A Code of Discipline: Rules, Honor, and Responsibility at PMC

The Foundation: Modeled After West Point

Theodore Hyatt modeled PMC after West Point, and Colonel Charles Hyatt often referred to the College as the “West Point of the Keystone State.” Wherever possible, West Point’s curriculum, structure, and regulations were adopted. At the center of cadet life was the Regulation Book—supplemented by General and Special Orders—which became the single most important guide to expectations, conduct, and daily life.

Cadets were expected to carry themselves accordingly. As stated in the Regulation Book, a cadet “is always gentlemanly in his conduct, and is possessed of a sense of personal responsibility and self-confidence.” These principles of honor and moral obligation shaped the cadet experience from the moment of arrival.

Character as the Standard

When Colonel Frank K. Hyatt became President and Commandant in 1930, he led PMC through decades of change, including World War II and shifting social expectations. While he introduced updates to cadet life, his belief in the importance of character never wavered.

That belief was often expressed through a quote displayed prominently in the Cadet Auditorium:

"When wealth is lost, nothing is lost;

When health is lost, something is lost;

When character is lost all is lost."

Even as privileges expanded—such as increased time off campus in 1947—cadets remained bound by expectations of conduct. Drinking, public smoking, and ungentlemanly behavior were still prohibited. These freedoms were not given lightly; they were tied directly to trust and accountability.

Honor, Accountability, and the Cadet System

Discipline at PMC extended beyond following rules—it required cadets to uphold the integrity of the Corps as a whole. Cadets were expected to report violations committed by others, reinforcing a culture of shared responsibility.

The Cadet Honor Court was established to review violations and recommend consequences. Over time, this system formalized into an Honor Code and Honor Board, particularly during the cultural shifts of the 1960s and the creation of PMC Colleges in 1966. While the structure evolved, the principle remained the same: cadets were responsible not only for their own conduct, but for the standards of the Corps.

Rules, Consequences, and Daily Accountability

The Regulation Book defined expectations in every aspect of cadet life and was often required to be displayed in each room—later as a bright red, three-ring binder inspected regularly.

Cadets who violated major rules, including those involving alcohol, dishonesty, or theft, were subject to dismissal. Lesser infractions—such as improper conduct, slovenly appearance, or disorderly rooms—resulted in written Delinquency Reports, or “DRs.”

Each cadet was allowed a weekly demerit allowance. Exceeding that limit resulted in Punishment Tours—walking tours lasting no less than one hour, typically served on weekends on the blacktop behind Old Main, just below the Commandant’s Office.

Leadership and Enforcement

As important as the Regulation Book was, discipline depended on leadership. The Adjutant of PMC was responsible for maintaining order and overseeing operations.

In 1917, Edward “Dutch” Brautigam ’07 was appointed Adjutant and Professor of Mathematics and Military Science, serving until 1930. He became one of the most respected figures in PMC history, maintaining consistency in discipline and expectations.

Later, between 1956 and 1962, CPT Giulio “Dee” DiSerafino ’52 served as Adjutant and Assistant Commandant. Like those before him, he upheld the standards of the Corps and was widely respected by cadets for both discipline and leadership.

A System That Endured

From the Regulation Book to the Honor Code, discipline at PMC was not simply enforced—it was lived. Expectations were clear, accountability was shared, and leadership reinforced the standards that defined cadet life.

While policies evolved over time, the underlying purpose remained constant: to develop individuals grounded in responsibility, integrity, and self-discipline—principles that extended far beyond campus.