From Student to Warrior A Military History of The College of William and Mary

WILLIAMSBURG - The College of William and Mary has been associated with the military since its earliest years. This new book by historian and William and Mary alumnus Wilford Kale takes a look at the military from pre-French and Indian Wars military activity to the present day Reserve Officers' Training Corps on campus. For nearly three hundred and twenty five years William and Mary has fostered civil service along with high academic standards. One of the clearest indications of this commitment is the long-standing military tradition. Through countless military activities, including a World War II Chaplains' School to modern-day military volunteers, college students and faculty have prepared to defend their country and beliefs. Well known for its alumni who rose to political and judicial prominence, the college can also take pride in the number of graduates who have become high-ranking and influential military officers. These included generals, admirals and a secretary of defense-all dedicated to the service of their country. In this illustrated volume, Wilford Kale melds the strands of administrative challenges, military strategy, and educational theory into a cohesive account that keeps individuals at the forefront. Throughout the book, insightful vignettes explore the stories of men and women who bravely served. Kale deftly traces the development of the citizen-soldier-from military to active duty to reservist-and analyzes the college's response to war-related challenges it has faced over the centuries. Although most colleges and universities experienced declining enrollment during the conflicts of the twentieth century, no other suffered similar 18th- and 19th-century destruction. No other school was successively occupied by both armies during both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Ultimately, From Soldier to Warrior is a uniquely American story of the blending of education and public service.