Marion Military Institute
Encyclopedia
Marion Military Institute, often abbreviated with the initialism MMI, is the official state military college
of Alabama
. Founded in Marion
in 1842, it continues at its original location.
South Barracks (later known as Old South Barracks and now Lovelace Hall), built in 1854, & the Chapel, built in 1857, served the Confederacy
as Breckenridge Military Hospital from 1863 to 1865. Along with the President's House (built 1912), these buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places
.
In 1887, the decision was made to move Howard College (now Samford University
) to Birmingham
. The then President of Howard College, Colonel J.T. Murfee, and a handful of faculty and students decided to remain in Marion, Alabama and immediately reorganized and founded Marion Military Institute, a military preparatory high school and college. The United States Army
ROTC program was first offered at MMI in 1916, when the institute was designated as an "Honor Military School with Distinction" by the United States Department of Defense
. The U.S. Army Early Commissioning Program was established at MMI in 1968. In 1971 MMI became coeducational.
In March 2006, the Alabama state legislature
passed a resolution
placing MMI under the auspices of the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education. MMI became "The State Military College of Alabama". As part of the transition to a public institution, Marion phased out its high school program. In May 2009, the last high school class graduated from Marion Military Institute's Preparatory School Program, a program that traced its origins back to 1887.
Students from all over the world 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 college
s 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) is 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
, Merchant Marine Academy, or Coast Guard Academy
). MMI also offers the first two years of Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps.
MMI has long been a school with many unique distinctions. It was home to one of the few Union and Confederate cemeteries in existence, which is now located behind St. Wilfrid's Episcopal Church. In more recent times the school has helped groom over 206 admirals and generals and has also had the honor of having one of its presidents being the only living 3 star Medal of Honor
recipient, Gen. Robert F. Foley.
s. 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
is a national joint service that was started in 1904 and has over 230 companies nationwide. 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.
, who was called The Swamp Fox, due to his daring exploits during the American Revolution
. He and his small and poorly equipped force harassed the British loyalist
s 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 of MMI are required to maintain a 2.5 GPA and a 270 on an Army Physical Fitness
Test (APFT); the two week regimen to join the ranks of the Swamp Foxes borrows skills tests from various infantry
schools including Ranger
, Expert Infantry Badge (EIB), Air Assault
, and Airborne
.
, and to establish a union of brotherhood and trust among its members. The team consists of cadets from across the nation. Try-outs are held at the beginning of each semester and consist 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 inauguration of U.S. presidents and state governors, and various Veterans Day
and Christmas
parade
s.
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.
Military academy
A military academy or service academy is an educational institution which prepares candidates for service in the officer corps of the army, the navy, air force or coast guard, which normally provides education in a service environment, the exact definition depending on the country concerned.Three...
of Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
. Founded in Marion
Marion, Alabama
Marion is the county seat of Perry County, Alabama. As of the 2000 census, the population of the city is 3,511. First called Muckle Ridge, the city was renamed after a hero of the American Revolution, Francis Marion.-Geography:...
in 1842, it continues at its original location.
History
Marion Military Institute traces its origins back to 1842 with the creation of Howard College. In 1842, Howard English & Classical School, later known as Howard College, was established in Marion, Alabama, by the Alabama Baptist Convention, with Dr. S. S. Sherman as President. During the American Civil WarAmerican Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
South Barracks (later known as Old South Barracks and now Lovelace Hall), built in 1854, & the Chapel, built in 1857, served the Confederacy
Confederate States of America
The Confederate States of America was a government set up from 1861 to 1865 by 11 Southern slave states of the United States of America that had declared their secession from the U.S...
as Breckenridge Military Hospital from 1863 to 1865. Along with the President's House (built 1912), these buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
.
In 1887, the decision was made to move Howard College (now Samford University
Samford University
Samford University, founded as Howard College is a private, coeducational, Alabama Baptist Convention-affiliated university located in Homewood, a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, United States. It includes the , Cumberland School of Law, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Brock School of Business, Ida V....
) to Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama. The city is the county seat of Jefferson County. According to the 2010 United States Census, Birmingham had a population of 212,237. The Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Area, in estimate by the U.S...
. The then President of Howard College, Colonel J.T. Murfee, and a handful of faculty and students decided to remain in Marion, Alabama and immediately reorganized and founded Marion Military Institute, a military preparatory high school and college. The United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
ROTC program was first offered at MMI in 1916, when the institute was designated as an "Honor Military School with Distinction" by the United States Department of Defense
United States Department of Defense
The United States Department of Defense is the U.S...
. The U.S. Army Early Commissioning Program was established at MMI in 1968. In 1971 MMI became coeducational.
In March 2006, the Alabama state legislature
Alabama Legislature
The Alabama Legislature is the legislative branch of the state government of Alabama. It is a bicameral body composed of the Alabama House of Representatives, with 105 members, and the Alabama Senate, with 35 members...
passed a resolution
Resolution (law)
A resolution is a written motion adopted by a deliberative body. The substance of the resolution can be anything that can normally be proposed as a motion. For long or important motions, though, it is often better to have them written out so that discussion is easier or so that it can be...
placing MMI under the auspices of the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education. MMI became "The State Military College of Alabama". As part of the transition to a public institution, Marion phased out its high school program. In May 2009, the last high school class graduated from Marion Military Institute's Preparatory School Program, a program that traced its origins back to 1887.
About MMI
Since 1887, Marion Military Institute (MMI) 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 world 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 college
Military Junior College
In the United States, a Military Junior College is a military-style junior college that allows cadets to become commissioned officers in the U.S. Army reserve in two years, instead of the usual four, through the Early Commissioning Program. The students must still go on to complete a bachelor's...
s in the United States which offer unique military training programs.
These programs include the Army's two-year Early Commissioning Program
Early Commissioning Program
In the United States, the Early Commissioning Program allows graduates of one of the country's five military junior colleges to become commissioned officers in the armed forces reserve in two years, instead of the usual four. The students must still go on to complete a bachelor's degree before...
(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
Military academy
A military academy or service academy is an educational institution which prepares candidates for service in the officer corps of the army, the navy, air force or coast guard, which normally provides education in a service environment, the exact definition depending on the country concerned.Three...
Preparation Program (SAP) is a freshman year of solid academic and physical preparation for students who wish to attend one of the Service Academies (West Point
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
, Air Force Academy
United States Air Force Academy
The United States Air Force Academy is an accredited college for the undergraduate education of officer candidates for the United States Air Force. Its campus is located immediately north of Colorado Springs in El Paso County, Colorado, United States...
, Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
, Merchant Marine Academy, or Coast Guard Academy
United States Coast Guard Academy
Founded in 1876, the United States Coast Guard Academy is the military academy of the United States Coast Guard. Located in New London, Connecticut, it is the smallest of the five federal service academies...
). MMI also offers the first two years of Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps.
MMI has long been a school with many unique distinctions. It was home to one of the few Union and Confederate cemeteries in existence, which is now located behind St. Wilfrid's Episcopal Church. In more recent times the school has helped groom over 206 admirals and generals and has also had the honor of having one of its presidents being the only living 3 star Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
recipient, Gen. Robert F. Foley.
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 degreeAcademic degree
An academic degree is a position and title within a college or university that is usually awarded in recognition of the recipient having either satisfactorily completed a prescribed course of study or having conducted a scholarly endeavour deemed worthy of his or her admission to the degree...
s. MMI has association memberships in the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States
Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States
The Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States is a nonprofit service organization of schools with military programs approved by the Department of Defense and which maintain good standing in their regional accrediting organizations...
and the Alabama College Conference. The accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is one of the six regional accreditation organizations recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation...
and the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation
Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation
The Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation was an international educational accreditation agency.CITA was formed in 1994 by regional accrediting organizations in the United States following a long history of collaboration under other auspices...
entitles all the services and privileges of regional, national and international professional recognition
Scabbard and Blade
"Honoring America's Scholars." Scabbard and BladeScabbard and Blade
Scabbard and Blade is a college military honor society founded at the University of Wisconsin in 1904. Although membership is open to R.O.T.C. cadets and midshipmen of all military services, the society is modeled after the U.S. Army and its chapters are called companies and are organized into...
is a national joint service that was started in 1904 and has over 230 companies nationwide. 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.
Swamp Fox
Originated at Marion Military Institute in 1963. Named for Francis MarionFrancis Marion
Francis Marion was a military officer who served in the American Revolutionary War. Acting with Continental Army and South Carolina militia commissions, he was a persistent adversary of the British in their occupation of South Carolina in 1780 and 1781, even after the Continental Army was driven...
, who was called The Swamp Fox, due to his daring exploits during the American Revolution
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
. He and his small and poorly equipped force harassed the British loyalist
Loyalist
In general, a loyalist is someone who maintains loyalty to an established government, political party, or sovereign, especially during war or revolutionary change. In modern English usage, the most common application is to loyalty to the British Crown....
s 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 of MMI are required to maintain a 2.5 GPA and a 270 on an Army Physical Fitness
Physical fitness
Physical fitness comprises two related concepts: general fitness , and specific fitness...
Test (APFT); the two week regimen to join the ranks of the Swamp Foxes borrows skills tests from various infantry
Infantry
Infantrymen are soldiers who are specifically trained for the role of fighting on foot to engage the enemy face to face and have historically borne the brunt of the casualties of combat in wars. As the oldest branch of combat arms, they are the backbone of armies...
schools including Ranger
United States Army Rangers
United States Army Rangers are elite members of the United States Army. Rangers have served in recognized U.S. Army Ranger units or have graduated from the U.S. Army's Ranger School...
, Expert Infantry Badge (EIB), Air Assault
Air assault
Air assault is the movement of ground-based military forces by vertical take-off and landing aircraft—such as the helicopter—to seize and hold key terrain which has not been fully secured, and to directly engage enemy forces...
, and Airborne
Airborne forces
Airborne forces are military units, usually light infantry, set up to be moved by aircraft and 'dropped' into battle. Thus they can be placed behind enemy lines, and have an ability to deploy almost anywhere with little warning...
.
White Knights
The White Knights were established in 1950. Founded by the Cadet Commander Gene Hyche to promote precision drill, disciplineDiscipline
In its original sense, discipline is referred to systematic instruction given to disciples to train them as students in a craft or trade, or to follow a particular code of conduct or "order". Often, the phrase "to discipline" carries a negative connotation. This is because enforcement of order –...
, and to establish a union of brotherhood and trust among its members. The team consists of cadets from across the nation. Try-outs are held at the beginning of each semester and consist 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
Sugar Bowl
The Sugar Bowl is an annual American college football bowl game played in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Sugar Bowl has been played annually since January 1, 1935, and celebrated its 75th anniversary on January 2, 2009...
, Orange Bowl, Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis 500
The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, also known as the Indianapolis 500, the 500 Miles at Indianapolis, the Indy 500 or The 500, is an American automobile race, held annually, typically on the last weekend in May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana...
, and the Air Force Academy Invitational Drill Meet. They also perform in parades such as Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras
The terms "Mardi Gras" , "Mardi Gras season", and "Carnival season", in English, refer to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after Epiphany and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday...
in both New Orleans and Mobile
Mobile, Alabama
Mobile is the third most populous city in the Southern US state of Alabama and is the county seat of Mobile County. It is located on the Mobile River and the central Gulf Coast of the United States. The population within the city limits was 195,111 during the 2010 census. It is the largest...
, the inauguration of U.S. presidents and state governors, and various Veterans Day
Veterans Day
Veterans Day, formerly Armistice Day, is an annual United States holiday honoring military veterans. It is a federal holiday that is observed on November 11. It coincides with other holidays such as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other parts of the world and also mark...
and Christmas
Christmas
Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
parade
Parade
A parade is a procession of people, usually organized along a street, often in costume, and often accompanied by marching bands, floats or sometimes large balloons. Parades are held for a wide range of reasons, but are usually celebrations of some kind...
s.
Normandy Society
The Normandy Society (military history club) was formed in 1994 and named to honor those who participated in the 1944 Normandy Invasion. 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 Baer Memorial Library 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.
Notable alumni
- Paul D. AdamsPaul D. AdamsGeneral Paul DeWitt Adams was a General in the United States Army.Adams was born in Heflin, Alabama. After graduating from Marion Military Institute in 1924, he entered the United States Military Academy and graduated in 1928, receiving his commission in the Infantry.He served with as executive...
, United States ArmyUnited States ArmyThe United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
General. - John Henry BakerJohn Henry BakerJohn Henry Baker, III , is a semiretired farmer and landowner from Franklin Parish in northeastern Louisiana who was active in the rebirth of the Republican Party in his state during the 1970s and 1980s. Baker was his party's nominee for the District 22 seat in the Louisiana State Senate in 1972...
, Republican PartyRepublican Party (United States)The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
leader. - José M. CabanillasJose M. CabanillasRear Admiral José M. Cabanillas , was an Executive Officer of the USS Texas which participated in the invasions of North Africa and the Battle of Normandy during World War II.-Early years:...
, Rear admiral. - Chuck de CaroChuck de CaroCharles John “Chuck” de Caro is an American strategist and futurist who originated the term SOFTWAR which is defined as: “The hostile use of global visual media to shape another society’s will by changing its view of reality.”His original SOFTWAR thesis was published in 1991 by the and led to...
, military strategist. - Robert E. HogaboomRobert E. HogaboomRobert Edward Hogaboom was a United States Marine Corps four star general who served as Chief of Staff, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. Hogaboom was promoted to four-star rank upon retirement as a "tombstone general".-Biography:Robert Edward Hogaboom was born on November 13, 1902 in Meridian,...
, Marine Corps Chief-of-Staff. - Harold HouserHarold HouserHarold Alexander Houser was a United States Navy Rear admiral, and the 35th Governor of American Samoa from September 10, 1945 to April 22, 1947. Houser was born in Fort Valley, Georgia, and graduated from the Marion Military Institute before receiving an appointment to the United States Naval...
, United States NavyUnited States NavyThe United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
Rear admiralRear admiral (United States)Rear admiral is a naval commissioned officer rank above that of a commodore and captain, and below that of a vice admiral. The uniformed services of the United States are unique in having two grades of rear admirals.- Rear admiral :...
and the 35th Governor of American Samoa. - Maston E. O'Neal, Jr.Maston E. O'Neal, Jr.Maston Emmett O'Neal, Jr. was a U.S. Representative from Georgia.Born in Bainbridge, Georgia, O'Neal attended the public schools and Marion Military Institute. He graduated from Davidson College with a Bachelor's degree in 1927...
, member of the United States House of RepresentativesUnited States House of RepresentativesThe United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
. - Merlin O'NeillMerlin O'NeillMerlin O'Neill served as the tenth Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1949 to 1954.He was born in Gallia County, Ohio on October 30, 1898. Following graduation from high school in Morgan City, Louisiana, he attended Western Kentucky State Normal School, and the Marion Military...
, 10th Commandant of the Coast GuardCommandant of the Coast GuardThe Commandant of the United States Coast Guard is the highest ranking member of the United States Coast Guard. The Commandant is normally the only four-star Admiral in the Coast Guard and is appointed for a four-year term by the President of the United States upon confirmation by the United...
. - Eugene SledgeEugene SledgeEugene Bondurant Sledge was a United States Marine, university professor, and author. His 1981 memoir With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa chronicled his combat experiences during World War II and was subsequently used as source material for Ken Burns's PBS documentary, The War, as well as...
, United States Marine, professor, and author. - Jacob E. SmartJacob E. SmartGeneral Jacob Edward Smart was a U.S. Army Air Force leader in World War II and Cold War era Air Force general....
, United States Air ForceUnited States Air ForceThe United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
general. - Tom StaggTom StaggThomas Eaton "Tom" Stagg, Jr. , is a Louisiana attorney, businessman, politician, and jurist who has served as a United States federal judge for the Western District of Louisiana since his appointment by President Richard Nixon in the spring of 1974...
, judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of LouisianaUnited States District Court for the Western District of LouisianaThe United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana is a United States federal court with jurisdiction over approximately two thirds of the state of Louisiana, with courts in Alexandria, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe and Shreveport...
. - Thomas WalkerThomas Walker (naval officer)Vice Admiral Thomas J. Walker was an officer of the United States Navy, who served as first commanding officer of the aircraft carrier .-Early life and education:...
, first commanding officer of the USS Constellation (CV-64)USS Constellation (CV-64)USS Constellation , a Kitty Hawk-class supercarrier, was the third ship of the United States Navy to be named in honor of the "new constellation of stars" on the flag of the United States and the only naval vessel ever authorized to display red, white, and blue designation numbers...
.