In the Company of Men: A Woman at the Citadel

Having just completed Philippa Strum's Women in the Barracks: The VMI Case and Equal Rights about the court cases leading to the "assimilation" of women into the Virginia Military Institute, I was eager to look at the story's next chapter and dive into Nancy Mace's account of her time at The Citadel (it was VMI's defeat in the Supreme Court that prompted The Citadel to admit women like Mace). With some of the caveats noted by other reviewers -- notably that the book skips over two-thirds of her time at the school -- I found this a very worthwhile read. I don't often get into "juvenile literature," which is how this book is categorized. In fact, the last such book I read was Battle Dress, Amy Efaw's fictionalized account of her first year at the US Military Academy, a title to which "In the Company of Men" bears certain obvious similarities. Some of the things other reviewers have considered lacking in this book -- insufficient legal context, not enough sociological analysis -- can, I think, be explained by looking at for whom Mace was writing. Having read Strum and Brodie about VMI, as well as Catherine Manegold's tendentious In Glory's Shadow: The Citadel, Shannon Faulkner, and a Changing America, I too hope to see some of these issues addressed first-person on an adult level. But that's not to take anything away from this book. Nancy Mace's story is well written and inspirational. And though I understood the strong feelings and resentments many of The Citadel's alumni and friends bore about the (inevitable, in my opinion) decision to admit women, I was still shocked by the vehemence of the abuse she received -- especially from "the wealthy Charleston women who formed the backbone of Citadel social support," known as South of Broads (referring to Broad Street), or SOBs. Mace considers the abbreviation apt, and I can't say I disagree with her. Similarly, the drunken alumnus who took it upon himself to personally berate Mace at every Citadel football game should be shamed into repentance and seclusion by her portrait of him (though I suspect he still considers himself a hero). At the same time, there's also a lot of humor in this story, as well as touching comradeship with (some of) her fellow cadets and a deep and reciprocated love for her parents. Mace may not address the larger question of why a young woman (or, for that matter, a young man) might want to attend The Citadel, but it's clear why *she* did: she loved her father, and she loves the school. I'd been looking for some time for a book that details the life and experience of a cadet at VMI or The Citadel, and here at last is that portrait. It's moving, challenging, and its target audience should, I hope, find it inspirational. I commend the author for writing the book, but more importantly for her determination to confront the challenges and emerge on top.

Nearly the entire book covers first semester of Nancy Mace's freshman year. This is the only book in print that accurately and fairly portrays The Citadel plebe system - the good, the bad, the ugly. Of course, it is concerned to a great degree with her experience as one of the first four woman in a place where many didn't want her. Things were made much tougher for her by having rotten roommate and a father who came in as an unpopular Commandant during her second semester.When Ms. Mace reports an upper-classman in her cadre letting her know he wanted her out, she later reports the cadet becoming her strongest supporter behind the scenes, after observing her good attitude and abilities. Unfortunately, several book reviews report only the initial threats, and miss the point, that the cadre was harsh and seemingly unreasonable at the time, but when anything was seriously wrong (e.g., getting ill, or out-of-line harassment from non-cadre cadets), they would look out for her, carrying out their duties in a professional manner. Also, that they ultimately reacted to her attitude of trying hard, rather than their own views on coeducation.The book skips most of her last two years, picking up just a few incidents of senior year - receiving her ring, Ring Hop, and graduation ceremony.The target audience appears to be high school students who are thinking about choosing a college. The book will warn off those who would not like The Citadel, and attract those who wish to prove that they can hack it. She certainly lays out the difficulties, but also the pride and tight friendships that result from the plebe system. It shows that knob year is difficult and frustrating, but achievable by a typical 18-year-old who puts out maximum effort.She also emphasizes that the military system is within an highly rated small college, with the normal academic expectations after a first couple of weeks of pure plebe training. She takes full advantage of special programs for ADD and small classes.Because "In the Company of Men" was written for the high school age group, it's a quick read in simple conversational English.

I have followed the progression of women entering The Citadel since Shannon Faulkner made her futile attempt several years ago. I read the book, cover to cover, over the course of two days, primarily because I was unable to put it down. I found it to be a funny, insightful, and honest look at the author's ground breaking role at The Citadel. The book is definitely designed for younger women, I would say ages 16-25, as it is written informally with slang and other verbiage typical of that age group. It is an easy read that forces the reader to want to get to the next funny incident or personal story about the author's father, General James Mace. The only downside to the book that I found is that I am unable to let my 12 year-old daughter read it because of the language that is interspersed throughout the story. A thank you to Nancy for giving us a fair account of her experience at The Citadel. This is not a "male bashing" story or an opportunity for the author to gloat over her accomplishment. It is a true story of sheer determination and will-power. This kind of book is missing from the "Teen Book Section" in book stores and libraries, that are typically loaded with biographies about Brittney Spears and books about hair care. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The author tells her story as do all members of the long grey line of Citadel graduates - with a perspective that is at the same time individual and corporate. It's funny and sad, inspiring and illuminating. All 'knobs' can identify with these tales about the hilarity and the loneliness, the frustration and the exhilaration.... as can anyone who meets the challenges of life with an adventurous spirit.(...) Nancy is not the first cadet to be the child of the commandant nor is she the first cadet to be at the cutting edge of change in an institution whose values have withstood the test of time... a century and a half of it! Over the decades many cadets have been suspected of favoritism. In the end, they've proven the truth or falseness of that charge by the evidence of their own lives. Look in the annals of history and you will find many Citadel graduates who have served this nation with courage and honor. Nancy's character is about far more than mere gender, as are theirs. She's a great young lady and takes her place beside many great men. In my opinion she's earned her place in the line. (written by one of her professors)

This book superbly demonstrates what life can be like for a female at a military college. I would highly recommend this book to anyone (male or female) interested in attending a military college/academy whether it is The Citadel, USMA, USNA, or USAFA. The stories told throughout the book are relevant to each of the academies as well as other military colleges. It captures the spirit, comraderie, and challenges inherent to military colleges. It will prepare a young adult for the "unknown" trials they will face upon entering one of these schools. Additionally, adults who have had this experience will find humor in the stories related.