CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA (April 2, 2020) — Joe Field of Bettendorf, Iowa, is one of the 61 cadets who will comprise the Summerall Guards for The Citadel Class of 2021.
During normal times, the changing of the guard ceremony would have taken place on this day as part of the annual Corps Day/Recognition Day weekend ceremonies. The Class of 2020 Summerall Guards would have performed their last precision drills as a unit and then passed their rifles to the new platoon.
Because on this day, the Class of 2021 Summerall Guards would have performed for the first time, but cannot due to the campus closure related to COVID-19, the college wanted to recognize them by announcing their names.
Known around the United States as one of the elite military drill troupes, membership is a high honor at the military college of South Carolina. Created in 1932, The Summerall Guards have represented The Citadel at events around the nation, including performing in five presidential inaugural parades.
The platoon is named for General Charles P Summerall, former Chief of Staff of the US Army and Citadel president from 1931 until 1953. It's purpose is to exemplify the exactness and thoroughness of a Citadel cadet's training through a unique series of movements based on old, close-order Prussian drills. The maneuvers, which have never been written down, are passed from class to class and performed to a silent count.
The selection process includes weeks of Bond Volunteer Aspirant (BVA) training. More than 100 junior cadets who pass an initial physical-fitness test take part in the six-week-long BVA training and tryout sessions. They must perform military push-ups, sit-ups, and rifle-bearing physical training, exhibiting exceptional physical condition and stamina.
The 61 seniors will be commanded by Cadet Joshua Gorczynski.
About The Citadel
The Citadel, with its iconic campus located in Charleston, South Carolina, offers a classic military-college education for young men and women focused on leadership excellence and academic distinction. The approximately 2,400 members of the SC Corps of Cadets are not required to serve in the military, but about one-third of each class earn commissions to become officers in every branch of US military service. Citadel alumni have served the nation, their states, and their communities as principled leaders since 1842. The Citadel Graduate College, founded more than 50 years ago, offers 26 graduate degree programs, 25 graduate certificate programs, and 10 evening undergraduate programs in the evening or online. Consecutively named Best Public College in the South by US News and World Report for nine years and N° 1 Best Public College for Veterans in the South for two years. Learn more about Our Mighty Citadel here.
