What Exactly Does a 'Senior Military College' Mean?

Can someone help me understand what the definition of a 'senior military college' is? How is it different from other types of colleges, military or not?

A "Senior Military College" or SMC is a designation given to specific colleges under United States law. These six institutions are state-funded schools: the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), The Citadel, Norwich University, Texas A&M University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), and the University of North Georgia (UNG). Here's what sets these schools apart:

1. Focus on Leadership Training: The primary characteristic of SMCs is their focus on leadership training through military discipline and academics. They prepare students for service in the military while also providing a traditional college education.

2. Citizen-Soldier Model: These schools follow a citizen-soldier model - training students to be leaders in the military and civilian sectors. While service in the military is encouraged, it is not required upon graduation. This is different from federal service academies, where students must serve after graduation.

3. ROTC Programs: Each SMC offers Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs for each branch of the military. The ROTC program allows students to commission as officers in the U.S. military upon graduation.

4. Distinct Campus Life: At SMCs, campus life often involves military-style structure, including uniforms, formations, and strict codes of conduct.

5. Civilian Degrees: Unlike other types of military institutions, SMCs offer a wide range of civilian degrees, with emphasis on leadership and military disciplines.

In a nutshell, a Senior Military College blends the structure and discipline of a military environment with the broad educational offerings and experiences of a traditional college. The primary goal is to mold students into effective leaders, whether they end up serving in the military or choosing a civilian career path.