George Holstead earns spot on 2013 Summerall Guards

From The Citadel

Cadet George Burnham Holstead of Irmo, has earned a position on the 2013 Summerall Guards, a silent drill platoon at The Citadel.

Cadet Holstead is among 61 rising seniors who have gone through a rigorous physical training and initiation process to be selected for membership. Members are chosen for their physical stamina and drill proficiency and come from every company in the South Carolina Corps of Cadets.

The platoon was created in 1932 and named for Gen. Charles P. Summerall, former chief of staff of the U.S. Army and president of The Citadel from 1931 until 1953.

Its purpose is to exemplify the exactness and thoroughness with which The Citadel cadets are trained. Members come from nearly every company in the Corps. The drill, which has never been written down, is a unique series of movements based on the old German close order drill and performed to a silent count. Each year's Guards take responsibility for teaching the next year's unit the precise drill.

Cadet Holstead is a business administration major and a member of Lima Company.