Riverside’s INTERIM COMMANDANT

Lieutenant Colonel Adam Carter

Lieutenant Colonel Adam Carter is a prime example of selfless service. After serving in the U.S. Army and Alabama National Guard, LTC Carter joined the faculty at Riverside as a TAC officer in 1996 and was later promoted to Chief TAC in 2000. His exceptional leadership quickly led him to the role of Deputy Commandant where he served for 17 years.

Following the retirement of Commandant LTC James Spivey in 2019, Carter accepted the position of Interim Commandant without knowing the COVID-19 pandemic would add challenges no one could foresee. Carter has graciously served in his role for the past three and a half years.

Carter’s steady demeanor is a vital asset for Riverside as he faithfully mentors young men. In his many years at Riverside, he has exhibited empathy for boys from all walks of life. One of Carter’s greatest pleasures from his time at Riverside is seeing the cadets grow in brotherhood and camaraderie to achieve their goals. Carter explained,

“When you live in a communal environment like Riverside, cadets raise their expectations not just of each other, but of themselves. Boys see their peers accomplishing goals and want to progress also.”

Though Carter was offered the permanent position of Commandant, his true desire is to support the cadets and TAC officers as Deputy Commandant. He said, “I believe I thrive as Deputy Commandant. I enjoy counseling the boys and creating a consistent, healthy environment in the barracks.”

Riverside is honored to have Carter continue his service of 27 years. Carter said, “When anyone reflects on how they’ve spent their life, they want to be able to say they’ve spent it on something worthwhile. Working and living in a profession like this is certainly worthwhile.”