SMA Bear Battalion Earns Honor Unit With Distinction Rating

San Marcos Academy’s Junior ROTC Bear Battalion earned the title of “Honor Unit with Distinction” (HUD) during their recent JROTC Program for Accreditation as evaluated by an inspection team from the Fifth Brigade, U.S. Army Cadet Command out of Fort Sam Houston.

The Bear Battalion scored 97.75 percent on the Nov. 7 inspection, which included two presentations, a marching exhibition, a Color Guard performance, an in-ranks inspection and cadet interviews.

A score of at least 95% is required to earn the HUD or “Gold Star” recognition, the highest rating an Army JROTC unit can receive. SMA Cadets will wear a gold star on their uniforms, designating the honor unit.

“I am humbled by the results of our accreditation inspection,” said LTC Lenny Cianciotto, SMA Senior Army Instructor. “Our Cadets did an outstanding job in all aspects of the inspection. All of this was done to determine whether or not we are delivering the intended curriculum and maintaining excellence in the quality of our Leadership Development.”

Launched in 1917, the Junior ROTC unit at San Marcos Academy was one of the first programs granted by the United States after the National Defense Act of 1916 was established. Today, Junior ROTC is one of the largest character development and citizenship programs for youth in the world.

SMA cadets have participated for decades in the San Marcos Veterans Day Parade and are invited to post colors at many local events. The Bear Battalion also plans and conducts service learning projects each year, benefitting local organizations such as Brown Santa and the Hays County Food Bank.

The Bear Battalion Staff includes Cadet Commander Gordon Murphy and Cadet Executive Officer Caleb Guenther. Others on the staff are Addy Cianciotto, Garret Clairday, Aaron Emerich, Carter Pruitt, Cody Massey and Caleb Strube.

LTC Cianciotto is assisted in the program by CSM Vincent McCormick, Army Instructor.