June 16th marks the 60th anniversary of the Whampoa Military Academy, the cradle of modern Chinese military training. From the Academy's humble beginnings to its present modern position, the Chinese Military Academy has successfully trained dedicated soldiers and military leaders under the revolutionary ideals of the first military cadets.

The present Military Academy is located in Fengshan, a city in Kaohsiung County. With its expansive campus, and complete array of modern facilities and equipment, the Academy is an ideal environment for the cultivation of military minds. As neatly uniformed cadets go about their rigorous daily routine, it is difficult to imagine the difficulties encountered by the first Whampoa Military Academy.

Dr. Sun Yat-sen and his followers overthrew the Ching dynasty in October of 1911. Envisioning a clear road to the establishment of the first Republic of China, Dr. Sun Yat-sen encountered problems with the various military warlords throughout China. Seizing the opportunity brought about by civil unrest, the warlords divided up most of China and plunged the new republic into a period of great division.

The founding father of the Republic soon realized that if they were to have a united country they would have to get rid of the warlords. To eliminate the warlords they would have to develop a true revolutionary army, devoted to the good of the nation. Dr. Sun gave the responsibility of founding a military training academy to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek. It was located in Whampao in the southern mainland province of Kwangtung and was known as the Whampao Military Academy. Recruiting potential cadets proved difficult, as there was no way to make a public announcement into the warlord regions. Using secretive means, the information was spread into all provinces through representatives attending the first Kuomintang assembly. The warlords, fearing the growth of any opposition movement, imposed strict measures on the movement of young men. Despite such measures, 3,000 men registered for tests. Out of this group came the first 499 cadets of the Whampoa Military Academy.

Dr. Sun Yat-sen personally addressed the new cadets at the opening of the school on June 16, 1924. Calling on students and teachers to build a revolutionary force that would be the foundation for a united nation, Sun offered a written declaration that later became the national anthem for the Republic of China. His words called on the soldiers to build a united democratic country through the Three Principles of the People.

The Academy trained soldiers dedicated to love of country and people. A symbol of the school's ideals was a simple four sentence inscription which read: don't fear death, don't seek money, love the country and love the people.

Founded on the ideals of sacrifice and willingness to suffer hardship, the academy encountered a great many financial worries in its early years. Dr. Sun had approached the city government requesting aid for his planned 30,000 dollar per month budget. The committee could only raise 6,000 dollars. To meet the budgetary requirements, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek went to every source to borrow funds. Despite the hardship of those early years, the students were well looked after. A soldiers rigorous life required a nutritious diet. The cadets got wheat and each night had a hearty snack to supplement the strains of a day's vigorous activity. This deep love and care between instructors and students helped to instill the special feelings of being part of the Military Academy.

"Cadets outnumbered guns and guns outnumbered bullets." Lacking guns, proper uniforms, and reduced to wearing straw shoes, the school could only manage to obtain 30 battered mauser rifles. Dr. Sun approached a gun factory director, Ma Ch'ao-chun and received 500 new rifles which became the military training equipment of the first group of cadets.

The first few classes of graduating cadets served in the Eastern and Northern Expeditions which finally reunited China under the leadership of Dr. Sun. In 1928 the Academy was moved to the nation's capital at Nanking. Pursuing a policy of domestic stability, soldiers were trained to fight and work for the settlement of internal strife.

The Japanese invasion of China and the subsequent war of resistance became the focal point of military training at the Academy. Seeking to crush this threat, the Japanese conducted heavy bombing raids, destroying the Academy. The capital was evacuated to Chengtu in Szechwan province and a new school was established. The school emphasized the training of officers who played a major role in the war of resistance against Japan.

From its inception at Whampoa to the final battle of the Japanese war, the Academy had trained 150,000 cadets. Some of modern China's outstanding leaders and heroes came from these ranks. The toll of war, however, was great. Almost 100,000 Academy graduates gave their lives in the cause of defending the country. No other institution or school has made such a contribution to the nation.

The school reestablished itself at the Fengshan site in 1950. A long, relatively stable period has given the Academy an excellent environment in which to train a new generation of revolutionary soldiers.

Cultivation of the revolutionary military spirit through education is a prominent goal of the Military Academy. Lieutenant General Huang Hsing-chiang said, "the educational goal of the Academy is to prepare a group of outstanding men for the cause of completing the revolution." Outstanding is the key. Cadets must represent all the noble ideals of a soldier and be prepared to sacrifice themselves.

The school instructs cadets in a well-balanced curriculum that includes philosophy, science and military subjects. Philosophy, with its emphasis on Dr. Sun's "Three Principles of the People," is especially important. The concept of revolutionary thought is a central theme. School director Huang states that Dr. Sun emphasized that a thorough understanding of revolutionary thought is necessary before a person can have faith, which gives one the understanding of who they are fighting and why. This understanding will give rise to the spirit of sacrifice and the great strength needed to carry out the cause. The Whampoa Academy and the spirit which grew out of this represents an army fighting for the country and for the love of the people.

In 1954 the Military Academy placed increased emphasis on the educational aspects of military training. Military affairs, and the development of new, more sophisticated weapons require an increased knowledge, especially in the science and technology-related subject areas. The four-year, three-month program is divided into a three year section where students receive the equivalent of 130 university credits and a one year specialization program in the cadet's chosen field. The courses offered emphasize the growing technical requirements of a modern soldier. Among the listed courses are: politics, humanities, foreign policy, mathematics, physics and chemistry, machines, military engineering, mapping and surveying, and electronics. The final year specialization is based on the students' interest and grades. The successful candidate can take special training in artillery, maneuvers, armored troops or electronics. To accomplish the difficult task of completing a university degree in the three years, students have fewer holidays and are in class seven hours each day. The educational facilities and technical equipment rank with those of the best universities. The educational program with its intensive demands serves to mold only the best of candidates. A strict, disciplined four year program takes its toll on student dropouts. The average dropout rate is 25%.

The philosophy of developing the Military Academy soldier is all important. From daily living habits, the school seeks to mold both the exterior and interior of the cadet. Every student comes to realize that reasonable demands are a form of forging this spirit, while the more unreasonable demands are a form of disciplining and polishing the rough edges. Numerous small incidents can attest to the strict, subtle shaping that goes into building a soldier. When eating, students must sit erect. Walking is done in a stiff, formal posture. Each pocket on the cadet's uniform has its designated article, ie. handkerchief, coins, etc.

This small attention to detail may seem severe but as director Huang points out they are crucial to the educational development of the cadet. He feels that this educational process is like a mold. If the mold is well constructed the end product will definitely be good. These details are like part of the mold. They also teach the cadet good living habits.

Generally speaking the psychological education of the cadet is aimed at imparting some of the knowledge for a modern military officer while the lifestyle training develops order and discipline. Walking with authority, and displaying full unwavering concentration all shape the distinctive character of the officer.

The spirit of Whampoa is the secret behind the success of the military tradition in the Republic of China. Whether it is the winning tradition of the Academy's sports teams or the hard working student, the Military Academy reflects 60 years of revolutionary spirit. While conditions have improved for this generation of cadets, they still cherish the words and ideals of their revolutionary forefathers.

(Gerald Hathery)

[Picture Caption]

1. Students at the Chinese Military Academy must undergo strict training in battle-field maneuvers. 2. Students display the spirit of strength and unity for visiting guests.

1. Dr. Sun Yat-sen presided over the opening of the first Whampoa Military Academy. He is pictured here with the Academy's first president, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek. 2. A photograph of the campus grounds of the first Academy located at Whampoa in Kwangtung Province. 3. An obelisk emblazoned with the words of the late president, Chiang Kai-shek, calls on cadets to work together in a common spirit. 4. This past month the school celebrated its 60th anniversary. Under the direction of flag-bearing leaders, cadets assemble in front of a military reviewing stand. 5. Students march in unison past the reviewing stand. 6. The modern appearance of the present Military Academy located in Fengshan, Kaohsiung County.

1.2.3. President Chiang Ching-kuo has a great interest in the Academy. He has made many inspection visits to the school. The president reviews school troops, gives speeches and participates in other school activities. 4. To mark the school's 60th anniversary, Military Staff Adviser, Hao Po-ts'un cuts a six-layer cake.

1. A photograph of the first class of the Whampoa Military Academy taken during the school's opening ceremonies. 2. President Chiang Kai-shek addresses assembled troops after the school's relocation to Taiwan. 3. Under the fierce heat of the midday sun, cadets in full dress practice bayoneting. 4. Crawling under a network of barbed wire is part of the cadets' rigorous outdoor maneuver training. 5. Daily morning runs develop the cadets' strength and endurance. 6. Academy director, Huang Hsing-chiang (center), offers words of encouragement to marching cadets.

1.5. Obstacle courses are a form of building strength and training cadets in mock battle situations. 2. The use of real bullets in this mock battle exercise gives students exposure to real war-like situations. 3. Outdoor battlefield classes are an important part of a cadet's training. Instructors give detailed, thorough explanations. 4. Students participate in rifle/grenade practice.

1. Students take great care in preserving the neat appearance of the campus grounds. 2. The Academy has the most complete up-to-date facilities and equipment. A student and instructor are pictured operating a computer in the school's information center. 3. Practical training is an integral part of the science and engineering courses. 4. The Academy has a stainless steel bottom swimming pool. 5. Dormitory rooms are sparkling, neat and clean. 6. Students take part in a sand table military exercise class. 7.8. A comparison between the first simple Whampoa Academy cafeteria and the modern dining facility at the present Fengshan site.

1. The lovely campus grounds contain the scenic waters of Whampoa Lake. 2. The Academy's history library contains numerous valuable souvenirs and records of the school's history since its inception in 1924.

2. Students display the spirit of strength and unity for visiting guests.

1. Dr. Sun Yat-sen presided over the opening of the first Whampoa Military Academy. He is pictured here with the Academy's first president, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek.

2. A photograph of the campus grounds of the first Academy located at Whampoa in Kwangtung Province.

3. An obelisk emblazoned with the words of the late president, Chiang Kai-shek, calls on cadets to work together in a common spirit.

4. This past month the school celebrated its 60th anniversary. Under the direction of flag-bearing leaders, cadets assemble in front of a military reviewing stand.

5. Students march in unison past the reviewing stand.

6. The modern appearance of the present Military Academy located in Fengshan, Kaohsiung County.

1.2.3. President Chiang Ching-kuo has a great interest in the Academy. He has made many inspection visits to the school. The president reviews school troops, gives speeches and participates in other school activities.

1.2.3. President Chiang Ching-kuo has a great interest in the Academy. He has made many inspection visits to the school. The president reviews school troops, gives speeches and participates in other school activities.

1.2.3. President Chiang Ching-kuo has a great interest in the Academy. He has made many inspection visits to the school. The president reviews school troops, gives speeches and participates in other school activities.

4. To mark the school's 60th anniversary, Military Staff Adviser, Hao Po-ts'un cuts a six-layer cake.

1. A photograph of the first class of the Whampoa Military Academy taken during the school's opening ceremonies.

2. President Chiang Kai-shek addresses assembled troops after the school's relocation to Taiwan.

3. Under the fierce heat of the midday sun, cadets in full dress practice bayoneting.

4. Crawling under a network of barbed wire is part of the cadets' rigorous outdoor maneuver training.

5. Daily morning runs develop the cadets' strength and endurance.

offers words of encouragement to marching cadets.

6. Academy director, Huang Hsing-chiang （center）, offers words of encouragement to marching cadets.

1.5. Obstacle courses are a form of building strength and training cadets in mock battle situations.

2. The use of real bullets in this mock battle exercise gives students exposure to real war-like situations.

3. Outdoor battlefield classes are an important part of a cadet's training. Instructors give detailed, thorough explanations.

4. Students participate in rifle／grenade practice.

1.5. Obstacle courses are a form of building strength and training cadets in mock battle situations.

1. Students take great care in preserving the neat appearance of the campus grounds.

2. The Academy has the most complete up-to-date facilities and equipment. A student and instructor are pictured operating a computer in the school's information center.

3. Practical training is an integral part of the science and engineering courses.

4. The Academy has a stainless steel bottom swimming pool.

Dormitory rooms are sparkling, neat and clean.

6. Students take part in a sand table military exercise class.

7.8. A comparison between the first simple Whampoa Academy cafeteria and the modern dining facility at the present Fengshan site.

7.8. A comparison between the first simple Whampoa Academy cafeteria and the modern dining facility at the present Fengshan site.

1. The lovely campus grounds contain the scenic waters of Whampoa Lake.

2. The Academy's history library contains numerous valuable souvenirs and records of the school's history since its inception in 1924.