Looking back at Recognition Day and Corps Day 2025

Members of the Class of 2028 had to complete the Gauntlet before they could be formally recognized as members of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. Now, these cadets will proceed to the next stage of their Citadel journey — leadership development — after successfully completing the mental and physical demands of the fourth-class system.

Before they could learn to lead, the rising sophomores had to learn how to follow. The fourth-class system started on August’s Matriculation Day and ended on Friday, March 21, when their peers officially recognized them.

Regimental Commander Cadet Col. Sam Wilson declared the end of the fourth-class system after the freshmen completed the demanding physical and mental tasks of the Gauntlet. This included a run around campus and their class set, which consisted of 100 pushups plus the number of their class year — which is 128 for the Class of 2028.

“Class of 2028, it was 223 days ago that you entered Lesesne Gate and matriculated into the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. It was during that hot August day that you left the world of mediocrity and inadequacy and entered a refuge of diligence and perseverance. Your achievements have been earned, not given. At our institution, you’ve had to live by our core values — honor, duty and respect. While you have all chosen the road less traveled, you have not walked this road alone. As you stand here, in your last brace, I implore you to lean on your classmates as you have all year. I ask you to remember the early mornings and the endless nights, the successes and the failures, the hardships and the triumphs,” Wilson told the Class of 2028.

On Saturday, March 22, freshmen cadets marched to Marion Square, the site of the original Citadel campus, where they reaffirmed their cadet oath. One of the most iconic and visual events connected to The Citadel is the March to Marion Square.

Recognition Day aligns with Corps Day celebrations. The Citadel commemorated the 182nd birthday of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets this year.

Activities on Corps Day included a Jeep review parade, a performance by the 2026 Summerall Guards, open barracks and pipe band performances.

Even though Recognition Day marks the end of the fourth-class system, the freshmen cadets still have a long way to go until they graduate in 2028. The newly recognized cadets will be preparing to lead the next generation until they return in the fall for their second year.

Photos from The Citadel, including images from Recognition Day and Corps Day, will be available for purchase at the photo store by early April.