SMA Corps of Cadets

For more than 100 years, San Marcos Academy has provided a leadership training program rooted in the values and traditions of the U.S. military. For the 2020-21 school year, the Academy will change our leadership program from a Junior ROTC unit to a school-sponsored military leadership program with a Corps of Cadets.

Much of what we will offer students through our SMA Corps of Cadets program will be identical to what we offered through Junior ROTC. Upper School Cadets will continue to enroll in credit-bearing Military Leadership classes that will follow the same curriculum offered in JROTC. The courses will be taught by LTC David Jaillite, U.S. Army, Ret., who has previously served as Director of the U.S. Army’s Logistics University. Students in the program will still receive Junior ROTC credit on their transcripts and the courses will apply toward the Public Service Endorsement on their diploma.  Additionally, we are still able to recommend student in the program for an appointment to military academies.

Male students who are U.S. citizens will be enrolled in Military Leadership for at least one semester at the Academy to meet graduation requirements; however, all Upper School students, male and female, are encouraged to participate in the program throughout their Upper School years. Every effort will be made to maintain the cherished Academy military traditions of the past while opening the door to new opportunities and traditions that a school-sponsored program will allow.

Traditions of the Corps of Cadets

Military Ball: The Military Ball is an annual formal event for the Corps of Cadets. It gives our young people the opportunity to enjoy and appropriately interact with their peers in a formal setting. The Military Ball is a long-standing military tradition which is intended to enhance the camaraderie among a unit’s members and teach the Cadets proper manners, greetings and other formalities.

Promotion and Awards Ceremonies: During the Fall and Spring, the Corps of Cadets presents a modified promotion ceremony. Likewise there are awards ceremonies in the fall and spring.  Parents and family members are invited to view these ceremonies.