The HiCOM Academy

The HiCOM Academy was an educational institution within the Continental Army. Established as a higher learning branch for senior officers, the Academy served as the intellectual counterpart to the military hierarchy, aiming to train Majors and above in leadership, research, and HiCOM-specific knowledge.

Founding and Purpose

The concept of the HiCOM Academy was first introduced by Zamalamamoemoe123, who also authored the HiCOM Archive — a comprehensive guide for senior officers. The Academy was envisioned as an extension of the Archive, designed to teach officers how to apply its principles in practice.

After initial approval by fellow HQ leaders RelevantTyrant, Jatsby, and deadlyflames300, the proposal was brought forward by Zamalamamoemoe123 to the The House of Representatives (HOR), where it passed both the House and Senate. Together with deadlyflames300, Zamalamamoemoe123 formally established the HiCOM Academy.

Unlike traditional military training, the Academy adopted a university-style structure with “professors” instead of instructors, promoting a culture of academic excellence within the CA’s command structure.

Academic Ranks

The HiCOM Academy operated a unique ranking system, symbolizing academic progression rather than command hierarchy:

• HiCOM Student — Applied for a degree
• HiCOM Apprentice — Passed a degree
• HiCOM Senior Apprentice — Passed three degrees
• Doctorate (PhD.) — Passed all degrees
• Professor — Cleared to host a degree
• Senior Professor — Cleared to host three or more degrees
• Head Professor — Appointed leader of the HiCOM Academy

Curriculum

The Academy offered six courses, each crafted to build upon knowledge outlined in the HiCOM Archive:

1. HiCOM Principles Degree — Covered the essential rules and expectations of HiCOM members.
2. Commanders Degree — Focused on regiment leadership, officer development, and command fundamentals.
3. Researchers Degree — Taught research methods for identifying and solving regimental issues.
4. Orientation Degree — Shared lessons from past HiCOM experiences and leadership case studies.
5. HiCOM Etiquette Degree — Covered conflict resolution, internal and external communication, and professional conduct.
6. Additional Course — A short seminar emphasizing the balance between fun and professionalism within the community.

Legacy and Achievements

Throughout its operation, the Academy saw only one individual, QuackDyl67, achieve the Doctorate by completing all degrees. The Academy also instituted two honorary medals:

• Order of the White Rose — Awarded to individuals who passed all degrees.
• Order of the Red Rose — Awarded to professors of the HiCOM Academy.

The first Head Professor was Zamalamamoemoe123, who maintained high standards for faculty, appointing only experienced HiCOM members like MajesticCanadianOwl, Clementdu11, and deadlyflames300. Under his leadership, only one professor advanced to Senior Professor.

Decline and Closure

Following Zamalamamoemoe123's retirement from his position as SOTH in the The House of Representatives (HOR), Subject722 took over as Head Professor. His controversial decision to appoint junior officers as professors led to widespread protest within the CA. Due to mounting dissatisfaction and perceived dilution of standards, the HiCOM Academy was eventually shut down.

Today, the HiCOM Archive remains in use, serving as the enduring legacy of the Academy's vision. Its principles continue to influence leadership practices in various CA regiments, such as the Commander-in-Chief's Guards (CiCG), Continental Marines, 5th Continental Regiment, 2nd Continental Regiment, and the now-defunct 11th Continental Regiment — particularly through projects initiated under the C.G.D.R. program.