UPDATED
02.14.08
 

William Greene McCollum Class of 1962 deceased

Battalion Commander of the Corps of Cadets at FMA was the ultimate cadet leader position and, as such, was attained by only a small number of individuals.  In essence, the BC's role was to help insure good order so as to create the best environment in which cadets could learn and grow.  In lore and in fact, the BC's personal qualities, vision and aspirations had a dramatic impact on the Cadet Corps and the success and esprit de corps of the year.

To be selected as Battalion Commander and the rank of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel (full Colonel in the last few years) was the ultimate recognition of leadership qualities, the prize for years of learning and hard work, and a distinct honor.  BCs came in many shapes, sizes, grade point averages and ages (I was 16, Barry Barrington was 20!). The selection was about leadership and the position was not so much "appointed" as it was "earned".

At FMA, cadets were constantly challenged to grow, first into skilled followers and then into competent leaders.  From the first week of every freshman class orientation, cadets speculated about who would be the BC senior year.  And, as in any human endeavor, leaders emerge. Most often, it was clear who the BC for the next year would be by the middle of the previous year.  Usually a junior class cadet was already successfully exercising a major leadership role such as commanding a company.

Shelby George Standin Class of 1965 deceased

To be BC was many things; an honor, a tremendous challenge, an awesome burden, an opportunity for greatness, and unforgettable.  It was an honor to be recognized for your achievement in every salute.  It was a challenge to maintain friendships with classmates while still exercising your authority.  The BC often felt the heavy burden of responsibility for the welfare of the Corps.  For each BC, the role was an opportunity to make a mark, to do something extraordinary, while working closely with and learning from the Commandant and military staff.  And for every BC, the experience profoundly shaped their lives.

The rewards of the job were mixed.  You would almost always get to eat while the food was still warm.  But you'd be awakened from a sound sleep beneath your warm blanket very early, every day, by the head bugler asking you to decide the uniform of the day.  You'd get to stand before the entire Corps and give commands.  But you'd be the only one who'd get their tail chewed on by the Commandant if anyone was moving too slowly.  You'd get to select the officers and their positions, but their appreciation was soon diminished by the inevitable demands you would make on them.  Everyone was nice to you, but you could never be sure exactly why!

Alvis T "Barry" Barrington Class of 1970 deceased

 

The lore has been that some years at FMA were more "military" than others and the same is said of BCs.  Indeed, some in the FMA family of cadets, faculty, staff, and parents believe the more military years were the best years.  However one measures success, each year of the cadet experience was shaped by the qualities, vision and aspirations of that year's battalion commander.

Battalion Commanders
Written and contributed by
H. "Chip" Evans
Class of 1971

Lt.Col. Chip Evans, BC Class of 1971

Chip Evans, CEO VantagePoint Properties LLC