Mariner Media

The Hard Corps is the first book that examines the Virginia Military Institute's leadership development program. It is also the first book in over 30 years to provide a history of its recent graduates—in combat around the world from Iraq and Afghanistan to the seas off Somalia. Husted's quantitative and qualitative approach includes stories of recent graduates who have served the Peace Corps, Teach America, and businesses around the globe. For history buffs, Husted also reminds us that VMI has played a key role in providing past leaders from George Marshall, military leader and statesman, to General Binford Peay III, CENTOM commander. In all, this book is rare glimpse of a treasured American icon.

"The essence of the Virginia Military Institute is you don't lie, cheat, nor steal. It is literally drummed into you. It is a way of life for the rest of your life. In 'The Hard Corps: 21st Century Leadership Development,' Professor Husted has caught the essence."

P. Wesley Foster, Chairman/CEO,
Long & Foster Companies

"Stewart Husted's book, 'The Hard Corps: 21st Century Leadership Development' touches all bases. It not only draws from VMI, but points out that leadership leads to success in business, education, and the military. It is a 'must read' for anyone in any profession."

Bobby Ross, Head Coach,
NCAA Co-National Championship team, Georgia Tech, and
Super Bowl team, San Diego Chargers

Best-selling author Coy Barefoot takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the life and letters of Thomas Jefferson in search of timeless principles of leadership. In Jefferson's view, leadership – personal, civic, and political – is the key ingredient to making a free society work. Barefoot demonstrates that there is much we can learn from Jefferson's successes as well as his failures. "Circumstances of history," Barefoot writes, "present every generation with new challenges that demand a reinvigorated commitment to the preservation of liberty and the cultivation of inspired individuals to lead the fight. Leadership is no academic exercise. Freedom is never a guarantee." This is a powerful and timely book that encourages each one of us to answer Thomas Jefferson's call to action: "Come forward then, and give us the aid of your talents and the weight of your character."