Guardians of Indiana Leadership Academy (GILA)

GILA's mission is to help identify and improve each participant's leadership abilities through military style training.

Available free of charge to 6-12 grade students in good standing. Family and friends are welcome to observe and participate.

We meet every Tuesday and Thursday after school for two hours (1430-1630) during the regular semesters. We also meet one Saturday a month for drill from (0800-1500) and sometimes stay overnight until Sunday at (1100). There is also a summer semester every Wednesday (1430-1630) and sometimes (0800-1600) with one Saturday a month for drill.

Training includes a wide range of life skills such as:

Marching, following directions, physical fitness, planning, follow through, focus, communication, giving orders, setting and achieving goals, chess, changing a tire, mixed martial arts, CERT, going to fun events (sometimes free with family), teamwork, conflict resolution, tolerance, paintball, resume building, community service, taking notes, asking for help and much more.

Uniforms may be temporarily issued after completing one fall or spring semester. Proper grooming is a must. Some males have elected not to be issued a uniform in order to grow their hair, beards, etc. beyond regulation.

You do not need to have any interest in joining the military.

To obtain and maintain certain leadership roles within GILA requires a good grade point average (GPA), physical fitness score, promotion board with cadets as witness and part of the election process, etc.

HAVE A PEN AND SMALL NOTEBOOK AT ALL TIMES

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We also have a Facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/GuardiansGILA

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GILA's birthplace and current headquarters (HQ) is at Southport High School (SHS) 971 East Banta Road Indianapolis, IN 46227. 

Founded in 2007 by Director Richard Redell. In 2011 Rachael Redell had earned the appointed position of Deputy Director.

Our cadre members are unpaid professionals from:

Indiana Army National Guard

Indiana Guard Reserve

Sometimes former cadets in other branches

All participants (Cadets and Cadre) need to know, meet and exceed all the standards including their own personal goals.

We follow several leadership values, principals and traits such as:

Loyalty

Duty

Respect

Selfless Service

Honor

Integrity

Personal Courage

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Justice

Judgment

Dependability

Initiative

Decisiveness

Tact

Integrity

Enthusiasm

Bearing

Unselfishness

Courage

Knowledge

Loyalty

Endurance

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Motivation

Accountability

Simplicity

Time Management

Encouragement

Reference

Focus

Understanding

Dedication

Discipline

Validation

Yes some are repeated or similar to ensure their importance. 

Current Affairs as of 20120522 (May 22, 2012):

Our summer semester begins Wed May 30 1430-1630.

June drill is to be determined (TBD).

Another training class to get certified in Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is available to GILA cadets 6-12 grade over the summer. Call 3174590041 for more information.