ORIGINAL FIVE STARS (for the Senior ROTC Program)
— Note: derived from the Society’s initiation ceremony.

*Efficiency, First Star

Efficiency in the performance of any duty, military or civil, is the first basic principle of Scabbard and Blade. At this, the first outpost of Scabbard and Blade, you are charged to perform your duties to the best of your ability, and to require your subordinates to do the same. If you are willing to accept this charge, you will advance one pace.

1. Efficiency, Review the videos related to “leadership” on the S&B website, then organize and execute a company training event, or develop a company leader education plan proposal that stresses efficiency.

**Loyalty, Second Star

Loyalty is a fundamental characteristic of the true soldier. It is the foundation stone of our government and of our society. Without the lifelong Loyalty of every member, no society can long endure. Your Loyalty to Scabbard and Blade shall not cease with your graduation from college and from active military work. Your loyalty to your country shall be eternal. You are here solemnly charged to be faithful to your country, to your flag, and to Scabbard and Blade, and should you ever be called to your country’s service, or selected by our society to perform the duties of a Company or Division office, you will act with the utmost Loyalty to those who would thus honor you. If you accept this condition, you will advance two paces.

1. Loyalty, Review the videos related to “unity” on the S&B website, then write a paper or create a video featuring interviews describing how greater loyalty in our Society (Scabbard and Blade) can be achieved.

***Obedience, Third Star

Obedience is the third fundament principle of our Society. Prompt and unquestioning Obedience is the keystone of military organizations, and is essential to the progress of any undertaking. As a member of Scabbard and Blade you shall render implicit Obedience to any command or order of your superiors, and exact the same from your subordinates. To signify your compliance with this order, advance three paces.

1. Officership, Review the videos related to “officership” on the S&B website, then arrange for a guest speaker event about experiences as an officer; or, locate a mentor and write a paper about what you learned as a result

****Courage, Forth Star

Sentinel: Fellow officers, before you may be enlisted in this Society, you must signify your willingness to develop in yourself a quiet, unassuming Courage. True Courage is not a quality to be loudly proclaimed to the public, for the man or woman who boasts of his or her valor is often a coward. The true citizen, as well as the true officer, must be ready to stand firm for the right, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. If you have the Courage to do this, advance four paces.

1. Professionalism, Review the videos related to “professionalism” on the S&B website, then create a video interview of a military veteran or veterans discussing their views of professionalism in the military; or, write a paper describing professionalism in the military and compare it to medical and law professionalism

*****Goodfellowship, Fifth Star

Sentinel: Fellow officers, the fifth characteristic of a Scabbard and Blade man or woman is sincere Goodfellowship. In becoming a member of the Society you will enter at once into a spirit of friendly aid and helpfulness which should make you a better officer and a greater person. You will now advance five paces.

1. Honor, Review the videos related to “honor” on the S&B website, then write a paper or create a video describing what honor in the military means to you.

 

THE FIVE STAR PATHFINDER AWARD

• Upon completion of the Five Star Program, cadets may attain the Five Star Pathfinder Award by completing a paper outlining these personal military career goals:

1. Initial goal for military service – length of service or retirement
2. Branch of service and occupation specialty
3. School and Senior ROTC program of choice
4. Academic major and highest degree desired