Citadel Leadership Brochure

The Citadel Principled
Leader Development Model
GRADUATE
August 2008

Table of Contents
Vision and Mission Statement........................... 2
The Citadel Core Values.................................... 3
Message from the President............................. 4
Building Principled Leaders............................... 6
A Path to Operating Dynamics.......................... 8
The Common Program.................................... 10
Pillar I: Academics...................................................... 12
Pillar II: Military........................................................... 14
Pillar III: Physical......................................................... 16
Pillar IV: Moral............................................................ 18
A Toolbox for Development............................ 20
The Road to Leadership.................................. 22
Cadet Development Paths............................... 26
“Real education should educate us out of self into something
far finer–into a selflessness which links us with all humanity.”
Nancy Astor, American/British politician

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn
more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
John Quincy Adams, U.S. President

The Citadel Vision
Achieving excellence
in the education
of principled leaders.
The Citadel Mission
To educate and prepare graduates
to become principled leaders
in all walks of life
by instilling the core values
of The Citadel in a challenging
intellectual environment.
T H E C I T A D E L L E A D E R S H I P D E V E L O P M E N T M O D E L
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The Citadel Core Values
Academics
Duty
Honor
Morality
Discipline
Diversity

Message fron the President
It is my privilege to introduce to you, The Citadel community, The Citadel’s Principled
Leader Development Model. This new concept recognizes that producing Principled
Leaders occurs in a structured process that requires systematic planning and the
integration of everything we do to achieve our common mission. To this end, we are
instituting this model that will provide a standard set of expectations that challenges
every cadet over the length of their Citadel Experience. On one hand, the Model will
promote and reinforce those treasured values upon which our past successes have
been built, and, on the other, it also marks a new start for The Citadel and for the
personal development of every cadet. As with any new program, we can expect that
adjustments will need to be made in the course of implementing it, but I am confident
that, with everyone pulling together to make it work, the Model will reinvigorate our
venerable institution and keep it relevant as it enters the 21st century.
Within the parameters of this common experience, individual initiative and interests
will continue to be prized and recognized, but a common program will unite all
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in the active pursuit of the skills and spirit necessary to develop principled leaders
of character. The Principled Leader Development Model is an incremental process
whereby a cadet will grow through required leadership roles and expectations every
year at The Citadel. We will establish common benchmarks in all areas of The Citadel’s
Four Development Pillars - Academics, Military, Physical, and Moral. Our cadets will
be tested and challenged as never before, but also inspired and supported, to gain the
competencies that they will need as leaders in their future careers.
To the Corps of Cadets, let me remind you that it is a great honor to be a member
of that body and to carry on the honorable traditions it represents. As cadets, you
have made a commitment to live the values that have made The Citadel a builder
of leaders since its founding in 1842. With the same spirit of service and sacrifice
that has sustained it through thick and thin over the years, I have total trust in you
to willingly accept and meet the challenges which this Model provides for your
lifelong personal and professional development.
There are no easy paths in life that can lead to gains of lasting value. That is why
The Citadel Experience is meant to be rigorous, tough, and thorough. You will be
involved, from your first year to graduation, in a program designed to ensure your
constant improvement in all you attempt. When the time comes for you to receive
your hard-won diploma, you will have acquired the means necessary for permanent
self-development in whatever path of life you choose.
This guide will provide an overview of the Principled Leader Development Model
and explain how it will be put into practice. I hope that all members of the greater
Citadel community will embrace it and the new direction it represents for us.
Let us go forward together.
John W. Rosa
Lieutenant General, USAF Retired
President
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Building Principled Leaders for the 21st Century
The Citadel builds leaders of character. This has been its principle mission since
its founding in 1842, and it will continue to promote those values that have made
it a great institution into the 21st century. The new century represents challenges
and opportunities that no one can foresee, but we enter this century confident that
the men and women of The Citadel will successfully tackle the future, guided by
personal faith and an abiding belief in the value of human dignity, honor, and duty
to the college, the state, and the country. We recognize that developing good
leaders is no accident: It is a product of good planning and on-going coordination.
Everyone at the college - from cadet to faculty to administration and staff - must
be involved in the leadership development process. Everyone must participate;
a winning team is not made by benchwarmers. The key to The Citadel’s survival
and success in this century will be its ability to establish and foster an integrated
leadership development program that will invigorate and characterize the life of
the school in all its aspects. Every cadet should and will be required to demonstrate
growth in leadership skills during his or her entire Citadel experience - from the first
day of Hell Week to Graduation Day. The leadership model for the 21st century
will incorporate the best practices of the long and distinguished history of which The
Citadel is rightly proud and known for throughout the country and the world, and
it will also integrate new elements into the Corps and academic experience that
will better prepare our graduates for the unrelenting demands of an ever-changing

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“Honor is the capacity to control the instinctive selfish-
ness that lurks in all of us. It is the tough case-hardened
ability to put morality ahead of expendiency, duty ahead
of deviousness – and to do it instinctively and every time.
Honor also means pride in excellence – of every kind; es-
pecially excellence of performance.”
General Mark Clark, USA (Ret.),
Former President, The Citadel
world. We must always keep in mind that tradition without innovation ends in
obsolescence, but when it is rejuvenated by faithful generations of offspring it can
provide a firm foundation on which to spring into the future. Clearly, The Citadel
has no intention of turning its back on the past as it steps boldly forward into the
new age before us.
The new Citadel Experience will be distinguished and integrated, by this we
mean that excellence will become standard and our purpose will wear one uniform.
The three pillars of Academics, Military Training, and Physical Conditioning will
rest upon our fourth pillar of deep commitment to moral and ethical values. All
of our programs must have specific objectives and clearly defined components.
It is crucial to the leader development process that activities and programs be
measured and assessed if they are to guide the cadet towards his or her aspiration
of graduating as a principled leader and assuming a position of responsibility
in military or civilian life. Fundamentally speaking, every aspect of a cadet’s life
should be recognized as an opportunity for leadership growth. The way ahead
for The Citadel will encompass progress on all institutional levels—at the Strategic
(planning), Operational (resource management), and Tactical (programs).
Clearly defined steps from 4th year knob to 1st year executive leader will mark
the progress of a cadet’s experience. In all things, the focus will be on eliminating
failure by removing chance and ensuring success by securing standards. In order to
continue the long and proud tradition of Citadel leadership, we must have a map.
The Leader Development Program gives us the signs and coordinates, but we must
make the journey.
The road is ours; let’s go!

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Operating Dynamics of The Citadel Experience
These key concepts give us a standard frame
of reference by which we operate as a unified team.
Integrate
The Citadel is a place and a process where all parts are
integrated for the institution to function and meet its objectives
to build principled leaders.
Improve
The Citadel is committed to constant improvement. Change
can help us meet our goals.
Involve
The Citadel is a dynamic institution that is open
to diversity and involvement
with the outstide world.
Inspire
The Citadel welcomes its duty to share its resources
and provide inspiration for principled leadership
to other individuals and institutions.

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TH
E
FOUR PILL
A
RS
A
C A D E M I C
S
TH
E
FOUR PILL
A
RS
M
I L I T A R Y
The Four

The four pillars of The Citadel Experience represent
the unity and diversity of our programs and activities.
All that we do as individuals and collectively is
integrated into the philosophy of our institution.
TH
E
FOUR PILL
A
RS
P H Y S I C A L
TH
E
FOUR PILL
A
RS
M O R A L
PillarsA Citadel Tradition

Essentials
The Citadel is committed, first and foremost, to maintaining
high academic achievement. Mandatory class attendance is
one way to ensure the cadet will fulfill this duty to learning.
In their first two semesters, all cadets complete a First Year
Experience course that familiarizes them with Citadel
procedures and learning strategies. This course serves as an
orientation to academics and provides standards that the
cadet will be expected to uphold. All cadets are also required
to complete two courses in computer competency. In the first
year, cadets will declare a major course of study, and may also
choose a minor. By the second year, cadets will begin to take
higher level classes in their area or areas of concentration and
will also start to work more closely with the instructors in that
field. Throughout the entire four-year experience, the cadet must
maintain the minimum grade-point ratio. Even though this mark
is the least that can be accepted for graduation, it is merely a
baseline and by no means represents the standard of excellence
to which the cadet should strive. In addition to keeping up the
grade-point ratio, the cadet must maintain full-time student status
during the four years and also complete other academic criteria
for continuation.
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AcademicsPillarI Academics

“Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and
knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.”
Samuel Johnson, English author
Enablers
Cadets are strongly encouraged to visit with their academic faculty advisor and
company academic advisor. Regular meetings with advisors can greatly benefit the cadet in
helping him to stay focused on academics and resolve any issues pertaining to his progress.
Cadets will also have the opportunity to attend a wide variety of individual tutoring and
learning strategies workshops. These forums exist to help cadets not only to maintain the
minimum required academic standard, but also to find new ways to excel in his studies. In
addition to the above, the Office of Multicultural and International Student Services actively
promotes venues with the aim of enriching The Citadel’s commitment to diversity and
inclusiveness. Once further along in their studies, the cadet may elect to work closely with
a faculty advisor to conduct research and later to present findings. Strongly motivated and
academically prepared cadets may be invited by the faculty to participate in the Honors
Program, whereby in-depth study will afford a more substantial acquaintance with the subject
matter. A senior thesis option may be chosen with the consent of her department. Another
possibility for expanding cadets’ horizons is by engaging in an internship, done either on
or off campus. This can provide an excellent opportunity for cadets to use in the real world
the skills and knowledge they have gained in the classroom. And for those whose sights
are set further afield, opportunities also exist to study abroad in the summer or during the
academic year. Finally, qualified cadets are encouraged and can be assisted in competing
for academic awards, privileges, and graduate school scholarship opportunities.
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Essentials
Much of what defines the everyday life of a cadet is directly
related to maintaining a proper military bearing and spirit. All
members of the Corps of Cadets will enroll in a ROTC program of
their choice. The chain of command system allows The Citadel to
function with a unity of purpose and a common set of values for all.
It is imperative that all cadets follow and respect the military lifestyle
that the College demands of them, and that includes abiding by
and supporting the Fourth Class System. The Cadet Regulations,
also known as “The Blue Book”, contain detailed instructions as to
what is and what is not permitted. They exist to provide uniformity
of acceptable behavior and insure standards of fairness for every
member of the Corps of Cadets. It is vital to the life of The Citadel that
the Cadet Regulations be adhered to in spirit and letter. The company
tactical officer is a member of the military, either active duty or retired,
whose counsel should be deferred to. Cadets will eagerly embrace
the leadership challenges and opportunities that are designed for
their character development. All cadets should demonstrate respect
for authority and show pride in the institution of which they are a part.
In the event that infractions occur, the cadet must accept the eventual
corrective measures. It is essential that all cadets behave with honor,
integrity, and courtesy at all times.
PillarIIMilitaryMilitary
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Enablers
Cadets have the opportunity to enter into a ROTC contract program, whereby upon
graduation they will become commissioned officers of an armed service of the United
States. While at The Citadel, they may join the Reserves or the National Guard, and
arrangements will be made to accommodate their service obligations. It is also possible
for cadets to apply for competitive or non-competitive ROTC scholarships, thereby
substantially reducing the cost of their education, in whole or in part. There are many
possibilities open for cadets to assume leadership positions within the Corps of Cadets. It
is strongly encouraged for the cadet’s personal development, as well as for the good of
the Corps. Participating in military drill competitions and joining a military club or society
are other ways that a cadet may more fully grow into a military set of mind and lifestyle.
“Do your duty in all things. . . You cannot do more, you
should never wish to do less.”
General Robert E. Lee
“Honor is the noblest stimulus to military valor..”
G.B. Vico, Italian Philosopher
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Essentials:
The Citadel takes very seriously the belief that a healthy body
is essential for the proper development of the whole person. It
is not enough for an individual’s development to be mentally
prepared while his or her physical condition is neglected, and
that is why such importance is given to requiring all cadets to
participate actively in sports and exercise. Every cadet must
pass The Citadel’s Physical Fitness Test during all four years.
Another requirement is taking the RPED course (Required Physical
Education Development). This academic course teaches the
fundamentals of maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle
and emphasizes the importance of correct nutrition and exercise.
In addition to the above, cadets will be required to take the
ROTC physical training of their chosen service detachment.
PillarIIIPhysicalPhysical
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Enablers:
Many opportunities exist at The Citadel to participate in or play intercollegiate,
club, Corps, or intramural sports. The Citadel’s athletic and recreational facilities are
excellent and available for everyone’s use. Cadets are very strongly encouraged to
participate in these activities, not just for the physical benefits they provide, but also
for the social skills and character building traits to be gained through teamwork and
strenuous physical challenge. There is no finer preparation for many of life’s tests
than those lessons that are learned on the playing fields or in the gymnasium.
“Leaders aren’t born – they are made. And they are made
just like anything else, through hard work. And that’s the
price we’ll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal.”
Vince Lombardi, Football Coach
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Essentials:
Perhaps the most unique aspect of The Citadel, apart from its
military organization, is the Honor System. Living by the Honor
System is what most accurately defines the moral and spiritual
life of a cadet. It is the framework and guide by which he or she
will live - according to the letter and the spirit - every hour of
every day while at The Citadel. Without honor an individual has
no integrity, and without integrity a person has little value. That
is why respect for and adherence to the Honor System is held
in such high esteem at The Citadel. It is also crucial that every
cadet behave in accordance with the Cadet Disciplinary System.
Both systems, taken together, underscore the vital importance of
understanding and living according to high ethical principles.
Long after the details of a classroom test or the outcome of a
football game have been forgotten, every graduate will carry
throughout his or her life the principles of honor which were
instilled in them at The Citadel.
PillarIVMoralMORAL
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Enablers:
Moral and spiritual development of a person can mean many different things.
It may include religious worship and fellowship. It may involve participating in
community service projects. It could be gained by joining a service organization or
club. It might take the form of partaking in class functions or attending fine arts events,
or even creating art. Whatever form it takes, an individual is called out of his shell and
asked to contribute to something besides him or herself. It is only through giving of
ourselves that we ourselves grow. Through selfless sacrifice of our time and resources
we learn the spirit of charity and become valued members of society in the process.
That is why The Citadel places such great importance on cadet participation in any
one or a combination of these activities. Character and leadership cannot be fully
developed in a classroom or laboratory; they must be exercised in the real world,
among real people with real needs. The principled leader is known by his or her spirit
of generosity and philanthropy, and shows gratitude for the gifts he or she has been
given.
“Character is the bedrock on which the whole edifice of
leadership rests. It is the prime element for which every
profession, every corporation, every industry searches in
evaluating a member of its organization. With it, the full
worth of an individual can be developed.”
General Matthew B. Ridgway, USA
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Ethics
These are the moral principles we live by which determine our character. When we
are guided by concepts of duty, honor, and integrity, we can develop into persons
of valuable character.
Morals
Doing what is right and good distinguishes a person who knows how to apply
ethical judgements that conform to high standards of fairness and integrity. The
person of moral courage acts from principle, and does not depart from the right
course from fear of blame or hope for praise.
Values
The things that make us strong and give us worth are our values. We hold those things
valuable that meet the moral principles of goodness and justice. Persons of integrity can
be counted on to revere and defend the values entrusted to him to protect.
Honor
When we live according to our moral obligations, we are worthy of honor. The
nobleness of mind and spirit that we recognize and respect of moral character is a
reflection of a person’s dedication to duty.
A Toolbox for Development
C ommon T erms W e use to B uild
L eaders in T he C itadel E x perience
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Integrity
This is the quality of a person who can be depended on to behave morally, even
without external compulsion to do so. This commitment to moral principles is crucial
to a person of sound character and resolve.
Duty
What we are morally bound to do for ourselves and others is our duty. A person of
principled character fulfills his moral obligations freely and unconditionally, without
expectation of reward or fear of the difficulties.
Leader
Leaders are persons who stands out among their peers by virtue of their character
and guides them to perform their duty. In every walk of life, civilian or military, the
presence of a leader is necessary to ensure the correct conduct of followers and
the achievement of an organization’s goals. Through strength of character and
personal integrity, the leader provides an essential role model for others to follow.
Leadership
All organizations must constantly meet new challenges, and people require
confidence in themselves and motivation to perform to the best of their abilities. The
influence and inspiration of a leader is required to ensure successful outcomes. By
forging strong relationships within the group and setting a common direction, the
leader controls the process that brings about positive results.
Leader Development Process
A person who is summoned to lead needs to possess outstanding mental, moral, and
physical qualities. The systematic process of enhancing positive character traits and
expanding their application to serve the good of the group is leader development.
This structured transformation of the future leader builds on his strengths and removes
weaknesses. It shapes the individual into a leader of principled character.
Leadership Development Process
The process by which the leader’s message is understood and acted on by the
group is leadership development. The well-led organization shows confidence and
self-awareness. Critical thinking, analysis, and open-mindedness are valued. Social
relationships are adaptable, but respectful. The group is united in a common purpose
and is committed to maintaining the high expectations the leader has of them.
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CitadelTradition
Character Development
Citadel Core Values
Morality
Discipline
Diversity
Academics
Duty
Honor
Lead
Believe
Adhere
Know
The Citadel Leader Development Model
To Educate and Prepare Graduates to Become Principled Leaders
CitadelPride

This graphic depicts the Leadership Development Pathway that all Citadel
cadets encounters during their journey within The Citadel Experience. It reflects
the leadership roles which must be completed by all, from the Fourth Class to the First
Class Year, and signifies that specific performance requirements must be achieved for
successful movement through these various stages.
The direction through The Citadel Experience is not a straight road that is the
same for all cadets. Rather, it has a tremendous array of opportunities and activities
that complement these universal requirements to provide students with choices
with which they can challenge themselves, and enhance their personal growth.
These options range from participating in a club; serving in the Regimental Band;
training for a commission through ROTC; competing with an NCAA athletic team;
and exploring foreign study possibilities. Consequently, the pathway is designed to
recognize and value possibilities, and as well as many others.
As part of this pathway, the Values and Respect Program, is an integrated
co-curricular program that covers a variety of topics from Honor to Leader
Development. It helps to link these common roles and requirements, along with the
varied developmental opportunities, to provide additional meaning and training to
support the cadets in their personal growth and understanding.
Two key additional processes occur within this model: Character
Development and progression from Followership to Leadership:
Character development happens over time as the cadets meet the expectations,
requirements, and challenges of their college years. This part of the model reflects
a national growth pattern that aligns well with cadet life and increasing leadership
roles:
KNOW Individuals that enter The Citadel, he must quickly know and understand
the rules, policies, and expectations of the environment.
ADHERE Cadets must adhere to these requirements to stay within the environment
and to continue to progress.
BELIEVE Cadets begin to incorporate the aspects of The Citadel environment into
their belief and value system - it defines who they are and how they think
about themselves.
LEAD The final stage of this growth pattern is the readiness and willingness of
the cadet to lead and serve as an ethical role model for others.
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This part of the model helps guide the operations of The Citadel’s
developmental environment and supports the design of specific activities and
instruction within the Values and Respect Program.
Living and serving within the Corps provides the personal exposure and
opportunity to fully understand the continuum of the commonalities and differences
between a follower and a leader. The Fourth Class System provides the rich
initial medium to promote followership, defined as the seeking and accepting
of the command, guidance, or leadership of another. As cadets progress to
more important leadership roles, this early training helps shape their abilities to
simultaneously interact as both followers and leaders in order to support the goals
of their organization. The awareness and skills that a cadet learns as both leader
and follower extend beyond graduation and are an essential outcome goal of The
Citadel Experience.
The cultural components unique to The Citadel (Tradition, Pride, Core
Values) provide the “environment” from which this model operates. It is important
to note that this environment is open and transparent and requires the college to
remain connected to the changing world around us and to adjust accordingly in
order to remain relevant.
At the end of the pathway is the ultimate goal, The Citadel Ring and
Diploma. They signify that our graduates have proven themselves worthy of the
honor that the ring represents and the value of the diploma. They have earned
the distinction of a Principled Leader. The Cadet Development Paths outline
the major steps that a cadet takes during The Citadel Experience. Though it would
be impossible to describe everything that makes The Citadel’s leadership process
unique, this descriptor is meant to illustrate the essential nature of that process, and
the expectations the College has of every cadet.
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outcome Goals for the Citadel experience
The Citadel graduate is a Principled Leader who:
Knows in-depth a major field of study and values the
pursuit of knowledge
Thinks critically and creatively in problem solving
and decision making
Organizes information, resources, and people efficiently
Communicates effectively in speech and writing
Inspires and guides others in disciplined teamwork
Lives the Spirit of the Cadet Honor Code
Behaves ethically and demonstrates moral courage
Respects others and defends Human Dignity
Is devoted to duty and dedicated to excellence
Leads a life of continuous self improvement and service
Participates successfully in organizations as leader
and follower

Fourth Class Year
“Follow to Lead”
To become a leader, your first step is to learn how to listen carefully and obey
your superiors. Only by recognizing authority and accepting responsibility for
your own actions can you grow into a cadet and contribute to the mission of the
Corps; when that happens, you will want to take your place and stand proudly
in the “long, grey line”of outstanding leaders that The Citadel has produced in its
166-year history. You will become part of this rich tradition if you prove worthy of
it, and be assured that the role models of great Citadel graduates will inspire and
sustain you throughout your time here, and far into the future. During this time, all
cadets will develop a strong sense of duty to the Corps and affirm their commitment
to the highest standards of personal honor and integrity. At all times, they will show
a sincere respect and concern for the well-being of fellow classmates.
As a future leader, you will begin to understand, appreciate, and acquire
military knowledge, and the military advisors on campus will help you to gain a
deep respect for military order and organization. Part of your military indoctrination
is learning that privileges must be earned and that willful mistakes do carry
negative consequences. You will start to recognize and appreciate examples of
good leadership in and outside the Corps, and when it is your time to lead those
examples will provide a foundation for your own leadership style. In academics,
you will be supported and encouraged to excel, and you will become familiar with
the great resources that exist on and off campus to contribute to your academic
success. Every cadet will receive training in effective learning strategies and time
management, skills which are crucial in maintaining the rigorous schedule and
demands of Corps life.
In addition to the cadet’s military and academic activities, physical development
will also play a key part in this year’s agenda. All cadets will be challenged to
surpass their own personal physical expectations, and they will be motivated to
embrace competition and show a winning spirit in sports and all else they attempt.
Every cadet will become a valuable member of a team, who can be counted on to
dependably hold a position, on the sports field and off. But the most important part
of the Fourth Class year is the value and respect the cadet will learn for the Citadel
Honor Code. The Honor Code is first and foremost in every cadet’s life, and guides
the Corps in all it does. You will embrace it with devotion, and it will become the
foundation of moral integrity to build your life.
C adet development paths
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Third Class Year
“Stepping Out”
By now, you have learned the ground rules of loyal followership and the time has come
for you to wear the mantle of a junior leader. Your responsibility will be to mentor the knobs
under you. You will lead them by good example, motivate them to succeed, and guide them
to make right decisions. At all times, you will treat your knobs with fairness and respect their
dignity, and in this process you will become a role model that they can imitate. You will taste
the true rewards of leadership when you have earned the respect of your subordinates.
The third-class year has its special challenges, too, for while you must maintain
your own academic standing and attend to your personal duties, at the same time you
will be closely monitoring your knobs’ steady progress. Academics will take on a new
meaning. In this year, all cadets will choose their major program of study, and they will
begin to appreciate to a greater extent than ever how the life-long pursuit of knowledge
is crucial to our survival as a nation and as a species. In the classroom, and in the
laboratory, cadets will be tested to think and argue critically, to sharpen and strengthen
their planning skills, and to meet hard questions head on without wavering. These
experiences are designed to dispel doubt and help the cadet to gain a new sense of
self-confidence and personal esteem. As a junior leader, the cadet will constantly strive
to grow into a person who is worthy of being admired by peers and subordinates.
There will be many opportunities for you to acquire and practice the new skills and
knowledge that will increase your self-confidence. These activities may take the form
of extramural sports, school clubs, or community service – all of which will test and
inspire you to exceed your own limits and demonstrate the strength of character that
distinguishes an individual as a Citadel graduate.
“[The] ‘responsibility keystone’ is the further development
of your own character and sense of integrity: the opportu-
nity to take charge; to ensure the attainment of standards;
to relish success in a spirit of teamwork; and, when things
went wrong, the capability to admit candidly to a mistake
without self-serving rationalization, and to show fortitude in
taking positive and corrective action to overcome mistakes
and to preclude their recurrence.”
Major General James A. Grimsley, USA (Ret.),
former President, The Citadel
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Second Class Year
“Taking Charge”
This year you take the reins of team leadership. Last year you gained valuable
experience as a mentor, and now you will be given greater responsibility for team
development. This increased trust that will be placed in you comes with a higher level of
accountability for your own actions and those of your subordinates. Your field of focus
will now expand from your own company to the entire Corps, and this will be joined
with a significantly wider scope of professional activities you will engage in. Naturally,
you will continue to inspire, motivate, and mentor the third and fourth classes, but in
addition to this you must hone your decision-making skills and develop strategic thinking
in order to help establish and attain the goals that the company will set for itself. You
will be aided in this by reflecting on the models of leadership you have experienced at
The Citadel, and at this stage you will start to develop your own identity as a principled
leader. You will be guided by the firm belief that effective leadership is built on a
foundation of personal moral integrity and an unaffected concern for the care and
progress of the cadets you are entrusted to lead.
Inacademics,thesecond-classyearwillbemarkedbyamuchdeeperpenetrationinto
thecadet’sareaofmajorstudy.Cadetswillassumemoreresponsibilityfortheirownacademic
progressandbechallengedtobroadenunderstandingoftheirsubjectbeyondsimple
proficiency.Itisexpectedthatatthistimesecond-classcadetswillsetastandardforthemselves
ofprofessionalexcellenceinacademics,justastheyhaveinmilitarymatters.
This year you will learn to delegate responsibility, and in the process your
supervisory skills will be sharpened. A very important component of this is the chain
of command structure, which must be understood and respected in spirit and letter if
the Corps is to function smoothly. And while it
goes without saying that at all times the Honor
Code will be observed, as importantly, you
must become a living example of it to others.
The second-class is constantly on the lookout
for ways to improve the management and
morale of the Corps as a whole, for the well-
being of The Citadel is its primary concern.
31

First Class Year
“Leading the Way”
Though you’re close to your goal, this year could be the toughest one yet. All
eyes will be on you, from the President to the knobs. You will be the first cadet
link on the Chain of Command. It will be your responsibility to communicate the
President’s intentions to the Corps and make sure that they are carried out. You will
embody the Citadel Spirit and be a living role model for the other classes. By now,
you will know how to anticipate problems and prevent them from growing. Your
abilities to prioritize tasks and delegate responsibility will be refined, and you will
be answerable for everything done under your orders. At the end of the year, you
will have proven that you can be trusted with a position of leadership, as either a
civilian or military officer.
Academics have been just one part of The Citadel Experience, maybe the most
important one, and this year you will continue to push hard in your studies. You
have learned that success in life depends on seeing a job well done from beginning
to end, and this year will confirm that you can run the course. You will have
prepared the ground for a smooth transition when the time comes for you to transfer
your position in the Corps to your replacement in the rising first class. The cadets
under your supervision will have been received clear instructions about their new
roles and duties. Your mission in the Corps will soon be concluded, but because of
your hard work and dedication the Corps will live on.
The Citadel has been both a home and a way of life for you. It is a place that
you will have a lifelong attachment to, and it is a process that has inspired you to
lead a life of integrity, excellence, and service to others and the nation. The Citadel
has made you a principled leader.
“There are no secrets to success. Don’t waste time looking
for them. Success is the result of perfection, hard work,
learning from failure, loyalty to those for whom you work
and persistence.”
Colin Powell, Army General and Secretary of State
32

33
Citadel Tradition
Keeping the promise of the future
by moving the old way forward.
Citadel Pride
Shared challenges, inspired beliefs, and mutual
respect bond us to The Citadel now and forever.

34 The Citadel • 171 Moultrie Street • Charleston, SC 29409

Citadel Leadership Brochure

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