The Desire and Ability to Lead can be Learned

Two of the mantras of military college preparatory schools are to instill in young men and women the desire to achieve status and lead others.  Upon arrival and seeing cadets with carriage, confidence, and positions of authority creates a realization that through hard work and a change in attitude "even I" might be able to wear the uniform of a leader, acquire authority, and learn to lead others (sometimes in large numbers). It can be like a virus that affects young people when tossed into the furnace of excellence modelled by other young men and women who exhibit the characteristics of one who deserves to be followed and emulated. 

This is why so many under-achievers who enter military preparatory schools end up graduating with honors and attending U.S. military service academies or earning and lucrative ROTC scholarships.

I have seen this time and time again and must admit that it is what I miss most from my days at Marion Military Institute and Riverside Military Academy.