Fort Knox, Ky. – More than 200 of the Army’s top ROTC and United States Military Academy- West Point cadets descended upon Fort Knox, Ky., to attend the George C. Marshall Leadership and Awards Seminar, February 22-23.
Each year, George Marshall Scholars are nominated from their respective programs based on scholarship, leadership, physical fitness and community involvement and are designated George C. Marshall Award recipients.
“You all are the next generation tapped to lead our nation’s sons and daughters, so we brought you to Fort Knox to learn from some of our Army’s senior leaders and to also learn from each other,” said Maj. Gen. Antonio Munera, commanding general of U.S. Army Cadet Command.
The seminar was created in 1978 as a tribute to Gen. George C. Marshall, who is considered one of America’s distinguished Citizen-Soldiers. An Army ROTC alumnus of Virginia Military Institute, Marshall devoted his efforts to the causes of international peace, security, and economic development after World War II ended. He also played a significant role in the creation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, helping to achieve a balance of power in Europe during the Cold War.
From grueling early morning physical training to opportunities to engage with Army senior leaders, cadets immersed themselves into this two-day event.
“The last few days we have been doing some pretty intense physical training. Today’s event had us running through a mock urban village with simulated casualties,” said Cadet Anna Decker, an ROTC cadet from the University of Minnesota. “Physical training is such an important way to start our day, because it gets everyone from different ranks together and helps us visualize how we need to come together to accomplish the mission.”
The cadets heard from several senior leaders, including Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer, Gen. Gary Brito and Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond Harris of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, and Lt. Gen. Milford Beagle and Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Helton of the Combined Arms Center.
“Your mission as a leader is to create a culture of discipline,” said Weimer. “Your relationship with your non-commissioned officer is imperative in making that culture come to life. The key to this is consistency – you must continue to get your leadership reps and sets in.”
“It was amazing to see SMA Weimer’s enthusiasm and excitement about this new generation of Army officers,” said Decker.
On day two of the seminars, Beagle and Helton underscored the foundational role of trust to the Army profession.
“You’re coming into the Army as a leader…you will have to do the work required to earn the trust of your team,” said Beagle.
Brito posed two questions to the crowd of future second lieutenants.
“Are you ready to be an Army professional? And are you ready to be part of a winning team?” asked Brito.
Cadets answered with an emphatic “Yes!”
Brito advised them to focus on the three Cs. “What is expected of you as second lieutenants is character, competence and commitment.”
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