Marine Military Academy
| Marine Military Academy | |
|---|---|
| File:MarineMilitaryAcademysm.jpg | |
| Location | |
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| Information | |
| Type | Military school, Boarding |
| Motto | Semper Fidelis |
| Established | 1965 |
| Faculty | 46 |
| Enrollment | 390 |
| Average class size | 12 |
| Student to teacher ratio | 10:1 |
| Campus | 142 acres |
| Color(s) | Scarlet and Gold |
| Athletics | Baseball, Basketball, Boxing, Cross Country, Drill Team, Football, Golf, PFT, Rifle Team, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, VISA, Weight-lifting, Wrestling |
| Mascot | Bulldog |
| Website | http://www.mma-tx.org |
Marine Military Academy, located in Harlingen, Texas, offers a private college preparatory curriculum for boys in grades 8-12, and one-year post-graduate study. The school was founded in 1965. Its traditions and ideals are inspired by the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Military Academy is affiliated with the United States Marine Corps through its Junior ROTC program.
The school also offers summer programs including a four-week adventure summer camp for boys 13-17, as well as ESL classes for foreign students.
The academy is situated on a former U.S. Air Force base. Most of the original buildings have been replaced with modern facilities. The adjacent runways are currently used by the Harlingen International Airport.
Iwo Jima Monument
Since 1982 the original, full sized, plaster working model of the monumentUSMC War Memorial which was donated by its sculptor, Mr. Felix de Weldon has been located at the Academy. The Academy is also the final resting place of Corporal Harlon Block, one of the Marines immortalized in the famous photo of the flag-raising on Iwo Jima on which the sculpture is based.
Corps of Cadets
Cadets are assigned to one of the seven company barracks (Alpha - Golf). Each company is supervised by a Drill Instructor, an assistant Drill Instructor, and led by the cadet leaders. Introductory training (basic training for all new cadets) lasts for 4 weeks. During the 4 initial weeks new cadets are taught such subjects as military rank structure, uniforms, close order drill and undergo training on such subjects as rapelling, confidence course, obstacle course and high ropes course.
Cadets come from various cultural backgrounds including students from foreign countries. Mexico is the main supplier of international students, but the school includes students from Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia.
Rank Structure
The cadet rank structure is based off of the United States Marine Corps rank and billet system, with the addition of Cadet before the title. 8th Graders are limited to Cadet Lance Corporal, and Freshmen cannot exceed the rank of Cadet Corporal. However, 8th graders and Freshmen more often serve as non-rates (Plebe - c/LCpl).
As a Sopohmore, cadets may be promoted to NCOs (non-commissioned officers, namely Corporals and Sergeants). Though not frequent, it is possible for a Sophomore to obtain the rank of Cadet Staff Sergeant.
Juniors make up most of the Academy's Staff NCOs (Staff Non Commissioned Officers; Cadet Staff Sergeants - Cadet Sergeant Major).
| Officer Insignia | 
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| Officer Rank | c/Colonel | c/Lieutenant Colonel | c/Major | c/Captain | c/1st Lieutenant | c/2nd Lieutenant | ||||
| Enlisted Insignia | File:Sgtmaj.gif | File:1stsgt.gif | File:Gysgt.gif | File:Ssgt.gif | File:Sgt.gif | File:Cpl.gif | File:Lcpl.gif | File:Privatefirstclass.gif | (No insignia) | (No insignia) |
| Enlisted Rank | c/Sergeant Major | c/First Sergeant | c/Gunnery Sergeant | c/Staff Sergeant | c/Sergeant | c/Corporal | c/Lance Corporal | c/PFC | c/Private | Plebe |
Uniforms
The uniforms authorized for wear at the academy are parallel to that of the United States Marine Corps. During school days, the uniforms worn on weekdays are the Utility and Green "C" uniforms. On weekends the prescribed uniform is often Green "C". During periods of exercise PT Gear is worn. The Dress Blue uniforms are often preserved for the Marine Corps Birthday Ball and periods of Leave. Raincoats and Letter jackets may also be worn when directed during cold or rainy weather. The Pistol belt can be worn in lieu of a Web belt when a cadet is in a "duty status" or, in certain situations, a cadet officer/noncommissioned officer. Cadet officers are also permitted to wear the Pistol belt while wearing the Dress Blue "A" and "B" uniforms.
Cadets are required to wear the uniform of the day at all times while enrolled (with the exception of leave) at the academy. In certain situations, however, such as community service events and other extracurricular activities, civilian dress may be authorized.
| Components | Optional Components | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dress Blue "A" | Blues blouse, Blue trousers, White barracks cover, Black shoes, White gloves, and White belt. | Dress White belt or patent leather belt (officers and SNCOs only) | --- |
| Dress Blue "B" | The same as Blue "A" but without medals (White gloves are also optional). | Dress White belt or patent leather belt (officers and SNCOs only) | --- |
| Dress Blue "C" | Long sleeve shirt, Blue trousers, Black shoes, and Web belt. | Letter jacket, Raincoat, Pistol belt, Black gloves | Special Issue |
| Dress Blue "D" | Short sleeve shirt, Blue trousers, Black shoes, and Web belt. | Letter jacket, Raincoat, Pistol belt, Black gloves | Leave Uniform |
| Green "A" | Green coat, Green trousers, Garrison cover, Black shoes, Long sleeve shirt, Tie, Web belt, and Green belt. | Raincoat, Green barracks cover, Pistol belt, Black gloves | Special Issue |
| Green "B" | The same as Blue "A" but without medals. | Letter jacket, Raincoat, Pistol belt, Black gloves | Special Issue |
| Green "C" | Long sleeve shirt, Blue trousers, Black shoes, and Web belt. | Letter jacket, Raincoat, Pistol belt, Black gloves | Liberty Uniform |
| Utility Uniform | Camouflage blouse, Camouflage trousers, Boots, and Utility cover. | Company shirt, PT shirt, Letter jacket, Raincoat, Pistol belt, Black gloves | --- |
| PT Gear | PT shirt, PT shorts, Tennis shoes, and White socks. | Company shirt, CI shirt, Black gloves, Sweats | Exercise Uniform |
Usage
Since there are many varying cadet uniforms, certain events dictate which uniform is appropriate. For example, Dress Blue "A" is rarely worn. The school holds two specific events which require Blue "A", The Marine Corps Birthday Ball and The HM Smith Foundation dinner. Both Dress Blue "A" and "B" may be worn to civilian occasions which dictate white tie or black tie. Green "A" can be issued at the QM (or bought by the cadet) for events off of campus, more specifically college visits and any other event in which informal attire is appropriate.
See also
- Walter Stauffer McIlhenny, benefactor of the Academy