What Military Branch is The Citadel?
The Citadel, also known as The Military College of South Carolina, is a public college of higher education and the military college of South Carolina. Located in Charleston, South Carolina, the college is one of the six senior military colleges in the United States. The Citadel is a federal military academy, which means that it is a senior military college that is affiliated with the United States Armed Forces.
History of The Citadel
The Citadel was founded in 1842 as a military academy to train young men in the art of war. During the American Civil War, the college was closed, and its campus was used as a hospital and a training ground for Confederate soldiers. After the war, the college was reopened in 1868 and continued to operate as a military academy until 1969, when it became a senior military college.
Mission and Purpose
The Citadel’s mission is to educate and develop young men and women to become leaders of character, with a strong emphasis on military leadership, academic excellence, and personal development. The college is committed to producing graduates who are prepared to serve their country, their community, and their fellow citizens with distinction and honor.
Military Branch Affiliation
The Citadel is affiliated with the United States Army, but it is not a direct feeder school for the Army. Instead, it is a senior military college that is authorized to award degrees in the military sciences, including military history, military science, and strategic studies. The Citadel is a federal military academy, which means that it is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation.
Academics
The Citadel offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in fields such as business, engineering, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The college is known for its strong programs in military history, military science, and strategic studies, and it is one of the few institutions in the United States that offers a degree in military history.
ROTC Program
The Citadel has a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program that is authorized by the United States Department of Defense. The college’s ROTC program is designed to prepare students for commissioning as officers in the United States Armed Forces, and it is one of the largest and most prestigious ROTC programs in the country.
Graduation and Commissioning
The Citadel’s graduation and commissioning ceremony is a formal event that takes place annually in May. During the ceremony, graduating seniors are commissioned as officers in the United States Armed Forces, and they receive their diplomas. The ceremony is attended by dignitaries from the military, government, and academia, and it is a significant event in the college’s annual calendar.
Comparison with Other Military Colleges
The Citadel is one of six senior military colleges in the United States, along with the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, Virginia Military Institute, and Texas A&M University. The Citadel is the only senior military college in the United States that is not a federal service academy, which means that it is not a direct feeder school for the military.
Table: Comparison of Senior Military Colleges
| College | Location | Affiliation | ROTC Program | Commissioning Ceremony |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Citadel | Charleston, SC | Federal | Yes | Yes |
| United States Military Academy | West Point, NY | Federal | Yes | Yes |
| United States Naval Academy | Annapolis, MD | Federal | Yes | Yes |
| United States Air Force Academy | Colorado Springs, CO | Federal | Yes | Yes |
| Virginia Military Institute | Lexington, VA | State | Yes | Yes |
| Texas A&M University | College Station, TX | State | Yes | Yes |
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Citadel is a federal military academy that is affiliated with the United States Army. The college is a senior military college that is authorized to award degrees in the military sciences, and it has a strong ROTC program that prepares students for commissioning as officers in the United States Armed Forces. The Citadel is one of the six senior military colleges in the United States, and it is the only senior military college that is not a federal service academy.
