As Old as the University Itself

Texas A&M's Corps of Cadets is as old as the University itself. The land grant system of colleges that gave rise to Texas A&M mandated military training as well as academic education. The first forty students who arrived for classes when Texas A&M opened in 1876 also became the first Corps of Cadets, and the Corps has been training leaders for service to the state and nation ever since. This training supplements the academic education of each and every cadet, preparing them to lead with confidence in their chosen fields.

A Uniformed Body of Students

While Texas A&M is no longer an all-male military college, its Corps of Cadets remains the largest uniformed body of students in the nation outside the U.S. service academies. Currently, some 2,000 young men and women are Corps members. Those students have realized the Corps of Cadets offers them something extra; an opportunity to live a disciplined lifestyle while gaining practical experience in leadership and organizational management. Their participation in Corps operations allows them to hone these skills daily.

Traditions
Cadets in the Corps are at the heart of the Aggie Spirit. Because Texas A&M was a military college for most of its first 100 years, many of its most cherished traditions grew out of the Corps experience. The University's Bonfire, yell practice, Aggie Muster and Silver Taps traditions all originated with the Corps. Thus cadets consider themselves 'Keepers of the Spirit' and 'Guardians of Tradition.' Read more about Traditions

Cadet Life

The Corps of Cadets teaches leadership within the framework of a military organization. The Corps has its own distinctive uniform, dedicated residence halls and dining facility, the Sam Houston Sanders Corps of Cadets Center-a museum-like meeting hall-and its own unique organizations. All cadets are assured of availability of on-campus housing, an added benefit of Corps membership. Students who join the Corps enjoy a 'best of both worlds' atmosphere, living in a military academy environment while attending classes with the rest of their fellow students at a contemporary major university.

Cadet commissioned and non-commissioned officers direct the daily Corps routine, under supervision of the Commandant of Cadets and his staff. The Corps lives together in cadet units, holds daily formations, marches to meals, conducts marching drills and physical training, and participates in other military-style activities.

Academics

Despite this regimen, academic excellence is the top priority of the Corps of Cadets. All units conduct mandatory daily study periods, receive volunteer academic assistance, run cadet-led scholastic programs, and have access to Corps study and computer facilities. As a result, grades of freshman and sophomore cadets are very competitive and often higher than their civilian counterparts.

ROTC Participation

Texas A&M consistently produces more officers for the Armed Forces than any other Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) source. With Army, Air Force, and Navy/Marine ROTC instruction available, Texas A&M is one of the few schools to offer military commissions in all branches of service.

While membership in the Corps itself carries no military obligation, all cadets must take basic ROTC classes during their first two years. Subsequent enrollment in advanced ROTC leads to an officer's commission, but is strictly voluntary. Approximately one-third of graduating cadets choose this career option. However, most cadets receive non-military advanced leadership training through the Office of the Commandant and are termed Drill and Ceremonies (D&C) Cadets. They participate fully in all Corps activities, but do not incur a military service commitment.

Cadets participating in ROTC enjoy some added benefits. Basic and advanced ROTC students can be issued their cadet uniforms free of charge, whereas D&C cadets must pay an annual uniform rental fee. Advanced ROTC cadets who are under contract for commissions in the armed services also receive an annual subsistence allowance of about $2,500.

Scholarships
General Rudder Corps Scholarships provide cadets a total of $9,000 for four years of participation in the Corps of Cadets. They are awarded to incoming freshmen with high academic achievement in high school and demonstrated potential for leadership in an organizational setting.

The Commandant's Leadership Award Scholarships provide cadets a total of $8,000 during their four years in the Corps. These are for entering freshmen who have excelled academically and in leadership activities while in high school.

Sul Ross Scholarships provide a total of $2,000 during the cadet?s freshman and sophomore years. These are for entering freshmen who join the Corps and have excellent high school academic records or high financial need. In the past three years, every Corps freshman who applied has received one of these prestigious Corps scholarships.

Some cadets also qualify for ROTC scholarships that pay for fees, tuition and books and provide a monthly allowance. ROTC scholarship students also receive a room fee waiver for the first year. Recipients of ROTC scholarships incur an obligation for active duty service in the military.

Activities and Organizations

In addition to regular campus activities, the Corps offers students the opportunity to participate in numerous Corps-related extracurricular activities. Corps units actively participate in the University's intramural sports program. Individual cadets are also encouraged to take part in mainstream campus activities such as Student Government, Memorial Student Center Council or Program Committees, or any of the numerous hobby, service and professional organizations.

Just a Few of the Corp's Many Activities and Organizations

The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band, the world?s largest precision military marching band, provides music for University and Corps functions and presents spectacular halftime performances at football games.

The Ross Volunteer Company, the oldest student organization in the state, is an honor company composed of junior and senior cadets. The unit is the official honor guard for the Governor of Texas and marches in major parades.

Parsons Mounted Cavalry, formed in 1973, is a revival of the mounted cavalry once present at Texas A&M. This is a parade and show unit composed of sophomore, junior and senior cadets who represent the University at events across Texas.

Additionally, Reveille, the official mascot of Texas A&M is cared for by the Corps ofCadets. Members of the Corps also represent Texas A&M University at numerous public events; they provide a visible presence at many campus, state and national ceremonies. Corps units and activities are open to all qualified applicants.