Each year, the Regimental Public Affairs NCO sits down with the Regimental Commander so that the community gets to know more about the current commander and how he is leading the South Carolina Corps of Cadets.

Cadet. Col. Sam Wilson is from Carlisle, Iowa. He is a History major and plans to commission into the U.S. Army upon graduation.

Earlier this year, Wilson answered a series of questions from Emma Moore, this year’s Regimental Public Affairs NCO.

Q&A with Sam Wilson

What is one word that you would use to describe yourself?

Enduring.

What has been the proudest moment that you have achieved at this school?

Wearing the ring. While it may not be the most unique experience that I have had on this campus, it is absolutely one of the most impactful. Sitting in Summerall Chapel and putting it on for the first time with all of my classmates is something that I will never forget.

You studied abroad during your time here at The Citadel, describe that experience and how it contributes to your role as Regimental Commander.

It opened my eyes to some of the things that we often miss here at The Citadel. The Canadians and the Dutch are very people-focused, and that is something that I have tried to emulate here at The Citadel.

Who inspires you the most and why?

My father. He is the hardest working man I know and someone who would do these last 20 years of night shifts with a smile to see my brother and me live our dreams.

How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy reading and running.

When did you decide that you wanted to be the Regimental Commander and has this been a goal since knob year?

No, I decided that I wanted to be Regimental Commander when I went abroad for the first time to see the Dutch Military Academy. Being able to see so many differences in how we train, both good and bad, made me want to revise some of the policies here at The Citadel.

What advice would you offer to someone who is considering attending The Citadel?

If you are going to do it, do it all the way. If you find this school easy, you are doing it wrong. This school has endless responsibilities, late nights and difficult situations. But if you go all in, you will learn more about leadership, friendship and what kind of person you are than you can at any other institution

Where do you want to be in five years?

In five years, I will hopefully be about to reach my Company Commander time in the United States Infantry.

What is one thing that you have learned during your time at The Citadel that you will take with you into your life?

Honor is about more than a code. Honor is the foundation that should rule our everyday interactions.

How has being the Regimental Commander changed your perspective on leadership?

One of the experiences I had over the summer was during Advanced Camp for Army ROTC. For one of the operations, I had to serve as the Platoon Leader. It made me think a lot about the differences in leading 30 people, versus 2,300. But surprisingly, this semester so far has shown me that the fundamentals are the same, it is only the application that is different.

What advice would you give to the 2026 Regimental Commander?

You will make mistakes, but never let them throw you off course of what you have set out to accomplish.

About Regimental Public Affairs NCO Emma Moore

Cadet Emma Moore is the Regimental Public Affairs NCO for the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. Moore is from Akron, Ohio and has a double major in Intelligence and Security Studies and Spanish. She is a member of Sigma Delta Pi, a national Spanish honor society. After graduation, Moore hopes to conduct counter-narcotic operations for the Drug Enforcement Administration.