Cadet Corps Leadership Program
Curriculum and Activities
Cadet Corps Curriculum
The Cadet Corps curriculum provides students with a strong foundation in the principles and concepts of leadership, putting lessons into practice through Cadet Corps activities that develop leadership skills. Knowledge and experience are further enhanced through mentorship by experienced faculty, peers, and experts in the field, allowing the time and space necessary to develop each student's leadership journey.
FRESHMAN YEAR: LEAD YOURSELF FIRST
FRESHMAN YEAR: LEAD YOURSELF FIRST
Freshmen focus on developing a greater sense of self. In addition to self awareness, they learn about other important concepts such as emotional intelligence, authenticity, time management, and the roles each one plays in leadership.
SOPHOMORE YEAR: LEADING OTHERS
Building on the freshman curriculum, sophomores apply the leadership principles they’ve studied by mentoring a cadet freshmen and serving as a team leader. Leadership concepts like humility, communication, and motivation are taught in the classroom and also applied in a team environment.
JUNIOR YEAR: LEADING TEAMS
Continuing the study of leadership, juniors analyze the concepts of servant leadership and apply it in larger groups of cadets. Through the lens of military history, they develop leadership skills at the team level and use them to lead at higher levels.
Cadet seniors are officers and the leaders of the Corps. As cadet officers, they directly plan and lead all Cadet Corps activities. These leadership roles further develop decision making, communication, and team building skills. Cadet seniors also study U.S. National Security and Personal Finance with a focus on preparing them for college and beyond.
Cadet Corps Activities
CADET MARCH-ON
Before the historic SJC vs. Gonzaga football game each fall, the entire Cadet Corps marches onto the field and performs in front of a standing-room-only crowd of spectators.
REGIMENTAL BALL
REGIMENTAL BALL
The Regimental Ball, an annual tradition for nearly a century, is a formal dance for members of the Cadet Corps and their invited guests.
SABER CEREMONY
In the spring of junior year, each cadet is presented with a saber by a family member and formally promoted during this ceremony. This ceremony marks the passing of responsibility from the graduating senior class to the rising seniors.
WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
Each fall, members of the Cadet Corps travel to Arlington National Cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a private tour of the Memorial Display Room.
SERVICE PROJECTS
Every December, cadets participate in Operation Cadets Care, a student-led service project that allows cadets to apply their leadership concepts in service to others. The program also provides additional service opportunities at local nonprofit organizations and charities.
GUEST SPEAKERS
The CCLP hosts numerous distinguished guest speakers. These guest are often St. John’s alumni or distinguished members of the broader community. Past speakers include VADM James Malloy '81 (Ret.), COL Greg Gadson (Ret.), LTG Gus Guastella, Tommy Cindric '85, and Keven O’Keefe '74, among others.
OFF-CAMPUS TRIPS
Each grade participates in at least one trip to reinforce classroom lessons. CCLP trips include McChrystal Group HQ, The Pentagon, Gettysburg National Battlefield, Mononacacy National Battlefield, ropes courses, and Fort DeRussy.
EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
COLOR GUARD
Known throughout the Washington, DC, metro area, the Cadet Corps Color Guard presents the colors at formal ceremonies and events, both on and off campus.
RAIDERS TEAM
This team focuses on developing the physical fitness of participants provides cadets with the opportunity to participate in several group events. In addition to weekly workouts, they hike Old Rag mountain, run through Rock Creek Park, complete a physical fitness test, go rock climbing, and participate in other fun and challenging activities.
AIR RIFLE TEAM
The McGovern Rifles is a competitive air rifle team. The cadets use the most modern air rifles and shoot in a range on campus inside the Center for Performance and Leadership.
TRAP & FIELD TEAM
The Trap and Field team competes in the Maryland State High School Clay Target League in the shooting disciplines of Trap and Skeet.
REGIMENTAL BAND
Comprised of Corps of Cadets student musicians and all freshman band and percussion students, the marching band performs “The National Anthem” at SJC football games, “The Veterans’ Salute” at the President’s Medal Award Ceremony, and most recently, they represented the District of Columbia at the 2022 Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Waikiki.
Photo Gallery
Video Gallery
—RJ Mora ’22
My father and uncle were both in the Cadet Corps at St. John’s. Being a part of the Cadet Corps, following in their footsteps and having the same experience they did, means so much to me.
