Palmetto Military Academy History

PMA is the second oldest Officer Candidate School in the nation operated by the National Guard.  Founded in 1950 by then Adjutant General James C. Dozier, PMA is based upon the Massachusetts Military Academy, a very old institution, which serves as a model in every detail.  Major General John C. Henegan and then Lieutenant Colonel Harold R. Bauer were instrumental in the establishment of the academy.  Then Captain Clifton B. Wingate submitted a list of proposed names to General Henegan that was derived from full time National Guard employees, one of which was “Palmetto Military Academy.  Thus the academy was properly named.

Class 1 began in April 1950 with 50 candidates.  Training was conducted at Fort Jackson, SC.  Due to increased usage of Fort Jackson caused by the Korean conflict, PMA was moved to the Olympia Armory where it remained until 1959 when it was moved to the Lexington, SC armory.  When the Columbia Armory was completed in 1964, PMA again moved back to the Olympia Armory where it remained until September 1973 when it was relocated to the Leesburg Training Center, SCARNG, Fort Jackson, SC.  In 1999, the permanent home of PMA, McCrady Training Center, was opened.

PMA received Federal Recognition as an accredited National Guard Officer Candidate School on 1 June 1951 and has been reaccredited annually throughout its existence.

BG Harold R. Bauer was the first commandant.  Two commandants, MG Robert E. McCrady and MG T. Eston Marchant, later were elected Adjutant General for South Carolina.  Each has used his unique abilities to enhance the proud tradition of the Palmetto Military Academy.

Graduates of PMA have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian careers.  Several graduates have served in high state elective or appointed officers, while other graduates have received Federal recognition as General Officers.