Why It Matters
The Citadel’s core mission is at risk. The Army’s largest ROTC restructuring in decades eliminated the brigade headquarters that directly supports the military college and 46 other institutions. Simultaneously, federal cuts to ROTC programs create urgent need for legislative intervention to protect TAC officer assignments and funding mechanisms that keep The Citadel’s officer commissioning pipeline viable.
The college’s lobbying strategy targets three legislative solutions: securing favorable language in the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act to protect 10 U.S. Code Section 2111a (which authorizes TAC officers at senior military colleges), establishing a Ukraine Reconstruction Engineering Fellowship, and expanding military education cooperation with Saudi Arabia as the Trump administration deepens defense partnerships.
By the Numbers
The Citadel has invested significantly in federal advocacy since resuming lobbying in late 2023. The military college spent $450,000 across 10 disclosure reports through the last quarter of 2025 with Holland & Knight LLP, a sharp increase from its previous 2005-2006 engagement with Patton Boggs LLP, which cost just $20,000.
The fourth quarter filing represents a $50,000 quarterly expenditure—consistent with The Citadel’s ongoing investment.
The Citadel’s lobbying team brings formidable congressional credentials. Daniel J. Sennott served as Minority Staff Director for the House Armed Services Committee—the panel most critical to NDAA negotiations. Misha E. Lehrer spent over five years in the Senate as a legislative aide to Senator Chris Murphy, a member of both Foreign Relations and Appropriations committees. Christopher Roger Mack DeLacy, a veteran lobbyist, previously served as legislative counsel to former Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John Warner.
The Agenda
The Citadel is lobbying on four specific defense and foreign policy priorities: support in the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, continuation of active-duty military officers assigned to senior military colleges under 10 U.S. Code Section 2111a, military education cooperation with Saudi Arabia, and a Ukraine Reconstruction Engineering Fellowship.
Broader Context
Congressional focus on military education has intensified dramatically. The Senate Armed Services Committee held its first comprehensive oversight hearing on military service academies in over 30 years in March 2025, placing a spotlight on officer development.
The Army announced its largest ROTC restructuring in decades in June 2025, cutting 10 programs and reducing staffing at 46 others. The Army inactivated the 1st Brigade headquarters at Fort Knox—the unit providing direct support to The Citadel, directly threatening operations.
Opportunities exist internationally. The State Department established the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Engineering Scholarships program with $2 million in estimated funding, while the Trump administration deepened U.S.-Saudi defense partnerships.
Between The Lines
Congress is actively reshaping military education policy, creating opportunities and challenges for The Citadel’s agenda. The FY 2026 NDAA includes Ukraine-related provisions favorable to The Citadel’s fellowship advocacy, while expanded U.S.-Saudi military cooperation aligns with the institution’s international priorities.
However, Army ROTC restructuring threatens TAC officer assignments The Citadel depends on, making statutory protections crucial. Congressional members have demonstrated support for military education: Representative Elise Stefanik successfully intervened to protect Army ROTC at Clarkson University, showing members are engaged stakeholders.
Competitive Landscape
The Citadel competes within a complex military education ecosystem including other senior military colleges (University of North Georgia, Virginia Military Institute, Texas A&M, Norwich University, Virginia Tech), federal service academies, and large universities with ROTC programs.
The competitive environment intensified when the Army cut ROTC programs, creating resource scarcity and raising stakes for effective federal advocacy. These institutions collectively advocate for officer commissioning program funding while competing intensely for congressional attention and appropriations.
The Bottom Line
The Citadel is significantly escalating federal advocacy efforts, investing $50,000 in the past quarter to influence defense and foreign policy priorities. The timing is strategic as Congress debates military readiness amid unprecedented scrutiny of military academies, while Army cuts threaten The Citadel’s operations.
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