HARLINGEN, Texas – The boys are back in town! 

On Saturday, Aug. 17, more than 100 young men from across the country and around the world will arrive at Marine Military Academy (MMA) to start a new school year. The first day of school at MMA begins on Wednesday, Aug. 21, but new students must arrive on Aug. 17 while those who are returning must arrive the following day. MMA expects to have a total headcount of 250 on the first day of school. For new and returning students alike, MMA will be both their school and home for the next nine months. 

Of the new students, at least half of them will be classified as “plebes” and begin Introductory Training as soon as they check in. Except for those who graduated from MMA Summer Camp, all new students must go through four weeks of training before becoming an official member of the MMA Corps of Cadets. 

Once plebes register and bid their parents goodbye, they are escorted by a high-ranking cadet through “in-processing.” One of the first stops they make is to the barber shop, where they receive a head shaving. Then they collect their uniforms and other gear and head to their barrack. The plebes are given some time to settle into their rooms, but they are taught almost immediately how to make their bed or “rack.” This is just the beginning of their four-week training. 

In addition to adjusting to a new school and a life away from home, a plebe must quickly learn a new regimen, cadet regulations, customs and courtesies, uniforms and proper dress, drill, inspections, Marine Corps history and much more. On the weekends, he is required to participate in numerous outdoor challenges, such as ziplining, rappelling, rope bridging and circuit training. 

Whether a young man is a plebe or full-fledged cadet, the routine at MMA is significantly more demanding than an average day school. On a typical day, MMA students begin physical training at 6:10 a.m. and eat breakfast at 6:40 a.m. From 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., they clean themselves, pick up their rooms and prepare for school. They attend the flag raising or “morning colors” at 8:35 a.m. before attending their first class at 8:50 a.m. They follow a 16-hour schedule that incorporates classes, sports or activities, and study time, keeping them well occupied until they go to bed at 10 p.m. 

To learn more about a full, typical day at MMA, visit MMA-TX.org and click on the “Cadet Life” tab and then on the “Day in the Life” link. To learn more about MMA in general, visit MMA-TX.org or call (956) 423-6006.