By David Stinchcomb
Intern EA News
Every year in early August, prospective cadets from around the country make the trip to Marion, Alabama to begin a three-week training cycle that will see them start as recruits and finish as cadets. On August 11th, the Intensive Training Cycle (ITC) officially began for the Class of 2024.
Throughout the next three weeks, the recruits will be introduced to different activities including drill and ceremony, lessons on the history of the school, swimming, rappelling, and much more. They will be led by sophomores who earned the responsibility to lead through academic and leadership excellence.
“The point is to get them familiarized with the military,” said Dawn Evans, who is a Cadet 1st Lieutenant and the Commander of the MMI Honor Guard and Color Guard. “Who knows, this might pique their interest to go into the armed forces. Marion is such a wonderful school to get a great education and learn amazing leadership skills,” she continued.
After learning the fundamentals of being a cadet at Marion Military Institute over the next three weeks, the recruits will officially earn the crests that are worn on their uniforms. Once earned, they will officially become members of the MMI Corps of Cadets.
Marion Military Institute is a part of the Alabama Community College System, and their primary objectives are to award associates degrees and prepare cadets for careers in both the civilian and military paths.
Notable students from the area are Kadence Horton of Prattville, Jayden Kendrick of Wetumpka, and James Carter of Autaugaville just to name a few.
