Annandale Tradition

Like any institution, like any community, Annandale has accumulated a number of traditions over the years. Some of these refer directly to the association of the name "Annandale" with Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, and are explained in more detail on another page (click here). Other examples may naturally seem odd to outside observers. Here are some random examples:

• Staircases: When not in formation (or similar crowded situations, e.g. passing between classes), cadets run up staircases two steps at a time. This is actually only a requirement for new cadets ("plebes"), but older cadets maintain the practice to set a good example, as do some alumni on the faculty.
• Overcoats: AMA Cadets wear overcoats only between Thanksgiving and Easter, regardless of what the Commandant's Office may order as the Uniform of the Day. When the weather is so severe as to warrant breaking the tradition (as does sometimes happen), the uniform is announced as "By Order of the Officer of the Day" (i.e., by the cadet officer in charge) rather than "By Order of the Commandant."
• Haddam Hall: While co-education has largely eliminated the more fraternity-boy customs formerly associated with the First Class Club, it remains the case that underclassmen set foot on the premises only at their (now rather ill-defined) peril. Even those faculty who are not themselves alumni typically enter the Hall only when invited to do so.
• The Memorial Building: Cadets and alumni pause and salute the gold stars set in the pavement on the way into the Memorial Building, in honor of the Gold Star Men of Annandale. (This is one custom taught even to new Indian Scouts on their first day at summer camp.)