Military Department

Although excellent academic instruction and college preparation are the Academy's objectives, it is the military structure and discipline that makes Cadets successful and sets MMA apart from other school environments. MMA is based upon the idea that leadership is the sum of those qualities of intellect, human understanding, and moral character that enables a person to inspire and to lead a group of people successfully. We are determined to produce young leaders who will want to make a difference, foster change, take action, communicate vision, understand responsibility, embrace sound ethical direction and decisions, and demonstrate the Core Values of Honor, Courage and Commitment.

The Military Advantage:

Efficiency experts, business executives and even Inc. Magazine have touted the U.S. Marine Corps as one of the best examples of organizational leadership in the country. Known for their intense pride, loyalty, ethics and motivation, Marines are called a "cut-above" other branches of military service. The heritage and ideals of the Marine Corps are passed on to the Cadets at the Marine Military Academy by a staff of former Marines who live their lives by these principles. Honor, courage and commitment are but three core values the staff and faculty preach to the young Cadets at MMA. The military setting eliminates distractions, improves personal accountability and enables Cadets to establish and focus on their future goals. The Marine Corps JROTC program develops informed citizens, strengthens character by teaching discipline and develops an understanding of the responsibilities of citizenship.

The Cadets reside two to a room in one of seven dormitory-style barracks supervised by a former Marine Staff Non-commissioned Officer (SNCO) called a drill instructor (DI). The DIs and their families provide the discipline, daily routine, and care for approximately 50-60 8th through 12th grade Cadets who live in their barracks. Within each company the drill instructor doles out a healthy dose of praise as well as speedy punishment when necessary. He is a surrogate-parent and role model, disciplinarian and mentor, communicator and motivator. The DI is the adult Cadets look to for daily guidance, leadership and instruction.

The Cadet rank structure emulates that of the Marine Corps and Cadets also have the unique opportunity to earn leadership positions and actually develop their character. It is here that a Cadet acquires more self- confidence, improved people-skills, and time management skills. Once a Cadet has established that he can care for himself, he may be afforded the chance to care for his peers as well. When a Cadet achieves good grades, demonstrates maturity, respect, begins to develop good decision making skills by showing that he is a positive influence on others he may move up in rank, take on more responsibility and gain privileges.

E-mail Military(military@mma-tx.org)