Faces of Xavier: Kevin Moncrief '15
Kevin Moncrief ’15 is the Cadet Colonel of the Xavier Regiment and a true example of a student leader. As Regimental Commander, Kevin spends the majority of his time overseeing the day-to-day activity of his fellow cadets, all while simultaneously managing his coursework and his application to West Point. Additionally, Kevin has been a member of the Saber Guard, the Boxing Club, the Latin-American Society, and the service-oriented Arrupe Society. Most recently, Kevin led the Regiment admirably during the New York City Columbus Day Parade. We caught up with Kevin to discuss his time in the JROTC and his leadership in the Regiment.
Was joining the Xavier Regiment something you had initially planned on doing before coming to Xavier?
Not at all, actually. All freshmen are required to take an introductory JROTC course in the fall, after which they can either join the Regiment or opt out. Even during the first few weeks of the course, I was not planning on joining, but Master Sergeant Clifford Stein (USA, Ret.) told our class to give the program a shot, saying that the potential benefits far outweighed any drawbacks. I decided to join after that, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
When did you first realize that serving as the Cadet Colonel was a goal that you wanted to accomplish?
It was my freshman year when I served on the Drill Team. The upperclassmen on the team held many of the highest positions of the Regiment and did a great job of leading by example, both within the Regiment and the Xavier community. From there, I realized that if I wanted to make a difference within the Regiment, I needed to be in a position of high leadership. I then took the necessary steps to have the chance to become Cadet Colonel. Once I was appointed Sergeant Major my junior year, I saw that the position was within reach.
Serving as the Cadet Colonel is a tremendous privilege and requires true leadership. From your perspective and time in the Regiment, how would you define leadership?
I define leadership as the ability to get everybody together to complete a mission, a common goal, no matter what the circumstances are. It also means leading by example while staying true to your convictions.
What are some of your goals and expectations for the Regiment this upcoming year?
I would like to see more student leadership and responsibility from within the Regiment, particularly from younger cadets. For example, in the past only junior cadets would take attendance during drill and special ceremonies. This has been changed this year so that our Squad Leaders (mostly sophomores, but some freshmen, too) now take attendance, while the juniors now serve more of an administrative role. They currently see to it that cadets are excelling academically and appropriately representing the standards of Xavier and the Regiment. It’s not just about being a quality cadet; it’s also about seeing that each cadet reaches his highest potential.
How has the regiment helped you?
Through the Regiment, I have become more responsible and self-aware. I now realize how important it is that I hold myself to a high standard.
What has been your favorite experience as a member of the Regiment?
It would definitely be the Regiment’s marching in the Columbus Day Parade this year. We marched really well, and I was proud to see senior officers take responsibility and call out cadence for the juniors and sophomores behind them. It made me realize how much we’re continuing to grow as a unit. Our motto this year is, “Exceed the standard,” [first introduced by former SAI MAJ Ronald Grandel, (USA Ret.)] and we’re on the right path for living this out.