Faculty Profile

L. Phillip Silverman

LCDR MSC USNR-Ret., History Instructor

Phillip Silverman comes to MMA with 15 years’ experience teaching chemistry. He holds a B.A. in chemistry, a B.S. in science education, an M.S. in organic chemistry and is pursuing a B.S. in fire science. He was commissioned into the United States Navy as an aerospace physiologist, where he conducted high-risk aviation survival training. A certified emergency medical technician, Silverman is currently a squad leader at the Hallsville station of the Boone County Fire Protection District.

How is MMA different from other educational environments?

Teaching at MMA gives me the chance to assist these cadets before their college years and help guide and motivate them as they move closer to make these critical life choices. Because of the size of classes and the intimate nature of the battalion, we as faculty are able to have a huge impact on who these cadets become.

What do you appreciate most about the cadets?

At its best, the corps of cadets is a band of brothers that take care of each other as they make the difficult transition from boys to young men of character and integrity. I greatly appreciate the cadets that will make those difficult decisions and arrive at the correct outcome.

What do you hope every MMA student learns during their time here?

I would hope that every MMA cadet realizes from the examples that they see here during their tenure that a life spent in service to others is a life well spent.

What are you reading right now?

I have been working on my latest degree (a B.S. in fire science), so I have been immersed in the world of firefighting and mishap reports for the last year and a half!

Most people don’t know that you … I was an extra in the movie Dirty Dancing.

What is your favorite quote?

“Don’t handicap your children by making their lives easy.” ~ Robert A. Heinlein