Cadets from The Citadel Engage in Leadership Day at FLETC-Charleston

Charleston, SC - Fifty cadets from The Citadel College participated in Leadership Day at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) in Charleston, Oct. 16, 2024. This special day, organized by Citadel administration, is dedicated to fostering leadership development among cadets through community service and hands-on experiences.

The event kicked off with a warm welcome from FLETC Charleston Site Director Mike Bransford and FLETC Program Specialist Jessie King, who introduced the cadets to the mission, goals, and vision of FLETC. "Supporting events like this is incredibly rewarding," King said. "It's an opportunity to inspire future leaders and help them understand the value that underpin law enforcement." US Coast Guard Captain James Corbett also attended, offering both a motivational speech and an engaging series of push-ups to energize the group.

Bransford served as the first presenter, sharing his personal experiences and discussing various ethical dilemmas he faced throughout his career. "We were honored to host highly motivated and engaging Cadets from one of this country's most prestigious institutions. And, based on the interactive discussions we had during our presentations on leadership and ethics, I am confident the Cadets have the foundation to make ethical decisions in the field," Bransford remarked. His insights set the tone for the day, emphasizing the importance of integrity and decision-making in law enforcement.

Following the presentations, cadets enjoyed a guided tour of the Charleston FLETC facility, where they witnessed live training exercises conducted by US Coast Guard personnel with their Maritime Enforcement Academy (MEA) and Basic Boarding Officer Course (BBOC) students. This firsthand look into rigorous training scenarios highlighted the critical role that ethical decision-making plays in high-pressure situations.

After a communal lunch, FLETC Field Site Security Specialist Joseph Biela took the floor to discuss his extensive background in military and law enforcement. He shared compelling anecdotes of ethical challenges he faced, further enriching the cadets' understanding of the real-world implications of their training.

The day concluded with a resounding success, as cadets left FLETC-Charleston equipped with valuable lessons about leadership, ethics, and the importance of preparation. The visit provided an in-depth appreciation for the impactful training conducted at the center and inspired cadets to carry these lessons into their future endeavors.

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