Cadet Corps Leadership Program

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.

Building on the freshman curriculum, sophomores apply the leadership principles they’ve studied by mentoring a cadet freshman and serving as a team leader. Leadership concepts like humility, communication, and motivation are taught in the classroom and applied in a team environment. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Trap and Field team competes in the Maryland State High School Clay Target League in the shooting disciplines of Trap and Skeet.

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.