Marion Military Institute
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Marion Military Institute is the state military college of Alabama. Founded in 1842, it is the oldest two-year military college in the United States.
Since 1842, Marion Military Institute (MMI), the nation's oldest military preparatory school and junior college, has achieved a national reputation for preparing young men and women for successful civilian and military careers. This is accomplished by providing the best possible educational program for its students in a conservative, disciplined environment thereby developing their intellectual, physical, moral, social and leadership capabilities.
Students from all over the nation attend MMI to establish a strong foundation for future study, and to take advantage of its military training programs. MMI is one of only five Military Junior Colleges in the United States, which offer unique military training programs.
These programs include the Army's two-year Early Commissioning Program (ECP), an Army Reserve Officers Training Corps program through which qualified students can earn a commission as a Second Lieutenant after only two years of college. The Service Academy Preparation Program (SAP), a freshman year of solid academic and physical preparation for students who wish to attend one of the Service Academies (West Point, Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, or Coast Guard Academy). MMI also offers the first two years of Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps.
College Accreditation
Marion Military Institute (MMI) is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate of Arts and Associate of Science Degrees. MMI has association memberships in the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States and the Alabama College Conference. The accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation entitles all the services and privileges of regional, national and international professional recognition
Campus Organizations
"Honoring America's Scholars." Scabbard and Blade is a national joint service that was started in 1904 and has over 230 companies nation wide. Society members enjoy a life long association with other recognized leaders in the Corps of Cadets and active and reserve officers in all branches of military service. The traditions and principles revealed during the society’s ritual through the Five Stars sustain and inspire Scabbard and Blade members throughout their lifetime. The primary purpose of Scabbard and Blade is to raise the standard of military education in American colleges and universities; to unite in closer relationships their military departments; to encourage and foster the essential qualities of good and efficient officers; and to promote friendship and good fellowship among the cadet officers. The society also disseminates knowledge of military education to the students and people of the country. In general, members acquaint the public with our national defense needs.
Originated at Marion Military Institute in 1963. Named after Francis Marion, who was named this due to the daring exploits of his small and poorly equipped force which harassed the Loyalists along the Peedee and Santee Rivers. The Swamp Foxes are to be the most physically fit, most disciplined, and the most technically and tactically proficient small unit at all times. The Swamp Foxes are the elite of MMI and are required to maintain a 2.5 GPA and a 290 on an Army APFT; the two week regiment to join the ranks of the Swamp Foxes picks and chooses from various infantry schools i.e. Ranger, EIB, Air Assault, and Airborne.
The White Knights were established in 1950 to promote precision drill, discipline, and to establish a union of brotherhood and trust among its members. Teams consists of cadets from across the nation. Try-outs are held at the beginning of every semester and consists of twenty-one days of intense training in military drill techniques. Membership in the White Knights is based on military drill proficiency. Each year the Knights receive invitations to perform throughout the United States. In past years they have performed at such events as the Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl, Indianapolis 500, and the Air Force Academy Invitational Drill Meet. They also perform in parades such as Mardi Gras in both New Orleans and Mobile, the Presidents and the Governors Inauguration, and various Veteran’s Day and Christmas parades.
The Normandy Society (military history club) was formed in 1994 and named to honor those who participated in what some call the definitive campaign of WWII. The Normandy Society is open to all cadets, but full membership and election to officers require satisfactory grades and citizenship. Meetings are held in the chapel on Wednesday nights to study military history campaigns and events. Classic war movies, weapons displays, and field trips are used to educate and interest MMI cadets. LTC Bauer (MMI ’56), is Chair of the History department and sponsor of the Normandy Society. The cadets in this organization have raised money for worthy projects at MMI through sales of souvenir items and clothing as well as through individual donations. Previously, Normandy Society donated money to replace the wheels of the Reveille Cannon on the Quadrangle. This year they decided to help replace the video and sound system in the chapel, a greatly needed improvement.
External link
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