Marine Military Academy

Private college preparatory academy in Harlingen, TX, US

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Marine Military Academy

Address

320 Iwo Jima Boulevard

Harlingen

Texas

United States

Coordinates| 26°13′31″N 97°39′59″W﻿ / ﻿26.225139°N 97.666472°W﻿ / 26.225139; -97.666472
Information
Type| Military school, boarding, prep school
Established| 1965
President| Colonel Christopher S. Dowling
Staff| 16 (military)
Faculty| 26
Enrollment| 250-275
Average class size| 7
Campus size| 142 acres (0.57 km2)
Color(s)| Scarlet and gold
Song| Marine Hymn
Athletics| Baseball, basketball, boxing, cross country, drill team, football, golf, jiu jitsu, rifle team, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field, weightlifting, wrestling
Mascot| English Bulldog
Website| www.mma-tx.org

The Marine Military Academy is a private college preparatory academy located in Harlingen, Texas, US, offering a college preparatory curriculum for boys in grades 7–12 plus one year of post-graduate study. The school was founded in 1965. Its traditions and ideals are inspired by the United States Marine Corps (USMC), but the school is not affiliated with the USMC except through its Junior ROTC program.

The academy is situated on the site of the former Harlingen Army Airfield, established in 1941. After closing, the field was re-opened in 1952 as the Harlingen Air Force Base which closed in the early 1960s. Since opening its doors as the Marine Military Academy most of the original buildings have been replaced with modern facilities. The adjacent runways became the Valley International Airport.

## Academics[edit]

Courses offered include regular high school classes as well as honors courses, Advanced Placement authorized courses and dual enrollment courses for which college credit may be earned. Most courses are taught year-long.

Cadets have required attendance at tutorials if they are failing any classes. There are no make-ups for failed exams or missed homework assignments without acceptable reasons and mandatory Closed Call to Quarters (time set aside each evening in the barracks for the completion of homework and studying for exams).

The school has summer programs including a four-week bootcamp-style summer camp for boys 13–17, as well as ESL classes for foreign students.

## Athletics[edit]

All cadets are required to participate in one of the offered extracurricular activities during the afternoon activity period which goes from approximately 4:00–5:30 P.M. The goal of the program is to provide all cadets an opportunity to participate in sports activities regardless of their skill level. Some athletic activities conducted at the school include jiu jitsu, boxing, baseball, football, tennis, soccer, raiders, track, and golf.

Beginning with the 2000–2001 school year, varsity sports began competing in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) for statewide honors. Also offered at the eighth grade level is the VISA program (Valley Independent School Association), with yearlong competition in various sports. As they are not permitted to participate in TAPPS competitive activities until they reach grade nine, this program provides eighth graders the opportunity to participate in volleyball, basketball, soccer and track and field sports against other member private schools.

## Corps of cadets[edit]

The Marine Military Academy established one of the first Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (MCJROTC) in the nation.[2] All cadets are members of the MCJROTC unit, unless they fail to qualify for full membership because of age or citizenship. In this case they receive the training as associate members.

Cadets are assigned to one of five company barracks, supervised by a drill instructor and assistant drill instructor. Introductory training lasts for four weeks, during which new cadets are taught varied general military skills and knowledge. These include military rank structure, uniforms, close order drill. They also undergo training on rappelling, a confidence course, obstacle course and high ropes course. Introductory training, also called the plebe system, is supervised by cadet NCOs serving as cadet instructors, who are supervised by a cadet officer. A parade is held at the end of the training during which the plebes place the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor on their garrison cover to symbolize the transformation from plebe to cadet.

### Rank structure[edit]

The cadet rank structure is based on the United States Marine Corps rank and billet system, with the addition of "Cadet" before the title.

Eighth grade students cannot advance beyond Cadet Lance Corporal, and freshmen cannot exceed the rank of Cadet Corporal. However, eighth graders and freshmen more often serve as non-rates, those ranks up to c/Lance Corporal who are not non-commissioned officers. As a sophomore, a cadet may be promoted to an NCO rank. Juniors make up most of the Academy's staff NCOs.

Seniors are generally promoted to officer rank. They hold positions of command responsibility, as Platoon Commanders, Company Executive Officers, Company Commanders, Battalion Executive Officers, and Battalion Commanders. There are also many other Battalion Staff and Company Staff positions available for seniors not in billets of command.

Officer insignia |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

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Officer rank | c/Colonel  | c/Lieutenant Colonel  | c/Major  | c/Captain  | c/1st Lieutenant  | c/2nd Lieutenant  |  |  |  |
Enlisted insignia |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (no insignia)  | (no insignia)
Enlisted rank | c/Sergeant Major  | c/First Sergeant  | c/Gunnery Sergeant  | c/Staff Sergeant  | c/Sergeant  | c/Corporal  | c/Lance Corporal  | c/PFC  | c/Private  | Plebe

### Uniforms[edit]

Uniforms authorized for wear at the academy are parallel to those of the United States Marine Corps. During school days, the uniforms worn on weekdays are the utility and U-1 uniform. Four days a week the prescribed uniform is utility, and on Mondays the cadets wear the U-1 uniform which consists of camouflage utility bottoms, boots, a company t-shirt with the name of the company and corresponding color, (red for echo, blue for alpha, etc.,) and the utility cover. Cadets holding rank above Cadet Corporal are authorized to display their rank centered in the middle of their cover. During periods of exercise PT gear is worn. The dress blue uniforms are often preserved for the Marine Corps Birthday Ball and other formal events. Raincoats and letter jackets may also be worn when directed during cold or rainy weather. The Cadet rank insignias and blood stripe are no longer sewn into cadet dress blue pants.

Cadets are required to wear the uniform of the day at all times while enrolled (with the exception of leave) at the academy.

#### Usage[edit]

Since there are many varying cadet uniforms, certain events dictate which uniform is appropriate. For example, Dress Blue "A" is rarely worn. The school holds two specific events that require Blue "A": the Marine Corps Birthday Ball and the HM Smith Foundation dinner. Both Dress Blue "A" and "B" may be worn to civilian occasions which dictate white tie or black tie. Green "C"s are issued at the QM during entrance into the school for events off campus, including liberty on weekends and special leave.

#### Class "A" Alpha and Class "B" Bravo[edit]

The academy authorizes the class "A" and class "B" uniforms for events considered "black tie" and leave home during times of academy departure. The class "A" and "B" uniforms consist of"

* A frame cap with a white cover and golden EGA devices
* A white undershirt
* A blue coat with red piping, gold buttons and gold EGA devices
* Blue trousers
* Black corfam dress shoes
* Golden rank pins
* A white belt with gold buckle
* A black name tag with the cadet's last name on it over the left breast pocket

Medals, ribbons (only worn with ribbons if in class “B” uniform) marksmanship badges, academic wreaths, pilots wings, NJHS torches and GPA stars may be worn above the right breast pocket. If the cadet has any activity specific pins (drill pin, rotary team pin, etc.) he may wear it on his right breast pocket.

#### Class “C” Charlie and Class "D" Delta[edit]

The academy authorizes the class "C" and class "D" uniforms for events such as weekend liberty, special leave and leave home during times of academy departure. The class "C" and "D" uniforms consist of:

* A brown garrison cap with a black EGA
* A beige button-up shirt
* Blue trousers (Class “D” Only)
* Brown trousers
* Black corfam dress shoes
* Shirt stays (boot bands may be used in lieu of shirt stays)
* A white undershirt
* A MCJROTC patch on the upper left arm
* A company letter on the left Breast Pocket flap
* A black name tag with the cadet's name on it 1/8th of an inch above the left breast pocket
* Rank pins (for cadet PFCs and above) on the collar
* A tan web belt

Ribbons, marksmanship badges, academic wreaths, pilots wings, NJHS torches and GPA stars may be worn above the right breast pocket. If the cadet has any activity specific pins (drill pin, rotary team pin, etc.) he may wear it on his right breast pocket.

#### Utility “U” and “U-1” Uniform[edit]

The academy authorizes the Utility “U-1” and “U” Uniforms for wear during the school day. It cannot be worn during times of liberty, special leave, or leave home during times of academy departure. The Utility “U” and “U-1” Uniforms consist of:

* A woodland MARPAT 8 point cover
* A woodland MARPAT blouse with “MCJROTC” Branch style patch and a name tape with the cadet's last name on it
* Woodland MARPAT trousers with a tape indicating the cadet's last name over the left back pocket
* Brown socks
* Boot bands
* Coyote brown combat boots
* A green undershirt
* Company t-shirt (only worn with the Utility “U” Uniform on mondays)
* A company letter on the left breast pocket flap
* Rank pins on collar

Pilot wings can be worn on the Utility “U-1” uniform above the right breast pocket.

#### PT and PT-1 uniform[edit]

The PT and PT-1 uniforms are authorized for times of physical activity, rest and relaxation and barracks liberty. The PT and PT-1 uniforms consist of:

* A yellow dry-fit t-shirt with cadet's name and the seal of the school
* Red dry-fit shorts with cadet's name and seal of school
* White ankle socks
* Issued PT shoes or personal tennis shoes
* Black Camelbak with cadet's name and laundry number on front (worn with PT-1)
* Red MMA ballcap with EGA and “Marine Military Academy” embroidered on the front (PT-1)

PT-1 is the main uniform of summer campers for the summer camp.

## Iwo Jima monument[edit]

Iwo Jima Monument (1982)

The Iwo Jima monument, located on the Marine Military Academy grounds, is the original model, a creation of Dr. Felix de Weldon, and was used for the casting of the monument erected at Arlington National Cemetery.[3] After completion of the monument, this sculpture was placed in storage until the early 1980s when its creator donated it to the Marine Military Academy. Donations were collected to fund the transport and reassembly of the monument, which was supervised by Dr. de Weldon. On April 16, 1982, the monument was officially dedicated. The Marine Military Academy is also the final resting place of Corporal Harlon Block,[4] formerly a resident of Weslaco, Texas, one of the Marines immortalized in the famous photo of the flag-raising on Iwo Jima from which the sculpture is modeled.

## Notable alumni[edit]

* George S. Bowman Jr., Major General in the Marine Corps and later Superintendent of the Academy 1972-1979
* Dale Hellestrae, former NFL player
* Edward H. Hurst, Brigadier General in the Marine Corps and later Superintendent of the Academy 1968-1972
* Maj. Gen. Wayne Rollings, past President of the Academy
* Walter Stauffer McIlhenny, Brigadier General in the Marine Corps and benefactor of the Academy

## See also[edit]

* Peacock Military Academy
* TMI Episcopal
* Texas Marine Corps

## References[edit]

1. ^ "Marine Military Academy - Boarding School Profile". www.boardingschoolreview.com. Archived from the original on December 7, 2008.
2. ^ "Marine Corps JROTC – History". Archived from the original on July 23, 2011.
3. ^ "Harlingen, TX - Original Iwo Jima Memorial and Museum". www.roadsideamerica.com. Archived from the original on October 26, 2007.
4. ^ Marine Military Academy

## External links[edit]

* Marine Military Academy
* History of military schools in the US
* Veterans Day
* History of Marine Corps JROTC

* v
* t
* e

Harlingen, Texas

Education|

| Primary &
secondary schools|

* Harlingen CISD
* Harlingen HS
* Harlingen HS South
* Harlingen Collegiate HS
* Cano 9th Grade
* Harlingen School of Health Professions
* Marine Military Academy

|

Other education|

* University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Academic and Clinical Research Building

Culture|

* Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings (defunct)

Media|

* Valley Morning Star

Transportation|

* Valley International Airport

History|

* Harlingen Air Force Base

* v
* t
* e

Education in Cameron County, Texas

Public high schools

Brownsville ISD|

* Homer Hanna
* Lopez
* James Pace
* Gladys Porter
* Simon Rivera
* Veterans Memorial
* Brownsville Early College

Harlingen CISD|

* Harlingen High
* Harlingen High South
* Harlingen Collegiate
* Cano Ninth Grade
* Harlingen School of Health Professions

La Feria ISD|

* La Feria

Los Fresnos CISD|

* Los Fresnos High
* Los Fresnos United

Point Isabel ISD|

* Port Isabel

Rio Hondo ISD|

* Rio Hondo High

San Benito CISD|

* San Benito High
* San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy

Santa Maria ISD|

* Santa Maria High

Santa Rosa ISD|

* Santa Rosa High

South Texas ISD
(magnet)|

* South Texas Academy for Medical Professions
* Other campuses are in Hidalgo County

Private high schools

Secular high schools|

* Marine Military Academy

Religious high schools|

* Saint Joseph Academy
* Valley Christian

Tertiary

Universities|

* University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (merged from University of Texas at Brownsville)

Community colleges|

* Texas Southmost College

Lyford CISD's Lyford High School in Willacy County serves a section of Cameron County

* v
* t
* e

United States Marine Corps

Leadership|

* Secretary of the Navy
* Under Secretary of the Navy
* Commandant of the Marine Corps
* Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps
* Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
* Military Secretary to the Commandant of the Marine Corps
* Marine Corps four-star generals
* Marine Corps three-star generals
* 1942–1959
* 2000–2009
* 2010–present

| US Congress|

* House Armed Services Committee
* Seapower and Projection Forces subcommittee
* Senate Armed Services Committee
* Seapower subcommittee

|

Major
commands|

* Organization of the Marine Corps
* Headquarters Marine Corps
* Marine Forces Command
* II Marine Expeditionary Force
* Marine Forces Pacific
* I Marine Expeditionary Force
* III Marine Expeditionary Force
* Marine Forces Reserve
* Fleet Marine Force
* Atlantic
* Pacific
* Marine Corps Combat Development Command
* Training & Education Command (TECOM)
* United States Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory
* Marine Corps Systems Command

Auxiliary|

* Marine Corps Cyber Auxiliary

Structure|

* Marine Air-Ground Task Force
* Bases
* Battalions
* Regiments
* Brigades
* Divisions
* MEF/Corps
* Marine aviation
* Marine expeditionary unit
* Marine Security Guard
* Special Operations
* Marine Raiders
* Marine Raider Regiment
* Recon
* Force
* Division

Personnel
and training|

| Personnel|

Rank insignia
MOS
Notable Marines
Historical Marines
Marine Astronauts
Criminal Investigation Division
Judge Advocate Division
Chaplain of the Marine Corps
Associated organizations

|

Training|

Recruit Training
School of Infantry
Officer Candidates School
The Basic School
Martial Arts Program

Uniforms
and equipment|

* Uniforms
* Awards
* Badges
* Weapons
* Vehicles and aircraft
* Individual equipment

History
and traditions|

* History
* Culture
* Acronyms and terms
* Birthday
* Color Sergeant of the Marine Corps
* Eagle, Globe, and Anchor
* Flag
* Marine Band
* Drum and Bugle Corps
* Horse Marines
* Marine One
* Color Guard
* Silent Drill Platoon
* White House Sentries
* Service Numbers
* Marine Corps War Memorial
* Marine Detachments
* "Marines' Hymn"
* Oorah
* National Museum
* Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima
* Rifleman's Creed
* Semper Fidelis
* march
* History of Hispanics in the USMC
* History of women in the USMC
* Women's Reserve
* Honorary Marine
* Toys for Tots
* Gung ho

* Category

* v
* t
* e

Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States

Senior military colleges|

| Public|

* The Citadel
* Texas A&M University
* University of North Georgia
* Virginia Military Institute
* Virginia Tech

|

Private|

* Norwich University
* Virginia Women's Institute for Leadership

Military junior colleges|

| Public|

* Georgia Military College
* Marion Military Institute
* New Mexico Military Institute

|

Private|

* Valley Forge Military Academy and College

Preparatory schools|

* Admiral Farragut Academy
* American Military Academy
* Army and Navy Academy
* Benedictine College Preparatory
* Camden Military Academy
* Carson Long Military Academy
* Culver Academies
* Fishburne Military School
* Florida Preparatory Academy
* Fork Union Military Academy
* Hargrave Military Academy
* Lyman Ward Military Academy
* Marine Military Academy
* Massanutten Military Academy
* Missouri Military Academy
* New York Military Academy
* North Valley Military Institute
* Oak Ridge Military Academy
* Randolph-Macon Academy
* Riverside Military Academy
* Saint Thomas Academy
* St. Catherine's Academy
* St. John's Northwestern Military Academy
* Texas Military Institute
* Robert Land Academy (Canada)

Authority control databases |

* ISNI

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