As seen in The Post and Courier, by Andrew Whitaker
PARRIS ISLAND — The Citadel cadre left campus before sunrise to train at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot on Parris Island to strengthen courage, form teamwork and show empathy as they began to take on the responsibility of becoming leaders of the incoming class that will arrive next Saturday with Matriculation Day.
In the dark Saturday morning hour, 11 buses transported 482 cadets to Parris Island for a long day of Cadet Leadership Development Training with five different stations around the military base. The training reminds each cadre leader of the challenges they overcame during their knob year that reinforces the seven characteristics of principled leadership to demonstrate courage and build confidence Col. Tom Gordon, Commandant of Cadets at The Citadel said.
A few of the obstacles cadets participated in were the 55-foot tall Rappel Tower, leader’s reaction course, pugil stick leaning hand-to-hand combat and the confidence course that allows them to get out of their comfort zone. “Growth and comfort can never co-exist.” Gordon said.
The training at Parris Island happens every other year while last year on The Citadel’s campus with their similar Marine obstacles. A third of The Citadel’s graduates continue their military career in various branches.
These skills are essential in effectively leading and developing the Corps of Cadets through the academic year. This leadership development exercise at Parris Island was made possible by the generous contributions from The Citadel Class of 1970. Their support makes training opportunities like this possible.
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