| Valley Forge Military Academy & College | |
|---|---|
 VFMAC Entrance |
|
| Motto | Courage, Honor, Conquer |
| Established | 1928 |
| Type | Independent, Boarding Military junior college (grades 7-12) |
| Religious affiliation | Non-denominational Christian |
| Endowment | $8 Million |
| President | Charles A. McGeorge |
| Superintendent | Colonel J. J. Doyle, USMC (Ret.) |
| Faculty | 50-60 |
| Students | 602 Cadets |
| Undergraduates | 339 (College) |
| Other students | 263 (Academy) |
| Location | Wayne, Radnor Township, Pennsylvania, United States of America |
| Campus | Suburban |
| Former names | Valley Forge Military Academy and Junior College |
| Colors | Buff and Blue |
| Nickname | Trojan |
| Mascot | BRUTUS, Olde English Bulldog |
| Affiliations | Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States, The Association of Boarding Schools, The National Association of Independent Schools and Secondary School Admission Test Board |
| Website | www.vfmac.edu |
Valley Forge Military Academy & College (usually shortened as VFMAC or Valley Forge historically referred as "Little West Point"), self-styled as The Finest Institution of its Kind in the World, is an American all male boarding school (grades 7-12) and coeducational (as of Fall 2006) junior college in the military school tradition. Valley Forge Military College is officially designated as the Military College of Pennsylvania, and is one of five military junior colleges and is home to the nation's "Best Army ROTC Early Commissioning Program". The school is located in the Pennsylvania Main Line suburb of Wayne in Radnor Township, USA (outside of Philadelphia). Though military in tradition and form, Valley Forge Military Academy (the high school portion of VFMAC) is a college preparatory boarding institution. VFMAC's administration are comprised of almost all distinguished current or retired military and the Board of Trustees are almost entirely alumni. Alumni often attend some of the nation's most prestigious colleges and universities, some pursue careers in armed services and VFMAC has one Rhodes Scholar. VFMAC and the Duke of York's Royal Military School, United Kingdom have become sister institutions.
History
Valley Forge Military Academy was founded in 1928 by Lieutenant General Milton G. Baker, Pennsylvania Guard (Retired), A.B., Ped.D. F.I.C.S., LL.D., Ed.D., C.B.E., D.Mil Sci, L.H.D. (then-Major, Pennsylvania Army National Guard). The school was first located in Devon, Pennsylvania, several miles away from the campus' current location. After a fire during the night of January 17-18, 1929 devastated the original single-building campus, the former Devon Park Hotel, the Academy was moved to its present site in Wayne, Pennsylvania, the former Saint Luke's School.
Originally, General Baker devised an American Revolutionary War motif for the school. The school colors are Buff and Blue, the colors of the uniforms of the Continental Army. The buildings were named for Revolutionary War leaders: George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee, Anthony Wayne, Friedrich Wilhelm Rudolf Gerhard August Freiherr von Steuben (Baron von Steuben),and Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette (or Lafayette). The uniforms, crest, and Alma Mater were patterned from those of the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Over time, General Baker, an Anglophile, evolved the concept, and modeled many of the school's drills, customs, and ceremonies after a British motif. The Full Dress Uniforms are modeled from those of the British Army, while others are ostensibly West Point and British hybrids. The Academy maintains its loyalty to these traditions today.
During the 1935-36 school year, General Baker expanded the Academy to include a two-year college program. Subsequently, the school was known as "Valley Forge Military Academy & Junior College." Today, it is known as "Valley Forge Military Academy & College."
General Baker retired as Superintendent in 1971, and died in 1976 at the age of 80. He was succeeded by Lieutenant General Milton H. Medenbach, Pennsylvania Guard (Retired), A.B., Ped.D.[then-Major General]. During his Valley Forge service, General Medenbach served in, or assisted in the establishment of, practically every department of the institution as an associate of the Founder. He held the post of Adjutant, Chief of Staff, and Deputy Superintendent and served for more than 30 years as Commandant of Cadets. Since his retirement as Superintendent in 1971, he served the school as President Emeritus, a volunteer Historian and Archivist and the Vice President and Secretary of the Chapel Foundation Board of Directors. General Medenbach died on January 16, 2007 at the age of 99.
General Medenbach was succeeded as Superintendent by Major General Robert W. Strong, Jr., United States Air Force, (Retired) Class of 1935, B.A., M.A., in June 1971. During the Summer of 1973, General Strong announced his resignation, and on October 15, 1973, was replaced by Lieutenant General Willard Pearson, United States Army (Retired), B.A., M.A.. General Pearson assumed the Superintendency at a time when the school was in financial crisis. General Pearson brought Valley Forge into an era of relative financial stability, with an average corps of 650. During General Pearson's tenure, there were a succession of Commandants of Cadets; they included Colonel Stanley A. Harris, Pennsylvania Guard, Colonel Stephen A. Day, United States Army (Retired), B.S., Brigadier General Theodore C. Mataxis, United States Army (Retired), B.A., M.A. and Brigadier General James F. Coates, Valley Forge Military Academy [Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army (Retired)].
Upon his retirement on August 30, 1985, General Pearson was succeeded by Lieutenant General Alexander M. Weyand, United States Army (Retired). General Weyand was succeeded by Colonel Harold J. Fraley, United States Army (Retired), who served as Acting Superintendent from July 1, 1989 to August 1, 1990. Vice Admiral N. Ronald Thunman, United States Navy (Retired) then was named Superintendent, however, the title was changed to "President" on August 18, 1992. Admiral Thunman was succeeded as President by Rear Admiral Virgil L. Hill, United States Navy (Retired) on September 1, 1993. Admiral Hill was succeeded, in turn, by Rear Admiral Peter A.C. Long, Ph.D., United States Navy (Retired), on August 17, 2000. Admiral Long was succeeded by Charles A. "Tony" McGeorge, the incumbent. President McGeorge reactivated the title of "Superintendent" for the senior military officer. Colonel James J. Doyle, United State Marine Corps (Retired), is the incumbent.
The current mascot for the Corps of Cadets is BRUTUS, an Olde English Bulldog. Brutus featured on the VFMA&C Christmas Card in 2007.
On 15 April, 2009, the Academy announced a major expansion of the academic facilities designed to allow a doubling of the college enrollment to 500 cadets.[1] The expansion will include 10 classrooms, 4 seminar rooms, 4 science labs, and 18 offices, along with a military museum and expanded barracks and living space.
Student body
The school has nearly 600 students, representing 31 states and 24 countries. The college welcomed the largest enrollment ever at the start of the 2009-2010 academic year with 334 cadets, an increase of +52% over last year.
The Army ROTC Early Commissioning Program (ECP), one of only five offered in the United States and the only program in the Northeast, has experienced a +48% increase in enrollment from 50 to 74 cadets. These ECP Cadets will earn their commission as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army after only two years at VFMC.
The most astounding increase, +270% to be exact, is with the women in the college. In 2008-2009 the college enrolled a total of 10 women, this year the school welcomed 37 new and returning women into the college.
The Service Academy Prep Program at VFMC has seen an increase of +188% over the 2008-2009 Prepsters, with a total of 46 Prepsters in this year’s program. Valley Forge Military College can boast having the largest number of West Point Prepsters out of all the West Point approved Prepster programs in the country, with 18 currently enrolled.
Organization of the Corps of Cadets, Regalia, and History
The cadets are grouped into two battalions, Mounted and Infantry. The Infantry Battalion companies are A, B, C, and G/I (College), The Mounted Battalion consists of "D" Troop, "E" Battery, Field Music, and the Regimental Band. Formerly, most College Cadets in the infantry battalion were assigned to "F" Company, but have been divided into "G" and "I" Companies. "I" Company had been named "I" Troop for all college cadets wishing to participate in equitation, (and was once known as "I" Battery for college cadets participating in artillery) but it has now been moved to the infantry battalion. Presently, Cadets of the Sixth, Fifth, and Fourth Classes (Grades 7, 8 and 9) are assigned to "C" Company; formerly, Cadets of the Middle School (Grades 7 and 8) were assigned to "E" Battery. During the years of highest enrollment, in the 1960s and 1970s, Cadets of the Middle School were assigned to "H" Company. Today "H" Company is now being assigned to College cadets.
Initially, the Corps of Cadets was organized as a Squadron of Infantry Companies with a Cavalry Troop, under a Cadet Major, who wore five gold chevrons with an oak leaf. Cadet Captains wore four chevrons; Cadet Lieutenants wore three chevrons. Later, the Corps was reorganized to three battalions: two infantry battalions and a mounted battalion. The Corps was headed by a Cadet Lieutenant Colonel. The corps and the rank system evolved. It is headed by a Cadet First Captain. Cadet officers wear gold rank stars or "pips." Pips are similar in design to "Order of the Bath" rank stars worn by the British Army, except the three crowns have been replaced with an image of George Washington kneeling in the snow, from the painting "The Prayer at Valley Forge" by Henry Brueckner, and the motto "Tria Juncta In Uno" replaced with "Valley Forge Military Academy," as represented in the coat of arms. (Before the design of the school "pips," Cadet Officers wore British "pips.") The Cadet Lieutenant Colonel wore five pips. Cadet Majors wore four pips.
From the top of the chain of command (with rank insignia on "School Uniform"): Regimental Commander - First Captain (2 pips and a capshield) Honor Captain - Second Captain (pip and capshield) Battalion Commanders - Third and Fourth Captains (4 pips) Regimental Staff - Captains (3 pips) Regimental Sergeant Major - Command Sergeant Major (3 chevrons, 3 rockers, star and wreath) Battalion Staff - Sergeant Major/2 Lieutenants (3 chevrons, 3 rockers, star/2 pips or 1 pip) Company Commanders - Captains (3 pips) Company Executive Officer - 1st Lieutenant (2 pips) Platoon Leaders - 2nd Lieutenants (1 pip) 1st Sergeants - (3 chevrons, 3 rockers, diamond) Platoon Sergeants - Master Sergeants (3 chevrons, 3 rockers) Special SNCOs - Sergeant First Classes (3 chevrons, 2 rockers) Squad Leaders/Platoon Guides - Staff Sergeants (3 chevrons, 1 rocker) Special JNCOs (Usually used when a cadet does not meet the promotion requirements such as cadet class, or time at VFMAC) - Sergeant(3 chevrons) -Corporal (2 Chevrons) -Lance Corporal (1 upside-down chevron) Color Guard Ranks: Color Sergeant (3 chevrons, 3 rockers, star) Sergeant Colors (3 chevrons,star)
On Full Dress Uniforms, Cadet Officers wear rank insignia as above stated on the epaulet; except the Cadet First Captain wears braided shoulder knots with a full dress aiguillette. Cadet Sergeants and Corporals wear chevrons on the sleeve: red chevrons on grey for the infantry battalion; red chevrons on black for the mounted battalion. The system of rank insignia is as follows for Cadet Non-Commissioned Officers:
Regimental Sergeant Major: Two Chevrons, pointing up, with four rockers; and a miniature school crest, centered between the chevrons and the rockers; Regimental Supply Sergeant: Two Chevrons with four bars; Battalion Sergeant Major: Two Chevrons with four rockers; First Sergeant: Two Chevrons with three rockers and a diamond centered between the chevrons and the rockers; Master Sergeant: Two Chevrons with three rockers; Master Sergeant Stables: Two Chevrons with three rockers and a horse head centered between the chevrons and the rockers; Color Sergeant: Two Chevrons with three rockers and a star centered between the chevrons and the rockers; Sergeant First Class (formerly Platoon Sergeant): Two Chevrons with two rockers; Supply Sergeant: Two Chevrons with two bars; Staff Sergeant, Guide: Two Chevrons with one bar; Staff Sergeant: Two Chevrons with one rocker; Sergeant: Two Chevrons; Color Sergeant: Two Chevrons with a star centered below the chevrons; Corporal: Two Chevrons, inverted, on lower sleeve; Lance Corporal: One Chevron, inverted, on lower sleeve.
Academically, the school is organized into six classes, plus College Freshmen and College Sophomores. The Academy classes are as follows: First Class: Seniors (12th Grade); Second Class: Juniors (11th Grade); Third Class: Sophomores (10th Grade); Fourth Class: Freshman (9th Grade); Fifth Class: 8th Grade; and Sixth Class: 7th Grade. Thus, the system is somewhat "inverted" from the "Form" system in use at some schools, and more closely parallels that of West Point.
Faculty and Staff Officers generally wear military uniforms, and generally wear U.S. Army officer rank. Those with Academy Commissions wear the letters "VF" in place of the "U.S." insignia, and school crests as branch insignia and unit crest. Reserve, National Guard, and Retired Officers and NCO's, serving in their respective ranks, wear the rank and accoutrements of their respective service.
VFMA&C employs several British ex-Military personnel, most of whom wear the uniform of their respective British Service. The faculty currently includes Royal Navy, Royal Marine Commando and Royal Marines Band Service personnel.
The Academy Coat of Arms
LTG Baker, the founder, designed the coat of arms in 1928. "It consists of a emblem borne on a shield and surmounted by a crest. The shield is of red and white vertical stripes with a blue field containing thirteen stars, one for each of the original states. the crest comprises an eagle with wings displayed and a scroll bearing the motto 'Courage, Honor, Conquer.' The emblem consists of a representation of General George Washington kneeling in prayer in the snow at Valley Forge, over crossed cavalry sabres and surrounded with a circular margin bearing the words 'Valley Forge Military Academy.' The emblem typifies the spirit and motive principles of the Academy. The sword has always been the symbol of the military; the act of General Washington kneeling at prayer in the snow is the symbol of humility and indomitable faith in the face of adversity." -- "The Guidon" Valley Forge Military Academy & College.
Academics and student life
The Academic Department is headed by Kathleen Anderson, B.A.,M.A.,Ed.D., the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College. The current Headmaster of the Academy is Colonel John Ford, VFMA&C. The former Dean of the College, Lieutenant Colonel John Church, United States Marine Corps, was recalled to active duty in 2006-2007, but has returned and is the Director of the Service Academy Preparatory Program. The Commandant of Cadets is Colonel Daniel P. Lentz, United States Air Force, (Retired).
Similar to most other American boarding schools, academics at the Academy & College are demanding and highly competitive and are complemented by a mandatory two hour "study hall" period from 7:30pm to 9:30pm each night in the students' barracks buildings.
The school day generally begins with "First Call" followed by "Reveille," at which time all cadets arise and prepare for formation. Calls are played by buglers. "First Mess" or breakfast is followed by cleaning details and room preparation. "School Call" is followed by academic classes until lunch, or "Second Mess." Second Mess formation is the key formation of the day, and is usually held on the Main Area. Cadets are inspected, and march to mess. The Band or Field Music plays for this formation. After Second Mess, cadets attend academic classes until mid afternoon. After classes, cadets participate in athletics and extracurricular activities. Cadets may also receive extra instruction during this time. At one time, there were daily formal "Guard Mount" and "Retreat" formations. Owing to the increased tempo of cadet life, and requirements of athletics and co-curricular activities needed to have cadets competitively vie for college admission, highly formal Retreat formations are no longer routinely held. After "Third Mess" or the evening meal, cadets return to their barracks for study hall. Study Hall, supervised by faculty officers in rotation, is mandatory for most cadets from Sunday through Thursday. After "Recall" from Study Hall comes the Break, at which time cadets use the telephone, shine shoes, and prepare for the next day. The Break is ended by "Call to Quarters" "Tattoo" and "Taps." At Taps, all cadets, except those granted "Late Lights" to study and cadets of the College, are required to be in bed.
On selected weekends, Cadets are permitted leave at home. Cadets who achieve, academically and in personal efficiency and leadership, are permitted additional leaves and local leaves into Wayne and to the King of Prussia Mall. All cadets attend Chapel on Sunday morning, as a part of the Character Education program. The service, which was developed by General Baker, is rooted in the Episcopal or Anglican "Book of Common Prayer" and is Christian in nature. It is, however, non-sectarian in practice, as the address, which focuses on character and leadership, is given by distinguished military, civil, and academic leaders. Brigadier General Alfred A. Sanelli, Class of 1939, B.A., M.A., Pennsylvania Guard (Retired)[Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army (Retired)], (1921-2005) was the long-serving Chaplain and Director of Character Education, after serving as Dean of the Academy, Dean of the College, Professor of Military Science, and in other staff positions over many years. He was succeeded as Chaplain by Colonel John E. Steele, Jr., Valley Forge Military Academy & College.
Students at Valley Forge Military Academy & College endure a six week adjustment period, known as "plebe training," upon entering the institution. During this period, students are trained in the customs and traditions of the school, a modified version British military drill and ceremonies and are given an opportunity to acclimate to the overall campus environment. The conclusion of this period occurs when the students complete the traditional requirement of earning their "Capshield," the brass crest that adorns the uniform cap. Plebe system is noted for its rigor and intensity. The Plebe system is what ties alumni together as they become members of the "Long Line of Grey".
Valley Forge Military Academy & College offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities to students, including: equestrian, track, riflery, rifle drill, concert band and orchestra, herald fanfare trumpets, choir, football, basketball, rugby union, golf, ski, and many others.
Songs
The singing of school songs are an important tradition at VFMAC. The main songs, among others, are "VFMAC Alma Mater" and "Spirit of the Forge" and the "Army Song."
VFMAC Alma Mater
Hail Alma Mater, dear High wave thy colors clear; Thee we shall e'er revere All through the years. Let courage be our stand, Honor thy guiding hand, Conquer throughout the land Valley Forge for thee.
Strengthen us in the fray. Help us from day to day; Increase thy line of gray. Glory all for thee. Teach us to know thy worth; To sing thy praise on earth, And guard thy noble birth Valley Forge for thee.
Lead us with beacon bright. Guide our steps firm and right So we may always fight, Buff and blue for thee. When our last taps are played May thou be not dismayed. We pray as once he prayed, Valley Forge for thee.
The Valley Forge Military Academy Regimental Band
The Valley Forge Military Academy & College Regimental Band is world famous and has traveled to Europe many times in recent years to perform. Recently, the band was the lead group in the 2009 Lord Mayor's New Year's Day Parade in London, England.
Additionally, some students in the school's band perform regularly on and off-campus on the school's famous Coronation Heraldic Fanfare Trumpets. The Herald Fanfare Trumpets were brought to Valley Forge in 1953 by Colonel D. Keith Feltham, Valley Forge Military Academy & College, L.R.A.M., A.R.C.M. who served as Bandmaster and Director of Music from September 1949 to June 1976. (Bandmaster Dudley Keith Feltham served as Bandmaster of the 1st Battalion, the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry from 1938 to 1949.) (Colonel Feltham also introduced the British “Slow March” in approximately 1961.) The unique complement of trumpets are regularly used to perform at the Academy's weekly chapel services, and are frequently booked for off-campus events, both domestic and abroad. Today the collection consists of the full complement of voices, which consists of six B-flat soprano trumpets, six B-flat tenor trumpets, two G-bass trumpets, and two E-flat soprano trumpets. The original eight heraldic fanfare trumpets have been used on numerous ceremonial occasions associated with royalty: at Westminster Abbey to herald the Coronation of King George VI in 1937, at St. Paul's Cathedral to herald the Royal Silver Wedding Ceremony, at the wedding of Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1947, and at Westminster Abbey for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
In January 1970, the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Eugene Ormandy, and the Valley Forge Military Academy Band under the leadership of Colonel D. Keith Feltham, performed the "1812 Overture" (full title: Festival Overture "The Year 1812", op. 49); by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky live at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, PA.
The concert was attended by then United States President Richard M. Nixon. After the rousing performance, Ormandy heralded the cadets as the "Philadelphia Orchestra of Military Bands" and was inspired to produce an updated recording of the overture. In the fall of 1970, the VFMA recorded their tracks of the production in Columbia Studios in New York City. In addition to the VFMA Band, the recording prominently featured the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, directed by Richard P. Condie.
TCHAIKOVSKY: "1812" OVERTURE / SERENADE FOR STRINGS (1971 - Eugene Ormandy; Philadelphia Orchestra; Mormon Tabernacle Choir; Valley Forge Military Academy Band; Cannons And Russian Church Bells Columbia MT30447 30447/Sony 46334) **
The current Bandmaster is Warrant Officer (II) P Evans, Royal Marines Band Service
Valley Forge Military Academy Academic Programs
Valley Forge Military Academy provides detailed information concerning its academic program.
The Academy’s academic strength comes from the amount of age-appropriate support provided for students at specific grade levels. Three distinct but connected groups comprise its academic programs: the Middle School (7th and 8th grades); the Buff & Blue Experience (9th and 10th grades); and the Pre-College experience (11th and 12th grades). In addition, cadets may elect to complete one post-graduate year at Valley Forge.
The Middle School is a small corps of young men. Three exclusive Middle School teachers present a full scope of academic disciplines, with core courses in Mathematics, Language Arts, Literature, Civics, Social Studies, General Sciences, Physical Education, and Character Education. Classes are divided separately between grades, but the Middle School interacts frequently as a group. To supplement classroom learning, Middle School cadets take frequent field trips to off-campus learning sites, such as Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, the Brandywine River Museum, and cultural experiences at the opera and museums. Teachers provide regular support in evening study hall and communicate to parents through bi-weekly emails.
The Buff & Blue Experience provides structure and independence for freshman and sophomore cadets. Teachers engage in team-teaching, class events, and interdisciplinary research projects in the ninth and tenth grades. Mathematics courses at all levels are available, and students generally take Literary Genres and American Literature, Ancient and Modern World History, Physical Science and Chemistry, and a variety of electives and World Languages. Study Skills instruction is provided in 9th grade, and 10th graders concentrate on PSAT and SAT preparation. These grades are housed together in the barracks and receive interdisciplinary support from members of their teaching teams. Parent communication is provided bi-weekly, and additional support measures are put in place as needed. Buff & Blue cadets often gain tactical leadership responsibilities, are widely involved in campus activities, and gain increasing personal independence as appropriate.
In The Pre-College Experience, team-teaching dissolves due to the wide variety of Advanced Placement, elective, and college classes qualified cadets enroll in. Juniors and Seniors take upper level courses in all subjects, with advanced electives available in Art and Music. Seniors in good standing may take courses at Valley Forge Military College as their ability demonstrates, and these credits count toward both high school graduation requirements and college transfer credits. Cadets who show proficiency in college courses greatly distinguish themselves in the college admission process. Guidance counselors work regularly with junior and senior cadets to guide them in college selection, assist them in the application process, and prepare them for the transition to college life. Junior and senior cadets hold the highest positions in tactical leadership and guide many campus clubs and activities. Study hall support and parent communication are strong at this level also. A capstone public speaking presentation is required of all seniors.
A Post-Graduate year is available to students who have completed high school, but wish to perfect their grades and résumé for the college admissions process. They may enroll in the academy and take classes in electives and core subjects as they choose. Guidance counselors also assist them in selecting and applying to the colleges of their choice.
Valley Forge Military College Degree Programs
In order to receive either an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science Degree, a cadet must complete a minimum of 60 credits, with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher. A cadet must complete one of eight academic fields of study, or a designated General Studies program. Those cadets electing to pursue an Associate of Arts Degree must select a field of study in Liberal Arts (Government/History or Language/Culture tracks), Business, Criminal Justice, Leadership Studies or General Studies. Those cadets electing to pursue an Associate of Science Degree must choose a field of study in Pre-Engineering, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences or General Studies.
Most recently, Valley Forge Military College - The Military College of Pennsylvania™ and Misericordia University signed a formal articulation agreement in August that will enable nursing students to matriculate to the university to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.SN.) degree beginning in the 2011-12 academic year.
Army Reserve Officer Training Corps and Early Commissioning Program
Valley Forge Military College (VFMC) offers the Army ROTC Early Commissioning Program (ECP). Successful completion of this two-year program results in a cadet earning a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army upon graduating as a sophomore from VFMC. Graduates who are commissioned serve in the Reserve Components (Army Reserve or Army National Guard) while completing their bachelor’s degrees. Those who desire active service may compete for a position and serve in the Active Component of the Army after earning their bachelor's degree. Those selected enter active duty as a First Lieutenant, with earned longevity. Those who desire to remain in the Reserve Components after completing their bachelor’s degree still have two years of leadership experience and, in addition to a full-time career in the private sector, and will have continued leadership opportunities in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard. ECP Lieutenants are obligated to serve for a total of eight years upon commissioning –the initial two years are served in the Reserve Components (Army Reserve or Army National Guard) while the additional six years are served in either the Reserve Components or the Active Component, dependent upon the needs of the Army.
EARLY COMMISSIONING PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
Basic ECP eligibility and entrance requirements include a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (2.5 for scholarship); a minimum SAT score of 850 (Math and Verbal sections only), or ACT score of 17 (920 / 19 for scholarship); pass a Department of Defense Medical Examination (arranged by Army ROTC); pass the Army height/weight and physical fitness standards; have U.S. citizenship (original naturalization document issued by INS or state issued birth certificate), between 17 and 27 years of age and of good moral character .
Cadets may also take the first two years of Army ROTC while attending VFMC. VFMA does not offer the Junior ROTC program at this time.
Valley Forge Military College Service Academy Preparatory Program
The Valley Forge Military College Service Academy Preparation Program (SAP) has as its mission the preparation of qualified college and academy cadets, who have achieved excellence both academically and tactically, for nomination to one of the five federal service academies. These young men and women work together and support each other with the goal of gaining admission to the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Coast Guard Academy and the United States Merchant Marine Academy. VFMC’s SAP Program is guided by each academy's particular need. It works closely with each of the fedeal academies. The hallmark of the program is a personalized curriculum to ensures each cadet is fully prepared for the rigorous academic, physical fitness, moral-ethical issues, and leadership challenges.
Sports
The entire student body participates in an organized sport either in the intramural, club or varsity levels. VFMA competes in 13 inter-school sports teams and VFMC has 11 varsity sports.
Notable alumni
- Aaron Beasley, NFL player, New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons
- Chris Doleman, Retired NFL defensive end
- Larry Fitzgerald, NFL player, Arizona Cardinals
- Commander Paul E. Galanti, United States Navy (Retired), Naval Officer, Veterans' Advocate
- Karl Hankton NFL player, Carolina Panthers (presently a free-agent)
- Rafael Hernández Colón, Fourth Governor, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
- Major General Francis A. Ianni, Army National Guard of the United States (Retired), Former Adjutant General, State of Delaware
- Bryan R. Lentz, State Representative, Pennsylvania House of Representatives, D-161st Legislative District
- Brigadier General Michael S. Linnington, United States Army, Commandant of Cadets, United States Military Academy at West Point
- Colonel Walter Lord, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, former Chief of Staff
- Brigadier General Herbert Raymond McMaster, United States Army, Historian, Author, and former commander of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
- Bob Mensch, State Senator, Pennsylvania Senate, R-24th Senate District
- Major General Harry J. "Jack" Mier, Jr., Army National Guard of the United States (Retired), Former Adjutant General, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- Master Sergeant Brendan W. O'Connor, United States Army, Distinguished Service Cross - Afghanistan
- Brigadier General Gustave F. Perna, United States Army, Commander, Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Defense Logistics Agency
- Julian Peterson, NFL player, Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers
- Admiral Gary Roughead, United States Navy, Chief of Naval Operations
- Warren B. Rudman, United States Senator, R-New Hampshire
- J.D. Salinger, author, "Catcher in the Rye"
- Brigadier General Alfred A. Sanelli, Pennsylvania Guard (1921-2005), one of the first cadets, Professor of Military Science, Dean of the Academy, Dean of the Junior College, and Chaplain, Valley Forge Military Academy & College, until his death
- General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, United States Army (Retired), CENTCOM Commander, Operation Desert Storm
- Simeon II of Bulgaria
- Gary Stills, NFL player, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens
- Major General Robert W. Strong, Jr., United States Air Force (1917-2006), Chief of Staff, Eighth Air Force (1966-1970); Third Superintendent, Valley Forge Military Academy & College
- Jimmy Sturr, musician, 14-time Grammy winner
- William R. (“Bill”) Tiefel, Chairman of the Board of CarMax, Inc.; retired chairman of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, vice chairman of Marriott International, and director of BULGARI hotels and resorts
- Brigadier General Kevin R. Wendel, United States Army, Director of Operational Maneuver, Third United States Army
- Lieutenant General John J. Yeosock, United States Army (Retired), Commander, Third Army, Operation Desert Storm
- Jeff Otah, NFL Player, Carolina Panthers
- Westley W. Moore '96 '98C, US Army, Rhodes Scholar, White House Fellow.
Trivia
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Lists of miscellaneous information should be avoided. Please relocate any relevant information into appropriate sections or articles. (March 2009) |
Taps
Much of the movie Taps (1981), starring George C. Scott and Timothy Hutton, was filmed on the academy's campus. Many of its young stars, including Timothy Hutton, Sean Penn, and Tom Cruise, participated in a 45-day period of orientation with the students of the academy to learn to drill properly as cadets.[citation needed] While most of the actors enjoyed and excelled at their orientation, Cruise opted to leave the training for the comforts of a nearby hotel until filming began, reportedly to isolate himself and "get into the mindset" of his psychopathic character, Cadet Shawn.[citation needed]
The Alumni Memorial Chapel of St. Cornelius the Centurion — Moller Organ
The Alumni Memorial Chapel of St. Cornelius the Centurion contains a 1961 M.P. Moller Pipe Organ, which was generously donated by the Richard King Mellon family. The organ was dedicated in May 1965 by the Alumni to Constance Prosser Mellon, who was the wife of Lieutenant General R.K. Mellon. It was recently rebuilt by Patrick J. Murphy and Associates, of Stowe, Pennsylvania.
See Also
External links
- Valley Forge Military Academy and College website
- Sony Classical: Tchaikovsky: Symphony No.4; 1812 Overture; Marche Slave
- Brigadier General Theodore C. Mataxis, U.S. Army: Namebase
- Moller Pipe Organ — Alumni Memorial Chapel of St. Cornelius the Centurion
- [1] "The Prayer at Valley Forge" Copy of engraving by John C. McRae after Henry Brueckner, published 1866
- [2] IMDB Entry for the Motion Picture "Taps" which was filmed on the campus of Valley Forge
References
- ^ "Valley Forge Military Academy & College Announces New Academic Buildings for 'Military College of Pennsylvania'". 15 April, 2009. http://news.prnewswire.com/ViewContent.aspx?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/04-15-2009/0005006394&EDATE=. Retrieved 2009-04-16.
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The Guidon (Wayne: Valley Forge Military Academy and College) Crossed Sabres (Philadelphia: Cooke Publishing et al., Yearbook) ON PARADE! A Pictorial History of the First 50 Years of the Valley Forge Military Academy and Junior College (Philadelphia: Cooke Publishing, 1979)
- Bandmasters, 1st Battalion, Royal Green Jackets
- Biography of Major General Robert William Strong, Jr., U.S. Air Force
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