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The West Point Center for Oral History
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Leadership Challenges: Combat, Cadet Honor Scandals, And Recruiting An All-Volunteer Army

Robert Radcliffe

Description

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.

Video Details Interview Date:10-Oct-17
Interviewer:Fred Laughlin
Conflicts:
  • Vietnam War
Topics:
  • 1977 Honor Scandal
  • Recruiting Lessons
  • Small Unit Combat
Locations:
  • Iran
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • West Point
Class Year:
  • 1965
Biographical Details Name:Robert Radcliffe
Branch:Infantry
Unit:2/506th , 101st Airborne Division; 1/12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division; MAAG Iran, 46th Special Forces Company, Thailand; Tactical Officer, USMA; 25th Infantry Division, Headquarters, Training and Doctrine Command; US Army Recruiting Command
Institution:USMA
Graduation Year:1965
Service Start:9-Jun-65
Service End:8-Aug-91
Specialty:Light Infantry, Special Forces, Strategic Planning and Personnel Management
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