1. Personal pride -- Demonstrate each day - dress and act like a professional. If you look like a slob, you will not be taken seriously... now or in the future. Show pride and effort in academic work or involvement in co-curriculars.

2. Build and improve your faith -- Strengthen your relationship with God. Do not just "go through the motions" during class or Mass. Use this time to reflect, seek guidance, and pray for others. A strong faith will help you overcome life's many challenges.

3. Situational awareness -- Take time to understand what is going on in your community, state, and world. Watch, listen or read the news for 30 minutes each day. Understand the important issues of our time. An intelligent man is well-versed in the world around him.

4. Self-reliance -- Take care of your own issues Do not have Mom or Dad "carry your water."

5. Gentlemanship -- Respectful treatment of all people; especially women and the elderly... Always assist those in need... Watch what comes out of your mouth.

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“Congratulations to Cadet Colonel Thomas and his senior command team for successfully leading the Corps of Cadets through the 2011 Brigade Federal Inspection (BFI). As a school, STA earned 594 points out of a possible 600. This score continues to place STA as one of the top JROTC schools in the nation.

The BFI preparation and evaluation is a long and tedious process. It teaches the boys lessons in group-preparation, long-term planning skills, performance benchmarks, motivation, attention to detail, the accomplishment of a large task which, at times, seems insurmountable and, above all, leadership. It truly provides our cadets a future glimpse of the effort, planning, and leadership required to be successful in the workplace. It is one of those special events that sets Saint Thomas Academy apart!

Again, Congrats to the Cadets for a job well done!"

Michael P. DePuglio
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret)
Commandant
Saint Thomas Academy (Military Institute)

2011 BFI

Military/Leadership

The mission of Saint Thomas Academy (Military Institute) Leadership / JROTC program is to
develop life skills through participation in a compulsory military program. These skills include:

Development and study of leadership skills
Cadet planned and executed events / activities
The importance of teamwork
Learning to be a good follower
Decision-making
Problem analysis
Goal Setting
Mentorship / Counseling
Speaking / Personal projection
Self discipline
Punctuality
Appearance
Standards
Selfless-Service
Respect for Authority
Character / Integrity
Citizenship and Patriotism

Note: All cadets are expected to take ten hours of Rifle Marksmanship and Weapons
Safety as freshmen and sophomores. Classes are taught on Tuesdays and Thursdays
with students drawn from study halls and PE classes.
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Commandant's Annual Goals, 2011-12

2011 BFI

Military/Leadership

Link to Selective Service System Web site