The Summerall Guards for the Class of 2027 are now in position. The 61 rising-senior cadets gave their first performance during the changing of the guard ceremony, an event that is part of The Citadel’s annual Corps Day weekend ceremonies. This marked the moment that the Class of 2026 Summerall Guards performed their final precision drills as a unit before passing their rifles to the new platoon.

They were selected after a process that included weeks of Bond Volunteer Aspirant (BVA) training. Junior cadets who pass an initial physical fitness test take part in the six-week BVA training and tryout sessions. They must perform military pushups, sit-ups and rifle-bearing physical training, exhibiting exceptional physical condition and stamina.

Known around the United States as one of the elite military drill troupes, membership is a high honor at the military college of South Carolina. Created in 1932, the Summerall Guards have represented The Citadel at events around the nation, including performing in five presidential inaugural parades.

The platoon is named for Gen. Charles P. Summerall, former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army and The Citadel president from 1931 until 1953. Its purpose is to exemplify the exactness and thoroughness of a cadet’s training through a unique series of movements based on old, close-order Prussian drills. The maneuvers have never been written down, are passed from class to class and are performed to a silent count.

The 61 seniors will be commanded by Cadet Cooper Ankney.

The Class of 2027 Summerall Guards:

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