistency that achieve results. Only by this transition can they fulfill what author Pat Conroy (Citadel, 1967) calls the “immortal epigram” that “discipline is the training that makes punishment unnecessary.” 42 At the heart of self-discipline is the ability to subordinate an impulse to a value. As knobs embark on their Citadel experience, they are encouraged to follow Stephen Covey’s proscription to “begin with the end in mind” by writing a personal mission statement that focuses on what you want to be and what you want to do, and on the values or principles upon which being and doing are based. This mission statement then becomes the criterion by which you measure everything else in your life. Whenever you discover an inconsistency between your mission statement and your actions, it is self-discipline that restores alignment. During your counseling sessions with your TAC, you will articulate your near-, mid-, and long-term goals. This exercise will help you decide where you want to go and a plan to get there. Self-discipline will help you follow that plan. All cadets participate in Regimental Physical Training (PT) every Monday and Thursday morning. These typically include a combination of warmups, movement drills, calisthenics, cardio, and strength training. All cadets also take a Cadet Physical Fitness Test (CPFT) each semester consisting of hand release push-ups, plank, and a 1.5 mile run. Cadets must also comply with height and weight standards, participate in the combatives program, and take two Required Physical Education Program (RPED) courses. In addition to these physical effectiveness pillar requirements and opportunities available to all cadets, knob year is especially challenging because of its rapid OPTEMPO amd numerous duty requirements. You will be required to push your physicysical endurange beyond what you probably consider your present limits. Each company has a Cadet Athletics Officer who is a resource to assist you with your development in the physical effectiveness pillar. 43 The White Book authorizes knobs, under proper supervision, to perform a set of 30 push-ups during Fall Semester and a set of 40 push-ups in the Spring Semester. You will not be required, nor are you authorized to partake in, any additional knob-specific physical training activities unless they have been submitted through the Company Commander to the TAC and approved by the Commandant. Perhaps the greatest challenge you will face during knob year is learning how to manage your time. You will purposely be given more to do than you can leisurely or conveniently manage. You will be forced to become more efficient, to ruthlessly prioritize, to plan ahead, and to push yourself to go faster and do more. Several schedules posted on-line will help you understand your time obligations. The Academic Calendar is available at http://www. citadel.edu/root/aa-calendar. It contains holidays and furlough periods, the last day to drop classes, and exam periods. An annual calendar that includes Commandant Department events such as open and closed weekends, football games, parades, and inspections is available at http://www.citadel. edu/root/operations-and-training/training-schedules. Each of your classes will also have a syllabus that identifies key dates such as when papers or projects are due, major assignments, and tests and quizzes. It is a good idea to transfer key dates from these individual sources into one master calendar or planner so that you can see the big picture. Routine cadet life is organized according to the “24 hour schedule.” This document is available at the website of the Office of the Commandant. It is where you go to find the recurring events such as formations, ESP, and MRI that will become your regular “battle rhythm.” More specific weekly 44 schedules are available at http://www.citadel.edu/root/ operations-and-training/training-schedules. Check these at least one week in advance to find specific information about things like that week’s PLS, a CPFT, or a special requirement such as a rifle draw or turn-in. Key events from these sources should also be transferred to your master calendar or planner. While The Citadel experience will place many demands on your time, you also have other obligations such as to your family and your friends. Do not forget about the anniversaries, birthdays, and other significant events in the lives of those who are important people in your life. Add them to your master calendar or planner. You may not be able to participate in-person in some of those events, but you will be able to mark them in other ways, even if only by a card, text, or phone call. Having all your obligations on one document allows you to synchronize your scheduling. You will no doubt find some weeks or days busier than others, and you will have to plan ahead to accommodate them. You will also find some periods that are less busy and you will have to use them to absorb some of the spillover from the busier times. As previously noted, it is always helpful to “begin with the end in mind.” In terms of time management, this is accomplished by the “backwards planning” technique. Begin with the date an event occurs and then work backwards to the present date to assign target completion dates for every interim step. So if a paper is due on a certain date, write that down on your calendar and then work backward to assign dates for when you want to have a friend proofread your final draft, complete the bibliography, write your introductory paragraph, go to the library to do your research, write your thesis, meet with your professor to discuss your topic 45 selection, etc. Backwards planning also incorporates the technique of breaking a big task up into manageable pieces that will also help you accomplish complex tasks that at first may appear overwhelming. You will seldom be given large swaths of time to focus on a single activity. Instead you will have to learn to master Kipling’s challenge to “fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run.” Maintain a mental inventory of small tasks that can fill short increments of time. Shining shoes, preparing your uniform for the next day, reading a few pages of your textbook, and going for a short run are all examples of how you can productively fill a few random minutes that might otherwise be lost. Maintain a written “to do” list for more pressing obligations. Some researchers claim that simply writing something down increases your chances of actually accomplishing it by almost 33%. Post the list on your desk or somewhere where you will continually see it and check off the items you accomplish. Avoid the temptation, though, of focusing on the easiest or most enjoyable tasks. Discipline yourself to prioritize based on importance. Do not forget to consciously program sufficient time for sleep. The amount of sleep required varies among individuals, but most college students report being sleep deprived, and sleep deprivation negatively affects academic, mental, physical, and emotional performance. Sufficient, uninterrupted, quality sleep each night is not a luxury or weakness. It is a physical requirement and a performance- enhancer. You will not get all the sleep you want as a knob, but you must get all the sleep you need. You should not organize your time in a way that routinely prevents you from getting at least six hours of sleep each night. 46 Knobs are presented with a host of urgent military duties. tempting to concentrate on these matters of immediate consequence at the expense of longer-term academic goals. Do not fall victim to this short-sightedness. The military pillar is designed to complement, not compete with, the academic pillar. The skills that contribute to success in the military pillar such as attention to detail, strong work ethic, and procedural compliance are directly transferrable to academic success. Maintain a proper balance between military and academic responsibilities. As you develop this capability, always remember that academic success is non-negotiable. You should understand that college is different from high school and what made you successful then may be insufficient now. Here you will be expected to take much more individual responsibility for your actions and you will experience more serious consequences. The Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center at Southern Methodist University has developed a detailed comparison of high school and college that may help you better understand the transition. It is available at: http:// www.smu.edu/Provost/ALEC/NeatStuffforNewStudents/ HowIsCollegeDifferentfromHighSchool. Evening Study Period (ESP) begins at 1950 each school night and is a time designated to provide conditions conducive to studying. Quiet is maintained, no meetings or other duties are scheduled, and no upperclass other than those involved in academic tutoring will visit your room. You are required to be in your room, the library, or another approved study area during ESP. While The Citadel can create these conditions to help you, it is up to you to use them effectively. As the name states, ESP is a study period. It is not a shine period, social period, or slack off period. It is OK to study for 50 minutes, take a 10-min break to prepare your uniform for the next day or call home, and then get back to studying, but if you do not 47 discipline yourself to use ESP for its intended purpose, you will probably soon fall behind. Each company has a Cadet Academic Officer who will monitor your academic progress and can connect you with additional resources. They should be your first stop at the first sign of academic difficulty. Do not wait until the situation worsens. There are also cadets who have the same major as you in your company who will be willing to help you less formally. You will have to maintain the appropriate military bearing, but the Fourth Class system will not stand in your way when receiving academic help from an upperclassman. The Cadet Academic Officer works closely with a Faculty Company Academic Advisor who is another resource for general academic pillar support, but who should not be confused with the Academic Advisor within the department of your academic major to advise you specifically on your academic program. Even more specifically, each of your professors maintains “office hours” in which he or she is available for walk-in assistance. You can also make specific appointments to see your professor outside of established office hours. The Student Success Center, Library, Career Center, and Public Speaking Lab also are excellent resources for specific academic needs, and their services are described elsewhere in The Guidon. The main thing for you to remember is that there is a healthy support network available to assist you. You do not necessarily need to know the details of each resource yourself. If you go to your Cadet Academic Officer or TAC and describe your situation, he or she can quickly point you to the appropriate resource. Your responsibility is to take that first step. 48 Part 2- Practical Advice 1. You are no longer a civilian. Certain answers such as “yeah” and “ok” will no longer be part of your vocabulary. The five “knob answers” are, “Yes, sir/ ma’am,” “No, sir/ ma’am,” “No excuse, sir/ma’am,” “Request better judgement, sir/ma’am,” and “Request permission to make a statement, sir/ma’am.” In all communication, you must refer to an upper-class cadet as “Mister” or “Ms.” Avoid facetiousness or attempts at humor. Your answers, questions and statements will always be professional. 2. When you receive an order, carry it out to the best of your ability. Arguments are never appropriate. You are expected to obey any legal order by an upper-class cadet. 3. Maintain proper posture and take pride in your appearance and bearing. You not only represent yourself, but your family, your Company, the Corps, and your Classmates. 4. The life of a cadet is far removed from your former way of living. A “lone wolf” will find it difficult to survive within the Corps. Your classmates are your only companions, since fraternization with upper-class cadets is prohibited. Start off right by getting acquainted with your classmates. However, never be afraid to ask an upper-class cadet a question; request permission first and you will find them ready and willing to assist you. When you are allowed to leave campus, stick together with your classmates and go as a group. Leave no one out. Your classmates will be your friends for life. 49 5. You should always hold the highest esteem for the cadet uniform. For many years it has commanded recognition and respect. Never injure that respect by acting in a manner that will reflect discredit upon you, the uniform, or The Citadel. Such actions would constitute a serious infraction of regulations and would dishonor the traditions of The Citadel. 6. Hazing and harassment are incompatible with The Citadel’s leadership development program and core values and will not to be tolerated. Hazing in the State of South Carolina is against the law, forbidden on campus, and may result in expulsion. Hazing is defined as wrongful striking, an unauthorized laying hand upon, threatening with violence, or offering to do bodily harm by any student to another student, or any other unauthorized treatment by one student toward another student of a tyrannical, abusive, shameful, insulting, or humiliating nature; or otherwise requiring any student to perform any personal service for another student except as specifically provided for in Cadet Regulations. The maintenance of a high standard of discipline does not imply that Cadets should be required to perform duties or acts that do not have AUTHORIZED beneficial training and development outcomes. All orders or instructions must be based on sound judgment. Harassment is unwelcomed verbal, written, graphic, printed, audio-visual, electronic (social media), or physical conduct or deportment directed against any student or group of students based on their race, gender, religion, disability, sex/sexual orientation, or personal beliefs or ideology that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, persistent or subjectively and objectively offensive so 50 as to adversely affect a student’s or group’s ability to participate in or benefit from the programs and services provided by the college. Additionally, conduct that materially and substantially disrupts another person’s or group’s expressive activity, prevents the communication of a message or prevents the transaction of the business of a lawful meeting, gathering or procession may be construed as harassment. Such harmful conduct may include, but is not limited to, objectionable epithets, demeaning depictions or treatment, and threatened or actual abuse or harm. Any incident of suspected hazing or harassment must be reported immediately to the Cadet chain of command and the TAC officers. For a full discussion of institutional policy on hazing and harassment, consult the Blue Book. 51 3.B - REQUIRED KNOB KNOWLEDGE Members of the Fourth Class will be tested on the following definitions and Citadel information throughout the Fourth Class year. The tracking log for recording proficiency falls after the index at the end of The Guidon. The required knowledge is: During Challenge Week: What are The Citadel’s Core Values? • Honor, Duty, and Respect. What is the mission of The Citadel? • To educate and develop cadets to become principled leaders in all walks of life by instilling the core values of The Citadel in a disciplined and intellectually challenging environment. 52 What are the rank insignias of the United States Armed Forces? US Armed Forces OFFICER Rank Insignia 53 US Armed Forces ENLISTED Rank Insignia 54 When and whom do I salute? The salute is an honorable and well-respected greeting between members of the military services of this nation and our allies. You will receive detailed instructions on how, when, where, and whom to salute. This will include both the hand, rifle, and guidon (company ensign) salute. In general, the following rules, apply: 1. Salute all commissioned and warrant officers, as well as officers of friendly foreign nations. (on or off campus). 2. The junior-in-rank always salutes first, and the senior-in- rank returns it. 3. In addition to the above, you will salute: 1. Salute all commissioned and warrant officers, as well as officers of friendly foreign nations. (on or off campus). • Recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor. • When the U.S. National Anthem, “Taps” (at funerals), “To the Colors,” “Ruffles and Flourishes,” “Hail to the Chief,” or foreign national anthems are played. If driving in a vehicle, come to a halt and remain seated until the above music is completed. • The American Flag (national colors) when uncased and carried in parades or ceremonies. • When reporting to an officer indoors. • At “Reveille” and “Retreat” formations during the raising or lowering of the flag. • In formations, salute only when directed by the person- in-charge. • All officers in vehicles 55 What is the Cadet Creed? “I will always remember that I am part of something bigger than myself; something that extends into the past, present, and future. I acknowledge the debt that I owe to those who came before me and who left me with an institution, corps, and reputation of excellence. I pledge that I will conduct myself to honor, safeguard, and cherish that which has been entrusted to me and always will bring credit to The Citadel. I will commit myself to the future of The Citadel and ensure it continues in perpetuity to serve and to lead. I am, now and forever, The Citadel.” What is The Citadel’s Honor Code? “A cadet does not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do.” What is The Citadel Alma Mater?* Oh, Citadel, we sing thy fame For all the world to hear, And in the paths our fathers showed us Follow without fear. Peace and Honor, God and Country, We will fight for thee. Oh, Citadel, we praise thee now And in Eternity. Oh, Citadel, though strife surrounds us, We will ever be Full conscious of the benefits That we derive from thee. Stand forever, yielding never To the tyrant’s Hell We’ll never cease our struggles for Our mighty Citadel. *Cadets stand at attention for the Alma Mater 56 What is your Chain of Command? • Team Leader – _______________________________ • Squad Sergeant – _____________________________ • Platoon Sergeant – ____________________________ • Platoon Leader – _____________________________ • First Sergeant – ______________________________ • CO Executive Officer – ________________________ • CO Commander – ____________________________ • BN Commander – ____________________________ • Regimental Commander – ______________________ • Company TAC – _____________________________ 57 Challenge Week through Parent’s Weekend: Describe the history of the 5 Barracks: • Murray Barracks (1st BN) was built in 1999 and named for Andrew B. Murray, who provided funding for the original in 1926. • Padgett-Thomas Barracks (2nd BN) was completed in 1922 and was replaced and reopened in 2004. It was named for Colonels J. G. Padgett (c/o 1892) and John Pulaski Thomas (c/o 1893) The building (a model for all the barracks) features a tower that overlooks the parade ground. • Law Barracks (3rd BN) is named for Brigadier General Evander M. Law, C.S.A., Class of 1856. The original structure was completed in 1939 and replaced in 2006. • Watts Barracks (4th BN) was built in 1996 as part of a long-range program to update cadet living quarters. This new barracks is named for Lieutenant General Claudius E. Watts III, Class of 1958, who served as The Citadel President from 1989-1996. • Stevens Barracks (5th BN) is the last remaining original barracks. Built in 1942 to address increased enrollment, it is named for Major P. F. Stevens (c/o 1849). 58 Explain the history and symbology of The Citadel Ring: • History: The Citadel ring signifies a host of accomplishments. Not only does it symbolize a partial history of the State of South Carolina and The Citadel, but also it relates the ideals for which the college was founded. A tradition that has evolved is the different manner in which cadets and alumni wear their rings. First-class cadets wear them with the numerals facing toward the wearer. After graduation exercises, however, the rings are turned about. In 1940, the Ring Committees of the classes of 1940, 41, and 42 standardized The Citadel ring, bringing 2 advantages: First, it makes The Citadel ring easy to recognize, since all graduating classes wear the same ring, and secondly, it denotes not a member of a certain class, but a Citadel graduate. • Symbology: -The oval crest is dominated by the S.C. state tree, the palmetto. This also represents the “Palmetto Regiment” and a fort on Sullivan’s Island built from palmetto logs, which successfully resisted many British assaults during the Revolutionary War. -The two oval shields at the base of the palmetto tree are miniature replicas of the state shield. The shield inscriptions are accurate and readable if you look closely. -On the right shank of the ring, the star commemorates the shelling of the Union supply steamer “The Star of the West” and memorializes all Citadel alum who have died in defense of their country. The United States and South Carolina colors depict the unity and coordination between the two. Serving as a link between the old Citadel (Marion 59 Square) and the Greater Citadel, as well as representing the artillery, a stack of cannon balls adorns the bottom. -On the left shank of the ring are a rifle, a saber, a wreath, and a 30-caliber bullet. Upon closer observation, an oak leaf is seen in the background of the muzzle of the rifle, and by the tip of the sword is a spray of laurel. The oak leaf/tree represents strength and endurance. Of equal importance in a world torn by perpetual military conflicts, the concept of victory blessed by peace is represented by the laurel and the wreath respectively. -The rifle and 30-caliber bullet symbolize the infantry, along with artillery, taught in the original department of military science. Since duty and responsibility have their reward at The Citadel, that of being appointed a cadet officer in the first-class year, these ideals, too, are embodied in the ring by the sword, the symbol of the cadet officer What is The Citadel Mascot? “I come from a long line of Generals and Boos I eat knobs and Paladins and Kangaroos If your scared of my bark, dont mess with my bite For The Citadel blue I’ll do what is right Peace and honor, God and country, I will fight for thee I am The Citadel bulldog. It’s a great day to be me.” 60 When was The Citade established? • 20 December 1842 When did The Citadel move to it’s current location? • 21 October 1922 What is The Citadel? • “The Citadel is an institution of higher learning to mold our minds, morals, and bodies so that we may be fit officers and better civilians of our country. More than that, however, it is a fortress of duty, a sentinel of responsibility, a bastion of antiquity, a towering bulwark of rigid discipline, instilling within us high ideals, honor, uprightness, loyalty, patriotism, obedience, initiative, leadership, professional knowledge, and pride in achievement.” What is the Phonetic Alphabet? Alpha Juliet Sierra Bravo Kilo Tango Charlie Lima Uniform Delta Mike Victor Echo November Whiskey Foxtrot Oscar X-ray Golf Papa Yankee Hotel Quebec Zulu India Romeo 61 Remainder of 1st Semester Where is General Mark Clark buried? • Between Mark Clark Hall and Summerall Chapel - the only person buried on campus What did John Stuart Mill say about war? • “War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things; the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feelings which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.” End of 1st Semester through Recognition Day Explain the history and symbology of The Citadel Cap Device: • “History: changed several times between 1842 and 1910, but since the latter date (except 1933- 1937) it has remained the same as it appears on Citadel caps today. 62 • Symbology: - Palmetto tree, which appears on the South Carolina state flag, and two shields taken from the Seal of the State of South Carolina.. - 2 dates appear on the device, 1776 (Independence) and 1842 (founding of The Citadel). - The words Animis Opibusque Parati, meaning, “Prepared in mind and resources.” - The shield on the left side of the large palmetto has the figure of a woman walking on the seashore over swords and daggers. In her right hand, she holds a laurel branch, and she is looking toward the sun just rising above the sea. The words Dum Spiro Spero meaning “While I Breathe I Hope,” are inscribed at the summit of the shield and Spes, meaning “Hope,” is inscribed within the field below the figure. What does CTM stand for? • Citadel Training Model What are the five steps of CTM? • Expectations, Skills, Feedback, Consequences, and Growth. 63 What is General Lee’s duty quote? • “Duty is the sublimest word in the English language. You should do your duty in all things. You can never do more. You should never wish to do less.” What is General Schofield’s discipline quote? • “The discipline which makes the soldiers of a free country reliable in battle is not to be gained by harsh or tyrannical treatment. On the contrary, such treatment is far more likely to destroy than to make an army. It is possible to impart instructions and to give commands in such a manner and in such a tone of voice as to inspire in the soldier no feeling but an intense desire to obey, while the opposite manner and tone of voice cannot fail to excite strong resentment and a desire to disobey. The one mode or other of dealing with subordinates springs from a corresponding spirit in the breast of the commander. He who feels the respect which is due others cannot fail to inspire in them regard for himself; while he who feels, and hence manifests, disrespect towards others, especially his inferiors, cannot fail to inspire hatred against himself.” What are The Citadel’s Four Pillars of Leader Development? • Character, Academics, Military, and Fitness 64 Describe the Campus Gates & Monuments: • Lesesne Gate, consisting of imposing limestone pillars and wrought iron gates, provides the main access to The Citadel campus. The gate is named for Thomas Petigru Lesesne, Class of 1901, who was instrumental in the move of The Citadel from its original site on Marion Square to its present location. • Summerall Gate, named for former Citadel President General Charles Pelot Summerall, is located adjacent to Mark Clark Hall. It is one of Charleston’s famous sword gates, whose companion is found at 32 Legare Street. • The Seraph Monument is a memorial consisting of relics from the H.M.S. Seraph, including the periscope and a forward torpedo loading hatch. Both the U.S. and British flags fly from the structure to symbolize that this English submarine was placed under the command of an American naval officer for a special mission during World War II. It is the only shore installation in the U.S. permitted to fly the Royal Navy Ensign. The H.M.S. Seraph also secretly landed General Mark Clark in North Africa. It is dedicated to Anglo- American cooperation during World War II. • The Bulldog Monument is a memorial dedicated to Major Sam M. Savas, Jr., Class of 1951, who died in Vietnam in October 1965. He served as a TAC from 1962-1965. As a cadet and while assigned to The Citadel, he so inspired Citadel cadets toward 65 dedication to their Alma Mater that upon his death, cadet members of the Society of American Military Engineers determined to erect the monument in his honor. It also contains a bronze plaque in memory of his naval aviator son, Lieutenant Sam M. Savas III, Class of 1979, who also died in service to his country in October 1985. The Bulldog Monument is made from brass belt buckles, waist plates, and breast plates collected from cadets. In 1966 the monument was unveiled. • The Star of The West Monument is dedicated to the memory of all Citadel cadets and graduates who have died in defense of their country. Inscribed on the monument are the names of those cadets who have annually won the Star of the West Medal for individual drill competition. The monument was dedicated in 1961 • General Mark W. Clark’s grave, by General Clark’s choice and with the approval of the BOV and the General Assembly of South Carolina, is on The Citadel campus. General Clark was the second man to serve as President Emeritus of The Citadel and is the only person buried on campus. The grave site General Clark selected is between Mark Clark Hall and Summerall Chapel, near the Carillon Tower. • The Citadel War Memorial is centered on the Thomas Dry Howie Carillion. “When country calls, The Citadel answers. The brave warriors immortalized here honor all who went before and who follow. Duty done, they rest so we may live free. Speak softly in the company of heroes.” 66 These words written by noted author and member of the class of 1967, John Warley, greet the visitor at the entrance of the memorial. In October 2017, on the fifty year anniversary of the Class of 1967, the vision of that class came to fruition with the dedication. A five-year effort from concept to construction, it is the most comprehensive listing of Citadel alumni who have made the supreme sacrifice in the nation’s conflicts from the Mexican- American war to the present. The 760 names currently on the memorial are arranged by conflict and listed randomly so that each might be read by someone whether looking for a friend, a classmate, or family member. • Marine Landing craft (LVT-H-6); Army Sherman Tank (M4A3); Air Force Jet (F4-C Phantom II); AH-1 Cobra helicopter, and; a Navy anchor from the U.S.S. Coral Sea. A United States Coast Guard bell serves as a monument to Citadel cadets and graduates who have lost their lives upon the sea. • Along the Avenue of Remembrance and on Summerall Field, memorial trees honor Citadel graduates. An inscribed plaque lies with each tree. • Memorial plaques on Summerall Chapel list the names of all graduates killed in action in each war from the Civil War to the present. 67 Common Cadet Words: Blue Book: The book containing the cadet regulations BT (Battalion Transfer): A reassignment to another battalion, usually for disciplinary reasons CAS (Cadet Accountability System): A web-based platform used to manage many cadet administrative actions Con (confinement): An hour long punishment period served in a specified location CTM (Citadel Training Model): A five step process for training Division: A floor or level of the barracks ERW (Explanation Required in Writing): The cadet’s opportunity to respond to an accusation of a regulations violation ESP (Evening Study Period): Time dedicated each night to achieve academic excellence Furlough: A period of leave for the entire corps Junior Sword Arch: A Citadel drill team comprised of selected juniors Knob: A freshman cadet MRI (Morning Room Inspection): A period each school day in which rooms must be arranged as described in the regulations Night OC (Officer in Charge): The staff member on duty to monitor the barracks overnight 68 PLS (Principled Leadership Skills): An hour-long period held most Tuesdays in which leader development training is conducted Pull/PR (Performance Report): Documentation of suspected regulations violations PT (Physical Training): Periods of organized physical exercise held twice a week Quad (Quadrangle): The ground level space within barracks where formations are held Rack: A cadet bed Sallyport: The arched passageway that provides an entry to the barracks SMI (Saturday Morning Inspection): Formal weekend inspections Special orders: Orders assigning a cadet certain duties and relieving him or her from others Summerall Guards: Rifle drill team comprised of selected seniors TAC (Teach, Advise, Coach): A former military officer or NCO assigned to cadet companies and Battalions Tour: An hour-long punishment period served marching on the quad White Book: The book describing the organizations, functions, and standard operating procedures of the Corps 69 3.C - HONORS AND AWARDS Individual Awards Gold Stars are awarded each semester for those cadets with a GPA of 3.7 or better. Dean’s List recognizes cadets with a 3.20 GPA or higher (with no grade below C). President’s List is the most distinguished of Cadet awards and represents excellence in academics and military duties. The Commandant’s Distinguished Service List is composed of cadets who contribute the most to their companies and who have excellent military, discipline, physical fitness, and academic records. Company Awards President’s Cup goes to the Company earning the highest overall score in academics, military bearing, physical effectiveness, freshman retention, Regimental Commander’s Bowl, and service learning. The BOV Trophy goes to the Company accumulating the most points in intramural competition and physical fitness testing. Charles P. Summerall Cup is awarded by the Provost of the College to the Company with the highest overall GPA. This is the top unit academic award and is one of the criteria for the President’s Cup. 70 Commandant’s Cup goes to the Company which earns the highest marks in military bearing. Kelly Cup is awarded to the best drilled freshman squad in the fall semester. All companies enter and complete through a series of preliminary stages. The top 4 companies perform during Parent’s Weekend and the award is presented at the Parent’s Day Review by the Regimental Commander. Regimental Commander’s Bowl is awarded to the Company earning top marks during the Cadre Training Period. Points are based on freshmen’s performance in military performance, knob knowledge, squad competition, physical fitness test scores, and retention. The award is presented at the Parent’s Day Review by the Regimental Commander. The Milton A. Pearlstine Award goes to the Company achieving the highest freshman GPA. The Murray D. Bonnoitt Award is presented to the Company that achieves the highest freshman retention rate. 71 CHAPTER 4: FITNESS 4.A RESILIENCE This section will focus on the regulation of stress as a gateway to resilience. Stress, at its simplest, is a motivator. Your body reacts to perceived threats through the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol and the residue is stress. Stress is a reaction to adversity and a motivator to act. Stress can be personal/relational, work related, financial, or safety induced. Every time a young person overcomes adversity, they build resiliency. Every time a young person successfully navigates an obstacle, they build resolve. The word resilience comes from the Latin verb “resilire,” which means “to jump back.” In science, resilience is the ability of a substance to absorb energy when it is deformed, and then release the energy back. Resilience, therefore, is not invincibility, but adaptability. Resilience is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility to external and internal demands. Many factors contribute to how well a person adapts to adversity, including how they view and engage with the world, the availability and quality of resources, and the application of specific coping strategies. Resilience can be developed and practiced. Just like pushups, resilience is a developed skill as opposed to a mythical power that you are either blessed 72 with or born without. It is NOT an either-you-have-it- or-you-don’t situation. Like an effective fitness routine, if you know who you want to be, adopt a strategy, and do the hard work, you inevitably arrive at a destination of enhanced strength, confidence, determination, and resilience. The muscle soreness you feel after a tough workout is your body reacting to new physical challenges. Your psyche will be similarly stimulated as your mind and spirit adjust to its new environment. Growth and comfort can never coexist. It is normal to feel conflicted, inadequate, or overwhelmed when faced with unique new obstacles - especially when you are not immediately successful at everything. You will adjust, develop, improve, and grow. You will become more resilient to change and difficulties as you embrace each challenge. It is all a part of the process. Navy Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale’s abilities to accept, adapt to, and then act upon external and internal demands are legendary - but also entirely humanly possible for any of us. After all, his journey – much like yours – began as a plebe within a military 4th- Class System. 73 Vice Admiral Stockdale was a Medal of Honor recipient and the 15th President of The Citadel. He suffered and persevered as the senior military officer in a notorious North Vietnamese prisoner of war camp, the “Hanoi Hilton,” for over seven years. He wrote “The invincible man is he who cannot be dismayed by any happenings outside of his control.” 2 The ability to determine what is in your power and what is not is a critical step to building resiliency. In philosophy, this is called the dichotomy of control, or the ability to distinguish what is within your agency to control and what is not. As a freshman, you give up a degree of freedom of action. Your cadre will tell you where to be, when, and what to do. As a knob, there are only four things you retain agency over under the 4th-Class system: • Your preparation • Your effort • Your attitude • Your response The truth is these are the only fou3 r things you control in life. The reason why there is so much depression and anxiety in the world today is because people are trying to control things that are outside of their control. When you learn how to be “indifferent to indifferent things,” you will learn how to focus on things you can control and not get stressed out about things you cannot. 2 James Stockdale, Thoughts of a Philosophical Fighter Pilot, 234 74 Our resiliency is also a product of our environment. Your Knob year is designed to teach you that none of us are self-sufficient. You cannot make it alone. You will need the trust and support of your classmates, and be a good teammate yourself, to make it. In her book 3Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, Angela Duckworth discusses at length the power of conformity and the value of a “gritty culture.” Duckworth concludes that there are two ways to grow resilience, or what she calls “grit.” The hard way is to develop it by yourself. The easy way is to surround yourself in a culture of grit. The fourth-class system at The Citadel focuses on building collective grit. Resiliency requires a high degree of personal accountability and self-reflection, discipline, and a strong work ethic - along with the willingness to trust and support others. Should you embrace the challenge and apply the fundamentals discussed throughout the Challenge Week Guide (Mental, Physical, Social, Spiritual), you will discover how to successfully navigate Challenge Week, Knob Year, and life. It will not be easy, but if it were, it would not mean anything. You came for the challenge, so accept it, embrace it, and make yourself and your family proud by enduring and developing yourself beyond even your own high expectations. _______________ 3 Duckworth, Angela. Grit The Power of Passion and Perseverance, (Simon and Schuster, 2016), 247 75 When you do experience stress, here are a few techniques to negotiate the effects: --Hip-Pocket Tactics for stress relief-- • Breathe through your nose! Close your eyes and take 5 deep, slow breaths. It works. • Compliment someone else - “Keep it up, classmate, you’re doing great” • Self-talk #1 –Compliment yourself - “I’m doing my best, and that’s good enough” • Self-talk #2 -Replace one inner negative thought with a positive one (My shoes still don’t look great, but my belt buckle does) • Self-talk #3 -Visualize long-term success “I’m not there yet, but I’m going to master this task” • Self-talk #4 -Work in some self-compassion - Cut yourself some slack. Simply not beating yourself up and making things worse is beneficial. Treat yourself the way you would treat a friend by being supportive and understanding. Do not be so self-critical that you break yourself down. Understand that you will have great days, good days, bad days, and terrible days. Everyone does. Have a short memory. Do your best, learn from your failures, accept, and move on. Balance your self- assessments by giving yourself credit when you are due. • Write down 2-3 things you are grateful for today. It’s fact - you can’t be grateful and stressed out at the same time. Journaling can help to process emotions and gain better perspective. 76 • Regular exercise (running, lifting, stretching) • Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is methodically tensing then relaxing muscles in the body. PMR helps relieve stress, lowers blood pressure, and can help you fall asleep faster. • Write a letter to or call a loved one. Tell them how much you admire them or are grateful for their support. Expressing yourself will reduce stress. • Complete an act of service. Help a classmate with a simple task, or volunteer to support a community organization like Habitat for Humanity. Serving others will help build your principled leadership skills, grow relationships, and give your life greater meaning, all of which reduce stress. • Stay connected. Build and maintain strong social relationships with your classmates. Even one trusted friend makes a difference. • Get off campus. Simply being outdoors breathing fresh air is helpful - walk downtown on leave or simply visit Hampton Park. • REST. Sleep deprivation is a major threat, so you must make time to sleep. 77 4.B - CADET SUPPORT SERVICES TAC Officers and NCOs - Each Company and Battalion is assigned an experienced military officer or non- commissioned officer as a “TAC.” These personnel “teach, advise, and coach” cadets as they develop as principled leaders, and are the primary integrators of a cadet’s leadership development program. They also perform a series of functions to connect cadets to the resources they need to be successful. Company Advisor - Each Company is assigned a specially chosen faculty or staff member who works closely with the Company TAC and the cadet chain-of-command (primarily the Academic Officer) to ensure that academic and military requirements are compatible and that cadets are aware of academic resources and services. Cadet Academic Officer - The Academic Officer promotes academic excellence by mentoring and advising cadets in their company and battalion concerning academic performance at The Citadel. These cadets monitor class absences and the academic performance of all cadets in the company and battalion. Their focus is on freshmen, sophomores, and cadets on academic probation. In addition, these officers work with the chain of command to establish an environment conducive to studying and learning by: enforcing the rules and guidelines of Evening Study Period (ESP); modeling exemplary study/academic behavior; answering academic questions as well as other issues; and providing an opportunity for cadets, (especially freshmen) to understand academic policies and guidelines as well as academic and college resources. Also, these officers coordinate job functions/duties with the TACs through email or frequent 78 meetings. Finally with considerable autonomy, the Academic Officer reports to the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and is relied upon to exercise independent judgment when making decisions and to maintain confidentiality. The Student Success Center (SSC) provides subject area tutoring, academic coaching, math lab, writing lab, and public speaking lab. It also provides services for student athletes and students with disabilities. A computer lab and printing services are available to all students. For further information on the Student Support Center services and how to make an appointment, see the webpage at https://www. citadel.edu/ssc/. The Services for Students with Disabilities Office is housed in the Student Success Center (117 Thompson Hall). Students with documented disabilities, or students who think they may have a disability, are encouraged to contact the office as soon as possible to discuss accommodations and supports. Students can self-report at any time. For additional information, please see our webpage at http://www.citadel. edu/root/asc-disability-services. The Counseling Center provides free, confidential, face to face, short-term counseling services to currently enrolled cadets. In addition, the My Group Student Assistance Program provides free, confidential telehealth services including counseling (video, telephone, or in person) and a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week telephone hotline. Cadets are encouraged to access these services for personal concerns such as stress and anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns. For additional information, visit the Counseling Center web page at http:// www.citadel.edu/root/counselingcenter, visit the Counseling Center at the MUSC Medical Clinic on 9 Hammond Ave, 79 or call 843-953-4827. Cadets can also contact My Group directly for telehealth counseling and hotline support at their web page at https://www.mygroup.com/services/eap/student- assistance-program/ , or call 800-633-3353. The Ombudsperson Office at The Citadel provides a neutral party who helps Citadel cadets, CGC students, parents of cadets and students, faculty, and staff resolve disputes and concerns informally and confidentially. When possible, the ombudsperson will work to settle grievances and seek solutions to problems outside the college’s formal problem resolution systems. In general terms, the Ombudsperson Office provides visitors the opportunity to safely share issues and discover as many possible resolution paths as possible. As such, the greatest benefits tend to be yielded by visitors who use these services in the early stages of a growing issue. For more information, or to begin discussing a problem contact anyone of The Citadel’s Ombudspersons: MAJ Shamus Gillen, 953-7698, Holliday Alumni Center- CAA Offices Dr. Lee Westberry, 953-5188, 237 Bond Hall Col John A. Robinson, Jr., 953-4822, 369 Bond Hall The Campus Alcohol and Other Drug Information Center (CADIC) provides alcohol, tobacco, and other drug misuse prevention services and programs. All services and programs are free; individual, one-on-one services are private and confidential. For additional information, visit the CADIC web page at http://www.citadel.edu/root/cadic or visit CADIC in Mark Clark Hall, Room 217, above Starbucks. For immediate assistance you can email the director at kmodglin@citadel.edu or cadic@citadel.edu or you can call/ text him at 843-813-6326. 80 Campus Advocacy, Response, and Education (CARE) provides programs to cadets on matters relating to sexual assault, sexual harassment, relationship issues, and bystander intervention. Additionally, the CARE director and advocate is on call 24/7 to support cadets who believe they, or someone they know, has been sexually assaulted, harassed, or a victim of interpersonal violence. Advocacy services include information and options for reporting, medical care, counseling, and on-campus modifications, if applicable, and support for claimants throughout the administrative process. For more information, call 706-358-6192 or see CARE’s web page at http://www. citadel.edu/care. Title IX: Cadets who believe they, or someone they know, has been sexually assaulted should contact the Title IX Coordinator (843-953-6881) to understand their rights and options or to seek support and resources. More in-depth information can be found in Annex 2. or at: https://www.citadel.edu/compliance/title-ix/ Multicultural Student Services works to ensure that educational equity for all students is achieved and that an environment that appreciates culture and diversity exists at The Citadel. Further information regarding this office can be found at https://www.citadel.edu/miss/. The Krause Center for Leadership and Ethics (KCLE) creates and advances Citadel-focused leadership programs, ethics education, and community engagement to develop principled leaders. The Krause Center delivers leadership (LDRS) courses in support of the Four-Year Academic Leadership Curriculum, leads the Service Learning and Community Engagement program, and executes The Citadel’s Annual Leadership Day. The Krause Center also provides students, including first-year cadets, 81 with opportunities to delve into ethical decision making. The Krause Center supports The Citadel’s Ethics Bowl team and annual one-day Ethics Colloquium. For more information go to http://www.citadel.edu/