Leadership Challenges: Combat, Cadet Honor Scandals, And Recruiting An All-Volunteer Army

Bob Radcliffe grew up in a family that moved frequently as his father, a chemical engineer, changed employment. He became familiar with West Point while living in the Northeast, and when he was recruited as a football player by West Point, he saw the opportunity to join the Long Gray Line. At West Point he played Lacrosse in lieu of football, and was selected as a 1st Team All-American his senior year. Upon graduation in 1965, he branched Infantry and served in Airborne, Airmobile, Light Infantry, and Special Forces units. He served as a Tactical Officer at USMA and as a Planner in Training and Doctrine Command. He ended his career serving eight years in the Army Recruiting Command as a District Commander, Deputy Brigade Commander, and Inspector General for Recruiting Command. In his interview he discusses his experiences as a rifle platoon leader in combat, his service at West Point during the assimilation of women and the EE304 Honor Scandal, and the challenges of recruiting for an all-volunteer Army.