International Studies – Page 3 – Virginia Military Institute

Behind the Balance: Sadie Smith ’26 — Women’s Water Polo

Virginia Military Institute’s cadet-athletes have to juggle cadet life, heavy academic course loads, and their NCAA Division I sport. Committed to both academic and athletic pursuits, balancing their rigorous schedule in both sports and school requires a certain level of commitment and discipline. Behind the Balance is a series that focuses on those cadet-athletes and how they handle the hurdles of the day-to-day.

Sadie Smith ’26 has been working for over a year to land an internship with the Defense Intelligence Agency. She first applied last year, had interviews over the summer, and most recently heard that she would be spending 10 weeks in Washington, D.C.

Initially, the international studies major was looking to commission into the Army, but she was medically disqualified. Instead, Smith thinks working with a government agency is where she’ll land, thus her summer internship will help aid that.“I’m so grateful to have that opportunity,” she said. “I think it’s going to be really cool. I want to work for a government agency. I’m really open minded in terms of what I do after graduation. I would love to get a job offer from them, but if that doesn’t happen, I am open to grad school, or taking some time to travel … not really set on something specific.”

The structure and connections that VMI has given Smith have shown she has the capability to balance everything the Institute has thrown at her. From being one of the water polo team captains, to serving on cadre, and being part of the Honors Program, Smith has proved that she can stay afloat.

Cadet-athletes at VMI not only have their responsibilities with their selected sport but cadet duties on top of that. Cadets are also required to take physical fitness classes twice a week, participate in ROTC all four years, prepare for room and uniform inspections, practice for parade, guard duty, and more.

She was drawn to the small classes and community feel of VMI.

“When I visited, I was like, this is a really special type of lifestyle. This is going to set me up for success and help me be pretty disciplined,” Smith explained. “It’s definitely been worth it. I look back, getting here as a rat, and I’ve come a long way in terms of leadership.”

Smith has served on cadre for two years, as a corporal and a sergeant. Next year, she’s applying for an officer position. That, coupled with being one of the water polo captains, are two positions very different in terms of leadership.

“Those two different leadership experiences, in their own ways, have helped me develop kind of my own unique leadership,” she stated. “I really love being water polo captain. It’s so fun. My team is everything to me. If I wasn’t on that team here, VMI would definitely be a little bit more difficult. I love going down for practice. I love my coach. I love our team environment. We’re a smaller team, we have a great time together, and we work hard together.”

Smith, who is from Southern California, has been playing water polo since she was nine years old, first as a club sport, then in high school. She started out with swimming, but found water polo was a challenge she wanted to pursue. The physicality, the quickness, the skill, and the aggression of the sport call to her. Overall, it’s the bond she has with the team that gives her peace and drive.

“The team is really cohesive. Everyone is there for each other, and we’re all going through the same VMI struggles too, which I think binds everyone even more,” she said. “Everyone supports each other. I really like how the upperclassmen are always there for the rats and the rats are always there for the upperclassmen. It kind of goes both ways. We have a good system on our team with our coach, and we work constantly on team- building activities and maintaining a good team environment.”

Sadie Smith playing water polo for Virginia Military Institute.

Smith credits her coach, Danielle Montenegro, for considering all the things she and her teammates have to keep up with.

“Coach is so great. She makes us work hard, but she knows our limits, and she knows we’re going through a lot outside of water polo stuff,” Smith explained. “A lot of other coaches here don’t necessarily focus on that or care as much as she does. And that’s why I really appreciate how she goes about talking to us and coaching us, keeping in mind there’s a lot of other things we have to do for school and everything else.”

The regimented structure of VMI appealed to Smith, which has come to her advantage especially when she’s in season. She’s up during the week at 5:45 a.m. to do team weightlifting, then it’s breakfast and onto classes. If she doesn’t have class early, she’ll utilize the mornings to get work done.

She’s in class until about 2:30 p.m. daily and off to practice at 4 p.m. Smith uses the time between class and practice to get schoolwork from her 17.5 credit load done. After practice, the team goes to dinner until about 8 p.m., then Smith is off to the library to study. She gives herself a cutoff at 11:30 p.m. so she can get to sleep by midnight.

“I like to go to sleep before midnight. I cannot function after midnight,” she admitted.

Her time at VMI has also instilled the need for time management and professionalism.

“It’s the little things every day that add up over time and really make you a new kind of person, like a very responsible, very professional person,” Smith shared. “I’m still pretty goofy, especially around my team, but there’s a time and place for everything.”

Summer Transition Program Helps Matriculants Ease In

They say nothing can prepare you for the Rat Line, but there are ways to ease into the rigors of Virginia Military Institute. One option is for incoming rats to participate in the Summer Transition Program (STP). You’re able to get a class under your belt while familiarizing yourself with post.

Held the summer before rats matriculate, STP gives the opportunities to get a head start on academics and physical fitness. The four-week voluntary program allows participants to earn credits for one academic class and become familiar with VMI — living in barracks, physical training, eating in Crozet Hall, and taking classes.

Zachary Richardson ’28 wanted to knock out a biology class. He was drawn to VMI for its Army ROTC program, plus the size of the school was a huge deciding factor for him.

“I was blown away by everything offered here, the small class sizes, the integrity, and the Honor Code was really admiring,” the history major said.

Once he was accepted, he figured STP would be a good first step.

“Those four weeks were good for me mentally, adjusting and getting ready for what was coming in August,” he said. “Meeting a lot of my brother rats in the summer was really cool, because on Matriculation Day, I recognized so many people. It was a big advantage and a big motivator. Like, I can make it through this, I’ve got already friends here.”

Cadet Zachary Richardson, Class of 2028 — Zachary Richardson ’28

He said getting a class out of the way over the summer will help with his academic load this semester. Also being on post for those weeks allowed him to gain some overall knowledge about the Institute and free access to places before facing more restrictions as a rat. He knows where his classes are, he’s familiar with faculty and staff on post, plus he even met some cadre. He was also able to meet with the regimental band commander and join band company.

“I basically joined band company and knew what company was going to be in before Matriculation Day,” he said. “That was a cool thing to learn and figure out.”

The physical aspect of STP was unmatchable of what he endured during Matriculation Week. But, participating in STP and getting used to working out daily helped introduce him to that routine. The intensity was elevated once he joined the Rat Line. It was a bit of a shock to Richardson.

“I was here in STP walking around like I owned the place, and now I’m the lowest form, not even in existence. I’m a rat, right?” he said. “I think I was motivated to come here. I had prepared, so physically I didn’t feel too challenged by Matriculation Week. It was more the lack of sleep and just the big shift in lifestyle. It was a big shock to be woken up by a big loudspeaker and your cadre coming in and banging on the door … the stress level was something I was not used to. I was kind of just like taking it one meal at a time.”

Cadet Denasia Owens, Class of 2028 — Denasia Owens ’28

Denasia Owens ’28 took precalculus during STP. VMI appealed to her because it was a more structured learning environment that incorporated the military aspect. Owens, a mechanical engineering major, felt like STP helped with the physical aspect, especially walking around post up and down hills. But it didn’t prepare her mentally as much. STP was a little less formal, she said.

“One part that is excluded is the yelling, having someone in your face,” she said.

Owens said that the staff from STP can now serve as a safe place for her since she’s familiar with them.

“There are still some people that I can be like, ‘Hey, I know you,’ even though you’re an upperclassman, I can still come talk to you, because we already know each other outside of Matriculation Day,” she said.

Cadet Owen Johns, Class of 2028 — Owen Johns’ ’28

It was Owen Johns’ ’28 father’s idea to do STP. The international studies major said he wanted to get more conditioning over the summer and take a math class.

“The course really helped, because it took one course off my schedule, so it gives me more time to focus on other classes that I have,” he said. “Along with that, the fitness, even though it was very relaxed, it still helped, like getting used to the VMI Fitness Test and all the other components that we have to do as rats.”

Modern languages major Bailey Pellegrini ’28 liked VMI’s commitment to having a focused program. She didn’t attend an open house prior to being accepted into the Institute, so she thought STP would be the proper way to get an introduction. She said it allowed her to get to know people coming in. Pellegrini did echo what other rats said in terms of the physical demands; STP doesn’t dive full force into the physicality of what Matriculation Week will be like.

“I’m not an athlete, and I’m not here for the physical aspect of it. I know that I’m going to shine in my academics,” she said. “I feel like it was a lot more challenging because I’m not used to the repetitive things.”

Maj. Katie Baur, associate professor for the Department of Human Performance and Wellness, said the STP program is distinctly positive and focuses on personal growth.

“While nothing can truly prepare incoming rats for the VMI experience, I do believe that our STP-ers come into matriculation with a bit more confidence and familiarity with their surroundings. I look forward to being involved with this program each summer,” she said.

Cadet Bailey Pellegrini, Class of 2028 — Bailey Pellegrini ’28

With STP and Matriculation Week under their belts, these rats feel like they’re moving forward.

“The days feel long, but the weeks go by fast. It wasn’t too bad, if I am 100% honest,” Richardson said. “It’s definitely an experience I’ll never forget.”

The Cadet Collective: Antonio Ahanj

Virginia Military Institute requires structure and dedication. It also becomes a place where bonds are created that can last a lifetime. Maybe it’s a professor, a coach, or a fellow cadet. No one makes it through VMI alone. The Cadet Collective tells the stories of those relationships that help pave the way for success.

Antonio Ahanj ’24 speaks Spanish and Arabic and has visited nine countries while participating in study abroad programs at VMI. Ahanj’s multiple study abroad programs and intensive language learning opportunities have shaped his perspectives and skill set as an international studies major. He attributes much of his growth and success to the unique environment fostered at VMI, where supportive relationships and a culture of mentorship have played a crucial role for him.

“VMI has been incredible in introducing me to so many people who have been instrumental in getting me to where I’m currently at,” said Ahanj.” Two individuals that come to mind are Mr. Todd Goen and Mrs. Patricia Hardin of the Office of Global Education.”

Ahanj described instances where Hardei’s support and advice greatly impacted his academic career, especially during challenging times such as the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I remember one night I started sending emails to her and, she responded saying, just keep it down, get through this, and then we’ll start talking about things going on,” said Ahanj. “But from every step of the way in my VMI journey, she has helped me learn to be punctual with the things that I wanted to do, to be articulate in how I want, to road map things for myself and overall, she helped me understand what’s the best way to take this experience that’s already unique.”

Ahanj described developing stress tolerance as another interpersonal skill during his time with VMI.

“Through being abroad, I saw how much VMI benefited me, mainly in terms of stress tolerance, things like that. You know, there’s people from other schools there that are freaking out about, for lack of a better term, minor things,” said Ahanj about the stressors of study abroad programs such as police visits for visas and interactions made difficult by language barriers.

Looking back, Ahanj credited Goen with his ability to plan for the success of his study abroad trips.

“Especially beforehand, Mr. Goen really stressed to me about kind of looking back how I spent my experiences before and understanding what I did wrong,” said Ahanj. “Maybe I didn’t do this enough, maybe I didn’t interact with locals enough or participate in extracurriculars, things like that.”

Ahanj went on to further detail how Goen introduced him to opportunities such as prestigious scholarships.

“He helped me receive the CLS and Boren Awards, which are some of the best awards the Department of State can offer for language learning,” said Ahanj. “And recently he’s been helping me navigate opportunities like Fulbright and other ones.”

Ahanj said he used the skills and resources Geon and Hardin have provided him to prepare for his graduation in spring of 2024.

“The lessons that they taught me are something that I’m going to take to heart and something I’m going to kind of carry with me through each thing that I do,” said Ahanj.

When asked what his plans were for post-graduation, Ahanj said he is pursuing his aspirations of applying to the Department of State Foreign Service. He expressed deep gratitude for the guidance he received, and the sacrifices made by the faculty, highlighting the importance of being prepared.

“That has been one of the biggest lessons that I’ve taken away from them, and I think that’s going to be something that helps me years down, decades away, I’m still going to be drawing back on a lot of the things that I learned from them in terms of being able to kind of have that right mentality when approaching tasks, and furthermore, having the right mentality when approaching people to ask for help,” said Ahanj.

Ahanj also credited VMI for instilling in him a sense of organization, confidence, and other valuable attributes that have proven highly effective in his daily life.

“I owe so much of that to VMI, just in terms of entering this, you know, very stringent environment and being put in a position to find a way to thrive into that,” said Ahanj. “I do not think that even if I had the same opportunities at a different school, that I would have been able to get nearly as much out of it as I would if I did not go to VMI.”

Onto Law School: Recent International Studies Grad to Take on Notre Dame

This article is part of The Next Step series. While the four years at VMI are designed for cadets to push themselves academically, physically, and mentally to tackle the demands of life at a premiere military college, they also prepare cadets for life after graduation. Whether that life be one in the military or one in the private sector, VMI faculty and staff provide guidance to cadets along their journeys. One department specifically dedicated to that endeavor of post-Institute success is the Office of Career Services. In The Next Step series, we highlight cadets preparing to enter the workforce after graduation, as well as those still in the midst of their cadetship preparing for internships over the summer.

From legislative intern to Virginia Military Institute graduate, the next step for Jimmy Murphy ’24 is law school.

After spending several summers working in the U.S. Capitol, in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, Murphy will be heading to Notre Dame Law School in the fall.

The international studies major and national security minor from Golden Valley, Minnesota, took his first internship the summer of 2021 as a legislative intern with the Office of Congressman Jim Hagedorn (R-Minnesota).

After that, he spent his summer as a committee intern with the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Last summer he was an intern with Van Scoyoc Associates, a government affairs team based in Washington, D.C.

He credits his internships to setting him up for success.

“My internships prepared me for my next step of becoming a lawyer because they gave me invaluable experience and confirmed what career I wanted to pursue” he said. “The experiences of serving the constituents of Minnesota’s 1st District, Sen. Rob Portman in the U.S. Senate, and a distinguished list of veteran/defense clients exposed me to the fulfillment of a career of serving others. In addition, working for so many accomplished legislative staffers, lawyers, and government officials gifted me with an amazing support network through my journey. None of my success would be possible without them.”

Murphy was admitted to several top 20 law schools but accepted an offer to Notre Dame Law School.

In his last year at VMI, Murphy was awarded the International Studies Award, which is given to the top graduate in the Department of International Studies and Political Science. He said that his time at VMI has benefitted and shaped him in many ways including sharpening his time-management skills, instilling the importance of a strong work ethic, and showing him the value of being a servant leader.

“These skills are going to serve me greatly as I pursue my career as a lawyer and public servant,” he said. “Future clients and employers of mine will know that no matter what pressure, hurdle, or trial I am faced with,; they can take solace in the fact that they are getting a tested individual who gladly embraces pressure and relishes in being the hardest worker in the room.”

As a 1st Class cadet, he led a seminar in partnership with the Pre-Law Society on the law school application process, served as vice president for the Education on the Cadet Equity Association, and finished up his final year on the VMI football team.

Murphy also finished his senior thesis, “Money Talks? Lobbying, Ideology, and Issue Salience in the United States Senate,” in his national security minor.

“The major takeaway I had from my last year at VMI was while work is certainly important, you should not allow the pressures of a career or outside expectations to steal your joy,” he said. “Life on Earth is short, and the Bible speaks often about the importance of loving others. Simply put, there will always be an assignment to do, a paper to write, a Zoom call to take, etcetera. But do not pursue life compromising the relationships you have built or thinking that your worth is built on a salary or title.”

For the summer, Murphy will be working at a boutique law firm in Minneapolis before starting law school in the fall. He hopes his story can inspire others to chase their dreams.

“I do not come from a wealthy family, I am a first-generation law student, and for many years I sometimes questioned whether I had the abilities to achieve my ambitious goals,” he said. “I want to be an example for anyone who might’ve gotten knocked down. Not even just in academics, but in life — anyone who might be feeling like they came up short, or who might be getting pegged as somebody who can’t achieve certain things. Maybe they can look at me and see how I never gave up, never stopped believing in myself, and found my strength in the Lord to triumph over every hurdle life placed in my path.”

After Notre Dame Law, Murphy wants to join the Navy or Air Force JAG Corps, clerk for a federal judge, and eventually return to his home state of Minnesota to continue a career in public service and politics.

Embarking on an Influential Internship at U.S. Army War College: Earl Filgo ‘25

An internship at the U.S. Army War College was something Earl Filgo ’25 wouldn’t pass up. It was not a particular goal he had been striving for, but something he was required to do to complete his national security minor.

The international studies major from Jakarta, Indonesia, said he had applied to several other internships, but he was a little late to the game. He said thanks to the help of Col. Spencer D. Bakich, professor of international studies and the director of the National Security Program at VMI, he was able to gain an internship with the Army War College. He said without Bakich’s endorsement, he doesn’t believe he would have received the internship.

“Being a VMI cadet was what opened up the door and brought me through the finish line with regards to obtaining this internship,” he said. “This internship with the Army War College is very much relevant to my future military career in the Army and I hope that it would make me stand out for my preferred branch of military intelligence.”

In his position, he will develop scenarios that will help the Army assess senior leaders’ ability to think strategically.

Thanks to the opportunities and resources VMI has presented, Filgo has had great assistance to his personal and professional development.

“I would not be where I am now if I had not gone to VMI, a commissioning track with an Army ROTC scholarship, the Institute Honors Program, and the various connections through alumni and faculty,” he said.

In the next decade, he sees himself either retired from the Army, setting up a business in either the space or security sector, or continuing with his military career while being involved diplomatically as a military liaison in the U.S. State Department. All of which, he said, wouldn’t be possible without the inspiration he gained from his father.

“My dad inspired me,” he said. “For most of my middle and high school years, I did not know what path to embark on, I was directionless, so I decided to start on a similar path as he did.”

Headed to Army War College: Connor Cherry ’25

Even before attending Virginia Military Institute, Connor Cherry ’25 always knew he wanted to pursue an international studies degree, with his sights set on obtaining the highly competitive national security minor. After an internship with the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) last summer, his interest in the field was cemented.

The 1st Class cadet and international studies major from Mooresville, North Carolina, will be interning at the U.S. Army War College this summer.

“I have always wanted to pursue a career in military intelligence through the U.S. Army and possibly a federal career pathway with a three-letter agency afterword. I believe this internship gives me another avenue of approach in understanding the holistic goals of U.S. national security,” he said.

He also applied to the Hertog War Studies program led by ex-CIA director Gen. David Petraeus but did not receive the internship.

“Luckily the Army War College program fits with my needs for Army certified technology specialist training this summer,” he said.

For his internship, he will be at the Center for Strategic Leadership, which is the U.S. Army’s strategic wargaming center. The internship will focus on updating scenarios that impact U.S. interests in Africa, Iran, China, Russia, and the Arctic.

Specific responsibilities include working with regional experts to understand the security environment in these areas and to assess the implications for U.S. national security, assisting in updating existing geo-political scenarios used in the education of senior national security professionals, researching potential sources of conflict 12 years in the future, and develop recommendations for new scenarios.

Other tasks for Cherry this summer include research, writing, and publishing on topics related to the internship, and participating in wargames, conferences, seminars, and meetings. Interns associated with this program will also develop videos and other injections for the scenario and help with other wargaming projects as required.

“VMI gave me the opportunity to pursue my goals both militarily and regarding my goals with U.S. national security through the national security minor,” he said. “VMI’s strict rigor and discipline allowed me to lead the path of VMI cadets into the ARL Internship Program and working with their director and senior military college internship coordinator to allow other cadets the opportunity to expose themselves to the goals and processes of ARL and I hope to do the same with the Army War College.”

To obtain this year’s internship, Cherry worked with Col. Spencer D. Bakich, professor of international studies and the director of the National Security Program at VMI.

Cherry credits his parents for having a large role in the inspiration for his career and personal goals. He said both of his parents served as officers for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department for 30 years, which motivated him to pursue a career in public service.

Looking forward, he hopes these internships will help bolster his resume to help him continue as an officer in the Army or hold a position in a federal agency.

“I believe I have the choice in my pathway and the ability to decide the right career path when the time comes,” he said. “The perception of VMI cadets and their personal values I believe had an impactful role in me obtaining this internship as Army officials value cadets who go through adversity and hardships with strict standards at VMI.”

Honors Week: Unveiling Key Insights on War Timing in Power Transition Theory

Devin Thomas ’24 presented insights into his honors thesis, “War Onset Power Transition Theory.” His findings included that wars are likely during phases of relative parity and both before and after power transitions.

The power transition theory appealed to Thomas due to its focus on power dynamics and systemic changes, which have significant implications for international relations at various levels. Thomas initially encountered power transition theory in a Theories on War and Peace class with Col. J. Patrick Rhamey, professor of international studies, during his 3rd Class year. Rhamey eventually became Thomas’ academic advisor for his senior thesis presentation for Virginia Military Institute’s Honors Week.

Thomas became intrigued by the question of when wars are most likely to occur within the context of power transition theory. He noticed a gap in his academic literature regarding the specific timing of war onset before or after power transitions. 

“When I was doing my initial research, fall of my 2nd Class year, this is what I was looking at,” explained Thomas. “It’s like trying to find a question within power transition theory and the question became no one’s really tackled this question of when is war most likely under it.”

Thomas recognized the practical implications of understanding power transitions and war onset and saw the research topic as important for policymakers and those involved in foreign relations.

This relevance fueled Thomas’ interest in exploring the subject deeper. Drawing from his academic background, he integrated insights from various theories, including realism, liberalism, and constructivism, to develop a comprehensive framework.

Collaborating with Rhamey, Thomas identified two causal mechanisms for his research: perception and misperception in international politics, inspired by Robert Jervis’s work, and the concept of time horizons, drawn from David Edelstein’s research. 

During the following semesters, Thomas engaged in extensive literature review, theoretical development, and methodological training, culminating in both quantitative analysis and qualitative case study work.

Thomas elected rigorous coursework like an International Studies Research Design class, which equipped him with the necessary skills for research design and execution leading up to his culminating presentation during his last year at VMI.

He collected various datasets pertinent to his research question, encompassing gross domestic product, state capacity, militarized interstate disputes, and United Nations General Assembly
voting similarity. Employing a blend of quantitative analysis techniques and qualitative research methods, Thomas analyzed the data, using techniques such as interactive logic regression to scrutinize his hypothesis quantitatively.

“Beyond demonstrating research excellence in the scientific study of international politics, Cadet Thomas’ research also has clear policy implications that allow government to anticipate the timing of conflicts globally,” said Rhamey. “I directed Cadet Thomas to relevant research on his topic to help him develop his project into one that was both targeted to a specific research question and accomplishable within the limited time frame of Institute Honors.”

“The international studies department does a great job of wrapping it all in and allowing you the most time possible to work on your thesis,” said Thomas. “He was having me do a lot of research because the foundation of power transition theory, the two independent variables, are the reaching parity and the dissatisfaction of the rising challenger. But that doesn’t really get to the question of the timing and the why for the timing.” 

Thomas said his research has helped him understand how the political world operates, mainly through the lens of power transition theory, which examines wars with systemic consequences. 

“I think I’ve gained a much greater understanding for, in a pragmatic sense especially, how the political world works,” Thomas said. 

Thomas said this experience has not only deepened his academic insights but also influenced his career trajectory, steering him to pursue military intelligence and strategic analysis roles after graduation, where he can apply his knowledge to current international issues.

Cadets Win Record Number of Awards at International Law Competition in Italy

Virginia Military Institute was one of 25 military academies from around the world who participated in the annual Competition on the Law of Armed Conflict in Sanremo, Italy. The event was hosted by the International Institute of Humanitarian Law.

Six VMI cadets out of more than 100 participants spent a week diving into war simulations where they had to advise on the legality of decisions given by their commanders. Each participated in mixed teams alongside two cadets from another academy.

This year, VMI walked away with five awards, which was the most received by any academy at the competition. Hannah White ’24 won a silver award in the individual category, and four cadets won awards in the team category (Devin Thomas ’24 – gold; Michael Menton ’24 – silver; Gabriele Woodward ’24 – bronze; White – bronze).

Cadets are chosen for the competition after completing a course on the Law of Armed Conflict with Maj. Tim Passmore, assistant professor of international studies, and then receive additional training and preparation as a team before the competition. In 2012, VMI started participating in the competition under Col. Robert James’ direction, who now serves as a judge.

The competition consists of cadets serving as legal advisers to a commander in a fictional war scenario simulation, according to Passmore. Cadets are divided into mixed teams of three, where they work with cadets from other academies. Each team is given a scenario, which develops over the week as new information is revealed. The teams must advise the commander on the legality of the various actions their military can take, Passmore said.

Six VMI cadets participated in the annual Competition on the Law of Armed Conflict in Sanremo, Italy.

“The body of law they are advising on is called international humanitarian law, or the law of armed conflict, and consists of various international treaties and other legal principles,” Passmore said. “Some of the main treaties are the Geneva Conventions, Hague Conventions, and UN Charter.”

White, an international studies major who will be commissioning into the Coast Guard, said the competition was hands-down one of the best experiences of her cadetship.

“Having the opportunity to meet people from all over the world for the common interest of Law of Armed Conflict is truly a unique experience,” she said. “Getting to work in a team with people I’ve never met before who are in militaries from other countries teaches you how to communicate effectively and how to work as a team player. It also allowed my teammates and I to develop friendships with people who we may get the chance to work with again in our military careers.”

She said that with Passmore’s guidance, she became proficient in international treaties and conventions, along with homing in and developing her public speaking skills, attention to detail, and her confidence. She urges other cadets to apply for the opportunity to participate.

“These are all skills that are important to master as a future military officer, and I can easily say that through him and this experience, I am more prepared to be a leader in the Coast Guard,” she said.

Passmore said this experience allows his students to participate in a real-world exercise of military decision making.

“Even though it’s a lot of hard work, the cadets find it really enjoyable and engaging,” he said. “Beyond this, it gives them an experience they will carry into their careers. Most of these cadets will go on to serve in the military, and this is an invaluable experience where they get to see how decisions are made and approach war fighting through a legal context.”

Participating cadets also get to put into practice all the work that went into preparing for the competition for the past year. In addition to taking a class on the law of armed conflict, Passmore said the six cadets met as a team weekly in the spring semester to conduct practice exercises.

“The cadets worked incredibly hard in their free time, and it paid off at the competition,” Passmore said. “The competition gave them an opportunity to meet and interact with cadets from other military academies all over the world. It’s a great way to forge relationships with people at a similar stage in life, and the cadets always love the interactions they have.”

Menton said Passmore’s class just clicked and it started him down a path towards international law and organizations.

“The competition was a fast-paced learning experience that challenged my ability to think critically about complex issues and work well with my teammates who were from European service academies,” he said. “The experiences I had with my teammates and other members of the European armed forces were beyond beneficial. I was able to immerse myself in their cultures for a brief time and exchange experiences with them from our home countries.”

Passmore said the competition allows VMI to showcase its cadets to a large international audience.

“Their especially strong performance this year sends a clear signal of the discipline, hard work, and academic rigor of VMI, and particularly of the international studies program,” he said. “It is also wonderful that VMI provides this opportunity to a select group of cadets each year, as it tends to be one of, if not the most valuable experiences cadets have during their cadetship.”

Study Abroad: Minter Studies in Serbia

Virginia Military Institute cadet Kaiden Minter ’26, an international studies major, is spending spring semester studying with the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Belgrade in Serbia.

Minter awarded the Gilman Scholarship, a program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, which fosters mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and the people of other countries to promote friendly, sympathetic, and peaceful relations.

Minter has been interested in the Balkan region for a long time. “The peninsula has a history of several different cultures living on it, causing a past marred with conflict as these cultures interact. When you look at other regions of similar sizes in Europe, like the Iberian Peninsula or the British Isles, you don’t see this type of conflict, so I’ve always been curious to study it physically,” stated Minter.

The courses in which Minter is currently enrolled in Serbia are U.S. Foreign Policy; European Politics; An Analysis on Conflict in the Balkans; International Political Economy; and Serbian Language, Culture and History. Each class compliments the others, and all of them are applicable to his major and classes he will be taking when he returns to Lexington. Minter shared that choosing to study in Serbia was a smart decision. “From the low cost of living to its similarity in geography to Southwest Virginia—with rolling soft mountains and deciduous forests—this is a wonderful place for me to study. The thing I love most though is the city of Belgrade itself. It’s a unique blend of Mediterranean and Eastern architecture mixed with the block structures of a communist state. The main fortress complex of Belgrade called, Kalemegdan, which has been used since the times of the Romans, is a short walk from my apartment.”

Kaiden Minter ’26, an international studies major, is spending spring semester studying with the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Belgrade in Serbia.

According to Todd Lee Goen, director of the Office of Global Education and senior international officer at VMI, the Gilman Scholarship was awarded last fall to approximately 1,700 American undergraduate students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. “The global education team is proud of Kaiden’s success in obtaining a Gilman Award, which is a testament to his desire to advance his global competencies through study abroad. His experiences in Serbia will expand his worldview and make him more competitive throughout his career,” said Goen.

Minter’s academic advisor, Col. Patrick Rhamey, professor in the Department of International Studies and Political Science recalled that Minter developed a clear passion engaging the world in his introduction to international politics course. “What makes that academic experience all the more exciting is this chance for Kaiden to study abroad provided by the Gilman Scholarship. These opportunities provide a firm foundation for future successful careers beyond America’s borders.”

Minter recommends Serbia as a place for other VMI cadets to study because of all the military history surrounding the region.

Minter is the grandson of Mark and Millie Minter of Roanoke. He is a graduate of Northside High School. He plans to join the Peace Corps and pursue a career in diplomacy after graduating from VMI.

Behind the Balance: Audrey Davis ’25 — Keydet Soccer

It’s 5:45 a.m. on a Tuesday. Audrey Davis ’25 is up before the sun to get a workout in. It’s required — she plays center back for the Virginia Military Institute Women’s Soccer Team. They have some sort of workout or practice daily when they are in season, plus games on Sundays and Thursdays.

Her days don’t always start before the crack of dawn. Certain ones call for lifting, rehabilitation, reviewing film, or drills.

On a normal day, while in season, she’s up at 6:45 a.m. so she can be at formation at 7 a.m. where they stand outside and salute the flag. Then it’s breakfast and onto class from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. After classes, she tries to come down to Paulette Hall to get some rehab work in before practice. Then it’s practice for around two hours.

Then it’s onto dinner.

From there she’s studying for up to four hours and her day just repeats.

“It’s a pretty busy day,” she said.

It varies on the intensity of what practices look like. Mondays are rest days — no practice whatsoever. Tuesday requires hardcore training. Then Wednesday is to build up for Thursday’s game. They do recovery training on Friday, ramp-up workouts on Saturday, and then play Sunday.

“We want to have a full week schedule and then during the offseason, we’ll train pretty much every day, just some days might be a lighter load,” the international studies major said.

Finding her way to VMI

Davis wasn’t sure what life after college would look like.

“I had no plan for after college and I just started thinking about what I wanted to do with my life. And I’m the type of person that does need that discipline in that structure,” she said.

She initially was thinking of another school and being a biology major. Then she did a soccer camp at Virginia Military Institute with head coach Chris Haught-Thompson.

“He liked me and he said that if I wanted to come here, the spot was mine,” she said.

She wasn’t even going to commission and at first, was looking at the Marines. Once she was at VMI, she received an Army scholarship and everything started to switch into place.

“It was just one of those things where I came here and I realized that I really liked this lifestyle and it’s really good for me,” she said.

Audrey Davis hits the soccer ball on the field. — VMI’s #19 Audrey Davis. VMI vs Long Island Unv. women’s soccer game and senior day celebration September 10, 2023 at Drill Field #2 in Lexington. LIU won 2-1. (Randall K. Wolf / VMI )

Balancing studies and sports

Cadet-athletes at VMI not only have their responsibilities with their selected sport but cadet duties on top of that. There are specific times of when they can eat, go to class, study, and sleep. Cadets are also required to take physical fitness classes twice a week, participate in ROTC all four years, require room and uniform inspections, parade preparation, guard duty, and more.

It’s crucial to stay regimented with each activity.

“I’ve become really productive in class, like staying on task so I don’t fall behind or so I don’t have to make up anything from class,” Davis said. “A lot of it is just really grinding it out like late at night like we’re done with dinner around 8 p.m., so normally I’d stay out from like 8 p.m. to midnight so I get like a good four hours of homework and then I try to get right to bed after that.”

After graduation, she has committed to the U.S. Army for eight years. Her focus, which is undecided at the moment, is wavering between military intelligence and aviation.

Her commitments to the Army while at VMI include control time weekly at school, Advanced Camp this summer, plus the commitment of eight years after graduation.

When the days are long and tiring — both exhausting mentally and physically — Davis said she can’t give up.

“You don’t really have a choice here, you really have to learn that line between giving up and seeing it as adversity and using it to push you,” she said.

She’s seen firsthand overcoming a large obstacle with recently having ankle surgery.

“One of the trainers here told me that if you push through even on your worst days … the next day is going to be better regardless. And I think that applies,” she said. “I started using that for not only soccer, but on the hill. So you really don’t have a choice. Because if you mess up one day here you fall behind and you can spend the whole semester trying to recover.”

Tag: International Studies