Missouri Military Academy - Yearbook (Mexico, MO)

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AN .1 v 5 , Fl Az iuX is MISSOURI , fi ACADEMY fx MIXICO Mlll OURI hi' ' 5 4 xii. fl uafii , , me I ..S Q, 5.46 'I-,M-,S t O N' , I MIUIAHY THAININE PHUVIII Military training, as given at M. M. A., offers your boy numerous advantages of incalculable and life-long value. The training de- velops all the laudable traits of leadership, including initiative, responsibility, self-respect, self-reliance, tresourcefulness, fear- lessness, efficiency, quick thinking, and logical, concise expres- sion. At the same time it develops intelligent co-operation, as it teaches team-work, fair-play, respect for others' rights, respect for proper authority, and genuine patriotism. This training sal- vages the time most boys waste and teaches them many habits of inestimable worth. It teaches system, conservation of time, neat- ness, promptness, thoroughness, obedience, courtesy, truthful- ness, and honor. And it gives them erect, manly carriage and hearing. The uniform is worn at all times at M. M. A. because it successfully removes all social, monetary, and class distinctions, placing each boy on an equal footing where merit alone will dis- tinguish him-where he will advance only as he deserves ad- vancement. 5. '., 'ITAJ A... NS.. The Golden Jubilee Review in 1939 ES lASllNH HENEHIS Drum and bugle corps at mess formation fllightj l L k1 '::m.n 1 ,nr W' if '- -I 1 ' Urn '9 i X

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4,49-1. A MILITARY EDUBATIUN IS AN EDUCATIUN PLUS , .4 --f The Missouri Military Academy was founded in 1889 as a military school for boys because its founders believed very strongly that a military education offered certain definite advantages to young men during their pre-college days. Now, sixty-five years and three wars later, its Board of Trustees is also con- vinced that a military education has a definite place in a democracy whether that democracy be following the pursuits of peace or whether it be organizing its citizenry for the sacrifices of war. What, then, are some of these advan- tages to be found in an essentially mili- tary school? What are some of the plus values that come from a military education? In a military academy, the cadets are taught respect for authority with that authority vested in well chosen leaders. They are taught courtesy with the cour- teous 6'Yes, Sirf' or UNO, Sir based on respect rather than subserviency. They are taught punctuality with the split- second timing of the bugle note, they are taught neatness with its 'Gspit and polish procedure to keep slovenly habits of dress from becoming slovenly habits of thought and action. They are taught first to obey cheerfully and promptly, and then, as leaders them- selves, to accept willingly the many re- sponsibilities of that leadership. But, one may say, these are abstract qual- ities. What are some of the practical values derived from such a military education ? What of the precision that comes from close order drillg the physical fitness that comes from sustained marching? ..f Q, at- 7 .zl 1 - What of the lessened danger that comes from a thorough knowledge of the care and use of firearms? IS there not also a real Q CAbovcJ Three shields prcscnlcd M. M. A. Rifle Teams for winning national championships. Thrcc consecutive victories value resultin from a g won thc additional award of thc cup. practical course in first aid and hygiene-a value that may save lives in time of crisis? In a military school with cadets habitually in uniform there is little place for the class distinction that comes from great wealth or social prestige. Living constantly under the folds of the flag, listening daily to the strains of 6'The Star-Spangled Bannerf' these young men soon become imbued with that love of country which challenges them to live up to the full stature of citizenship in a democracy. Since 1920 the Missouri Military Academy has been a unit of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps under the direct supervision of the Department of the Army. Since 1931 it has been continuously rated as an '4Honor ROTC Unit as the result of an annual inspection made by officers detailed for that purpose by the Depart- ment of the Army. Since 1946 the Missouri Military Academy has been designated as a Senior CMD Unit of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps. And today, as MMA looks forward to the future, its Board of Trustees is determined more than ever before to make the plus values of a military education felt in the physical growth and character development of each cadet enrolled on its campus.