Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets

The Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets (often The Fightin' Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets, The Corps of Cadets, or simply the Corps) is a student military organization at Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University is a coeducational public research university located in College Station, Texas . It is the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System. The sixth-largest university in the United States, A&M's enrollment for Fall 2011 was over 50,000 for the first time in school...

. Established with the University in 1876, it is the oldest student organization on campus.

Approximately 42 percent of the members of the Cadet Corps receive a commission in the United States Armed Forces

United States armed forces

The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...

upon graduation

Graduation

Graduation is the action of receiving or conferring an academic degree or the ceremony that is sometimes associated, where students become Graduates. Before the graduation, candidates are referred to as Graduands. The date of graduation is often called degree day. The graduation itself is also...

. However, when off campus commissioning sources are included, such as the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class, that percentage climbs to over 50 percent. Under federal law, Texas A&M University, along with five other U.S. colleges, is classified as a senior military college

Senior Military College

In the United States, a Senior Military College is one of six colleges that offer military Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs and are specifically recognized under 10 USC 2111a...

. Though students at Texas A&M are technically required to participate in the Corps, the majority of incoming students are excused by the University Administration and the Commandant. Those who elect to join the Corps must participate in mandatory Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) courses and training for the first two years, but are optional for junior and senior year cadets. Juniors and seniors who do not have military contracts to receive commissions, but who wish to remain members of the Cadet Corps, are classified as "Drill & Ceremonies" (D&C) cadets and are required to attend leadership classes taught by the Commandant's Office. Except for the service academies, the Corps, in conjunction with its ROTC affiliates and the Department of Military Science at Texas A&M University, produces more military officers than any other school in the United States.

History

The Corps of Cadets was founded in 1876 with the creation of The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas

Texas A&M University

, which was established as an all-male military college. Texas A&M remained a primarily all-male military institution with mandatory membership in the Cadet Corps until 1964, when the school also began admitting women and 1965 when Corps membership became voluntary.

Members of the Cadet Corps have served in every conflict fought by the United States since the Spanish-American War

Spanish-American War

The Spanish–American War was a conflict in 1898 between Spain and the United States, effectively the result of American intervention in the ongoing Cuban War of Independence...

. During World War II

World War II

World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...

, Texas A&M produced 20,229 Aggie

Aggie

-People:Aggie may be a diminutive form of the given names Agne, Agnatha, Agamemnon, Agata/Agatha, Agnija, or Agnes. It may also be a diminutive form of a family name that begins with 'Ag-'.People who are known as 'Aggie' include:* Christopher J.C...

s who served in combat. Of those, 14,123 were commissioned as officers, more than the combined total of the United States Naval Academy

United States Naval Academy

The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...

and the United States Military Academy

United States Military Academy

The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...

during the same timeframe. Over 250 Aggies have served as General

General

A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given....

s or Flag Officers, while seven former students have been awarded the highest United States military award, the Medal of Honor

Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...

:

Horace S. Carswell, Jr.

Horace S. Carswell, Jr.

Horace Seaver "Stump" Carswell, Jr. was a Medal of Honor recipient as a Major in the United States Army Air Corps who served in World War II...

, class of 1938

Thomas W. Fowler

Thomas W. Fowler

Thomas Weldon Fowler was a former student of the Texas A&M University, a United States Army officer, and a recipient of America's highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II....

, class of 1943

William G. Harrell

William G. Harrell

William George Harrell was a United States Marine who was awarded his nation's highest military honor — the Medal of Honor — for his heroic actions in the Battle of Iwo Jima.-Early years:...

, class of 1943

Lloyd H. Hughes, class of 1943

George D. Keathley

George D. Keathley

George Dennis Keathley was a staff sergeant in the United States Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during World War II.-Biography:...

, class of 1937

Turney W. Leonard

Turney W. Leonard

Turney White Leonard was a United States Army officer who received the U.S. military's highest award, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in World War II.-Biography:...

, class of 1942

Eli L. Whiteley

Eli L. Whiteley

Eli Lamar Whiteley was a Captain in the United States Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions in Sigolsheim, France during World War II.-Medal of Honor citation:...

, class of 1941.

Early years

For the school's first thirty-one years, through the 1907–08 academic year, the Cadet Corps was organized into one battalion consisting of two to four companies, designated companies "A", "B", "C", and "D". Early on, these were designated "Infantry" companies, but the Commandant ensured that Artillery training was included in the military instruction. The Aggie Band

Fightin' Texas Aggie Band

The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band is the official marching band of Texas A&M University. Composed of over 300 men and women from the school's Corps of Cadets, it is the largest military marching band in the world...

was organized in 1894 as a permanent institution within the Corps. In 1908, with enrollment over 570, a second battalion was added. As enrollment climbed, the Cadet Corps continued to grow to multiple battalions, each with two to four companies, and the Corps became divided into multiple regiments.

The academic year 1916–17 saw the division of the Corps into two regiments. The following year, the two regiments had a total of six battalions composed of eighteen companies and a battery of field artillery. In 1918, enrollment surged to 1,284, almost a fifty percent increase over the previous year. In the 1919–20 school year, a Signal Corps battalion and a Mounted Cavalry battalion (later called a "cavalry squadron") with one cavalry troop were added. An Air Service squadron with one company-sized "flight" was added in the 1920–21 school year.

In the fall of 1923, the Cadet Corps, with a total of 2,091 cadets in twenty-three individual units, became divided between the Infantry Regiment and the Composite Regiment. The Composite Regiment included the Cavalry, Field Artillery, Air Service and Signal Corps units. The Air Corps Squadron (formerly Air Service Squadron) was phased out at the end of the 1927–28 school year. In the fall of 1928, with enrollment at 2,770 cadets, an Engineer Battalion was added, and the following year a third regiment was formed out of the expanded Field Artillery Battalion. A fourth battalion, the Coast Artillery, was added to the Composite Regiment in the fall of 1933.

The Cadet Corps enrollment hit a peak of 2,770 in 1928, but the Great Depression took its toll, and by the fall of 1932 enrollment had fallen to 2,001. But as the Depression waned and the U.S. involvement in the war became imminent, enrollment climbed back to a pre-War total of over 6,500 in the fall of 1941. In 1935, swelling enrollment forced the formation of an Engineer Regiment and a Cavalry Regiment. With these two new regiments, added to the Infantry, Field Artillery and Composite regiments, the Cadet Corps, for the first time in its history, now had a total of 5 regiments, encompassing thirty-two individual units (companies, batteries and troops). That same year, a Chemical Warfare Service Company was added to the Composite Regiment, and the following year a second company warranted the formation of a Chemical Warfare Service Battalion. A sixth regiment, the Coast Artillery Regiment, was added in 1937. In 1939, the Band had grown to the point that it was now divided into two units, the Infantry and Artillery Bands.

In the fall of 1942, as citizens of Texas responded to America's need for military officers, the number of individual military units in the Cadet Corps hit an all-time high with a total of seven regiments of seventeen battalions comprising sixty companies, batteries, and troops, including the Band. The Cadet Corps at Texas A&M sent over 20,229 former cadets into World War II, 14,123 of them as commissioned officers, more than the combined totals of both military academies. By February 1943 enrollment dropped to less than 4,000 as Cadets left school to serve in the U.S. military. The 1944–45 school year saw enrollment drop to as low as 1,600 and the depletion of cadets forced the reorganization of the Corps down to only two regiments (Infantry and Composite) consisting of a total of only 17 companies, batteries and troops, including the two Band units. In 1943, the U.S. Army declared the Mounted Cavalry obsolete, although Cavalry units continued at Texas A&M as mechanized units until the end of the 1949–50 academic year.

Post-World War II

World War II and the demands of the U.S. military took their toll on enrollment. But, with the end of the War, as enrollment surged in the fall of 1946, Texas A&M gained the use of Bryan Air Force Base

Bryan Air Force Base

Bryan Air Force Base is a former United States Air Force base located just west of Bryan, Texas. Today, the location houses the Texas A&M University Riverside Campus.-World War II:...

, which was being closed, and converted a number of its buildings into dormitories. In 1947, all entering freshmen, approximately 1,500, were assigned to the Bryan Air Force Base "Annex" which became essentially a freshman campus. The Cadet Corps reorganized again to accommodate these unusual conditions.

The 1947–48 Cadet Corps consisted of five regiments, a Headquarters Group, and the Band during that academic year. The five regiments (a combined Infantry and Veterans regiment, an Artillery regiment, a combined Air Force and Cavalry regiment, a combined Engineer and Composite regiment, and the "Training Regiment" consisting of nine companies of freshmen), the Headquarters Group and the Band were composed of a total of 35 individual military units.

The 1951–52 academic year saw the organization of the Cadet Corps at is largest in terms of number of individual units. Sixty-six units (companies, batteries and squadrons) were divided among 8 regiments (Infantry, Artillery, Armor/Engineers, First Air Force Wing, 2nd Air Force Wing, Composite Regiment, Seventh Regiment and the Eighth Freshman Training Regiment) consisting of 21 battalions and the Band.

During this post-war era and into the 1950s, the various units of the Corps continued to be identified by their military branch. The traditional branches (Infantry, Field Artillery, Cavalry, Engineers, Coast Artillery, Quartermaster, Ordnance, Signal Corps, Armor, Chemical Corps, Transportation, Army Security, and Army Air Force) continued to be represented. But the strength of air power and the rise of the importance of the U.S. Air Force during this era was evident in the organization of the Cadet Corps as Army Air Corps units became Air Force flights (later squadrons). Veterans companies and flights were formed to separate these older veterans from younger cadets. Beginning in 1948 athletes were organized into their own batteries (later companies) to accommodate special team practice schedules.

That same year, 1948, the Freshman Regiment added a Band Company and four Air Force flights for a total of 12 units. The Eighth Freshman Training Regiment was moved to the main campus in the Fall of 1950, and by 1951, it consisted of a total of 15 freshman companies, batteries and squadrons, each with a branch designation, attached to which was a Senior Battalion of four companies of cadet Seniors. During the 1953–54 school year, over one-third of the 57 Corps units, a total of 21, consisted of Freshmen. The following year, freshmen were incorporated back into the other Corps units.

The 1954–55 school year, saw the Cadet Corps begin to take on the organization (two Army regiments and two Air Force wings, and the Band) that is familiar to most former cadets today. The Band, which in 1939 had divided itself into an Infantry company and an Artillery Battery (Field Artillery Band in 1940), dropped those branch designations in 1947 in favor of the two designations Maroon Band and White Band.

The first unit logos, which later evolved into the now common unit names, began to appear among the Air Force units in the 1955–56 Aggieland yearbook. A few of the Army units began to follow suit in the 1957-58 Aggieland. But, in the 1959–60 academic year, with the complete reorganization of the First and Second Brigades and the official abandonment of the Army Branch designations, the units in the two Army Brigades began to adopt unit nicknames and mascots, or "outfit logos," in earnest.
During the Vietnam War era, the Cadet Corps was composed of two to three Army Brigades, two to three Air Force Wings, and the Band. Each Brigade was composed of two or three battalions of three to five companies each, and each Wing was composed of two groups of three to six squadrons each. During this period the Corps was composed of as many as 40 individual companies and squadrons, including the Band.

The Corps welcomed their first female members in the fall of 1974. At the time, the women were segregated into a special unit, known as W-1, and suffered harassment from many of their male counterparts. Women were initially prohibited from serving in leadership positions or in the more elite Corps units such as the Band and the Ross Volunteers. These groups were opened to female participation in fall of 1985, following a federal court decision in a class-action lawsuit filed by a female cadet; five years later, female-only units were eliminated.

Today, the Cadet Corps is a coeducational institution, and twenty of its thirty-two "outfits" are gender-integrated. Over 2,200 students, including over 160 women are members of the Corps, and, although this is only a small percentage of the overall student population, the Corps remains a highly visible presence on campus, a reminder of the school's origins as an all-male military college. Cadets are very active in many campus organizations and are renowned for their school spirit, often called "Keepers of the Spirit."

All military branches are represented in the organization of the Cadet Corps today. It is now composed of three Air Force Wings, three Army Brigades, and two Navy and Marine Regiments, as well as The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band

Fightin' Texas Aggie Band

whose members may be affiliated with any military branch.

Rank

The rank structure of the Cadet Corps is generally based on the Army ROTC cadet rank structure. Today, the ranks are divided by class and, unlike at some other military schools, at Texas A&M a cadet can never be demoted such that a person of a lower class outranks him/her, although this has not always been true. Up through the early 1950s many senior and junior cadets held private rank, although they were accorded privileges and respect commensurate with their class rather than by their rank. Unlike most of the personnel in the U.S. Armed Forces, the rank is always a piece of metal approximately 1 square inch in size affixed to the uniform much like a tie tack, but is never cloth rank sewn onto the fabric.

Freshmen are considered cadet privates and, as such, wear no rank, just a brass "A.M.U." symbolizing their affiliation with Texas A&M University. Sophomores hold the ranks of cadet private first class or cadet corporal. Juniors are given cadet NCO rank (Sergeant through Sergeant Major of the Corps) and seniors are cadet officers (from Cadet 2nd Lieutenant through Cadet Colonel of the Corps).

The highest-ranking member of the Corps is Reveille VIII

Reveille (Texas A&M)

Reveille is the official mascot of Texas A&M University. Students adopted the first Reveille, a mixed-breed dog, in 1931. To thank Texas A&M for its assistance during World War II, the US Army designated Reveille a Cadet General , the highest ranking member of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets.Eight...

, the school's official mascot

Mascot

The term mascot – defined as a term for any person, animal, or object thought to bring luck – colloquially includes anything used to represent a group with a common public identity, such as a school, professional sports team, society, military unit, or brand name...

. The female American collie

Collie

The collie is a distinctive type of herding dog, including many related landraces and formal breeds. It originates in Scotland and Northern England. It is a medium-sized, fairly lightly built dog with a pointed snout, and many types have a distinctive white pattern over the shoulders. Collies...

is the "First Lady" of Texas A&M and is present at all Texas A&M football

American football

American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...

games and also attends other A&M functions. Reveille is now cared for by a sophomore cadet from Company E-2, whose position in the Corps is the Mascot Corporal. By decree from the US Army after World War II, Reveille holds the honorary rank of Cadet General. As there officially isn't a rank of Cadet General, and there has never been such a rank at any military school, cadets must create the rank insignia (five diamonds) themselves. To create this rank each year, cadets combine cadet lieutenant colonel insignia (two diamonds) with a cadet colonel insignia (three diamonds) and carefully place them together, creating a five diamond insignia.

Insignia
Rank		Cadet General¹	Cadet Colonel of the Corps	Cadet Colonel	Cadet Lieutenant Colonel	Cadet Major	Cadet Captain	Cadet 1st Lieutenant	Cadet 2nd Lieutenant
Insignia										NONE
Rank	Cadet Sergeant Major of the Corps	Cadet Sergeant Major	Cadet First Sergeant	Cadet Master Sergeant	Cadet Sergeant First Class	Cadet Staff Sergeant	Cadet Sergeant	Cadet Corporal	Cadet Private First Class	Cadet Private
¹Honorary title only held by Reveille

Class system

As a member of the Corps, a cadet climbs through four classes of seniority. The current Corps of Cadets uniform is unique among military schools, bearing a close resemblance to the US Army uniforms from after World War I to World War II. There are slight differences in the uniform worn by each class year, noted below, including the Senior Boots, calf-skin riding boots hearkening back to the US Army officer's uniform of World War I. All cadets wear the same basic Corps uniform regardless of service affiliation.

Freshmen

Freshman

A freshman or fresher is a first-year student in secondary school, high school, or college. The term first year can also be used as a noun, to describe the students themselves A freshman (US) or fresher (UK, India) (or sometimes fish, freshie, fresher; slang plural frosh or freshmeat) is a...

cadets are called "fish". The first year, the "fish year" is analogous to the experiences of the Rooks at Norwich University

Norwich University

Norwich University is a private university located in Northfield, Vermont . The university was founded in 1819 at Norwich, Vermont, as the American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy. It is the oldest of six Senior Military Colleges, and is recognized by the United States Department of...

, Knobs at The Citadel

The Citadel (military college)

The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, also known simply as The Citadel, is a state-supported, comprehensive college located in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. It is one of the six senior military colleges in the United States...

, Rats of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets

Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets

The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets is the military component of the student body at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Cadets live together in dormitories, march to meals in formation, wear a distinctive uniform on campus, and receive an intensive military and leadership...

, Rats at the Virginia Military Institute

Virginia Military Institute

The Virginia Military Institute , located in Lexington, Virginia, is the oldest state-supported military college and one of six senior military colleges in the United States. Unlike any other military college in the United States—and in keeping with its founding principles—all VMI students are...

, Frogs at North Georgia College, Doolies at the United States Air Force Academy

United States Air Force Academy

The United States Air Force Academy is an accredited college for the undergraduate education of officer candidates for the United States Air Force. Its campus is located immediately north of Colorado Springs in El Paso County, Colorado, United States...

, or Plebes at any of the other U.S. Federal Service Academies.

A fish is easily recognized by the fact that the garrison cap

Garrison cap

A Side cap is a foldable military cap with straight sides and a creased or hollow crown sloping to the back where it is parted. It is known as a garrison cap , a wedge cap , or officially field service cap, , but it is more generally known as the side cap.It follows the style which...

(aka bider or biter) is plain and not embellished with any braid

Braid

A braid is a complex structure or pattern formed by intertwining three or more strands of flexible material such as textile fibres, wire, or human hair...

, or by the black

Black

Black is the color of objects that do not emit or reflect light in any part of the visible spectrum; they absorb all such frequencies of light...

cotton

Cotton

Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll, or protective capsule, around the seeds of cotton plants of the genus Gossypium. The fiber is almost pure cellulose. The botanical purpose of cotton fiber is to aid in seed dispersal....

belt

Belt (clothing)

A belt is a flexible band or strap, typically made of leather or heavy cloth, and worn around the waist. A belt supports trousers or other articles of clothing.-History:...

. The freshman bider is worn with a deep tuck in the back, which forms a "peak" reminiscent of a fish tail. Freshmen and sophomores are also required to wear metal taps on the heels of their shoes; this facilitates marching in step.

Corps "fish" are not known by their first name and the term "fish" is applied in its stead. In this use, the word "fish" is always written in lowercase letters. Thus, John Smith would become "fish Smith." The generic title "fish Jones" is used when an upperclassman wishes to get the attention of a freshman whose name is not known. Corps freshmen introduce themselves to other members of the Corps by a formalized procedure known as "Whipping Out," during which fish introduce themselves with "Howdy! fish [cadet's Last Name] is my name Sir/Ma'am!" The upperclassman shakes the fish's hand and responds by giving his/her name. The freshman then requests the hometown and academic major of the upperclassman. From that point on, the freshman is expected to remember the name, hometown, and major of the upperclassman at any future meeting. If an upperclassmen is toying with the fish, tradition permits the upperclassman to give false information.

As the academic year progresses, some upperclassmen from units other than the freshman's own will begin to "drop handles" with fish, meaning the upperclassman has granted the fish permission to use his or her first name and speak more informally. Freshmen are still under obligation to obey orders, even from upperclassmen who have "dropped handles" with them.

Questions from upperclassmen are generally answered with one of the five fish answers, "Yes, Sir/Ma'am!" "No, Sir/Ma'am!" "No Excuse, Sir/Ma'am!" "(Class Year), Sir/Ma'am!" or (said very quickly): "Sir/Ma'am, not being informed to the highest degree of accuracy I hesitate to articulate for fear that I may deviate from the true course of rectitude. In short Sir/Ma'am, I am a very dumb fish, and do not know, Sir/Ma'am!" Additionally, every fish is also required to know the answers to a wide number of questions including, "What's for chow?", "How many days until Final Review?", and a long list of Texas A&M University history, or "Campusology," questions.

A fish is not privileged to live in a "room," therefore, their residence in the dorm is called a "hole." Likewise, the "roommate" in their dorm is called an "Ol' Lady," though this term is often used throughout a cadet's Corps Career. Furthermore, a fish is not allowed to want, think, like, or feel. Other cadets in the unit that are in the same class year are known as "fish buddies". Corps fish sit a mandatory Call to Quarters

Call to Quarters

Call to Quarters is a bugle call which signals all personnel not authorized to be absent to their quarters for the night....

(CQ) during the school week after evening chow. This allows a period of quiet uninterrupted study each night. Also, as per A&M tradition, fish are not permitted to walk on the grass on the Corps Quadrangle nor on the square tiles marking the perimeter and inner ring of the Quad.

Sophomores

The sophomore year is a busy and hectic second year in the Corps. In The Corps they are known as "Pissheads," several stories circulate as to the origin of the name. According to legend, the name is derived from an incident in the mid-1900s when a group of freshmen urinated on the heads of several sophomores they had grown tired of. A more recent story credits the nickname to Aggie Bonfire

Aggie Bonfire

Aggie Bonfire was a long-standing tradition at Texas A&M University as part of the college rivalry with the University of Texas at Austin. For 90 years, Texas A&M students—known as Aggies—built and burned a bonfire on campus each autumn...

, when sophomores would work on the lower levels of the stack, and the upperclassmen above them would relieve themselves. However, the name predates the stacked bonfire, and it is generally accepted that the name simply refers to the normal demeanor of sophomores in keeping the freshman class in line. A sophomore's primary duty in the Corps is to train and drill the freshmen for Final Review in May, and the sophomore is graded by the performance of the freshmen.

Sophomores can be distinguished by the black braids on their hats, their nylon black belt and also their stern demeanor. Much like drill sergeants, the sophomores are responsible for seeing that the fish adapt and excel in Corps life.

Juniors

As a junior, the cadet is called a "sergebutt" or more commonly just a butt. The nickname is a result of the serge

Serge

Serge is a type of twill fabric that has diagonal lines or ridges on both sides, made with a two-up, two-down weave. The worsted variety is used in making military uniforms, suits, great coats and trench coats. Its counterpart, silk serge, is used for linings. French serge is a softer, finer variety...

material used to make the uniform trousers. When cadets wore college issue cotton khaki

Khaki

This article is about the fabric. For the color, see Khaki . Kaki, another name for the persimmon, is often misspelled "Khaki".Khaki is a type of fabric or the color of such fabric...

, it was a junior privilege to purchase tailor made serge uniforms which were easier to maintain and required less ironing. The Corps junior, wearing a white braid on their garrison cap and a white cotton belt, often finds this to be the most productive and engaging year in the Cadet Corps. The junior class runs the daily operations of the Corps. Juniors hold the rank of cadet sergeant through cadet sergeant major, depending on the position attained.

Seniors

Senior cadets are often referred to as "zips" (short for "zipperheads"), referring to the black and gold "zipper" braid on the garrison cap. A senior may also be referred to as an "elephant," which derives from the senior class Elephant Walk

Elephant Walk (Texas A&M)

Elephant Walk is a tradition at Texas A&M University in which the senior class walks around campus to remember the good times they had at Texas A&M. This tradition generally takes place the week before the Texas football game...

tradition held the week before the last regularly scheduled football game of the year. Seniors hold cadet officer rank, from Cadet 2nd Lieutenant to Cadet Colonel of the Corps.

Senior cadets, like all seniors at Texas A&M

Texas A&M University

, may also order an Aggie Ring, the symbol of the university and one's graduating class.

A senior cadet is easily recognized by the distinctive brown calf-skin leather boots, known as senior boots, sabre

Sabre

The sabre or saber is a kind of backsword that usually has a curved, single-edged blade and a rather large hand guard, covering the knuckles of the hand as well as the thumb and forefinger...

, and gold braid on the garrison cap. Seniors are the only class allowed to wear their bider without a break or fold in the top seam.

Senior boots

Within the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, seniors are given the privilege to wear distinctive brown leather boots, known as "senior boots." These boots are one of the most visible and recognizable institutions of the Aggie Corps, and remain one of the lasting images of Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University

.

The tradition of senior boots came about in 1914, when the Corps of Cadets changed uniforms from the West Point style. The seniors wanted a way to differentiate themselves from the other classes, so they began wearing riding boots, which evolved into the senior boots worn today. By 1925, the boot style was integrated into the official cadet uniform, as a "knee-height English riding boot, of a light brown or tan." Lucchese's bootery in San Antonio became the main supplier of boots.

By 1932, competition closer to campus sprang up. Joseph Holick, founder of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band

Fightin' Texas Aggie Band

, opened Holick's that year, and his competition soon included Victor's, Russell's, and others. The average price for a pair of boots in 1932 was $32.50. During World War II, due to the leather diversion to the war effort, Aggie seniors had to buy or inherit their boots from former cadets. By 1977, the price had risen to $200. Today, senior boots are normally ordered during freshman year and cost nearly $1,200 but 85% of seniors in the Corps still purchase them. Those that don't purchase them for financial reasons are loaned a pair for their senior year by the Corps of Cadets.

To assist in removing their boots, seniors are allowed to yell "I need a fish!" at which point all available freshmen in the senior's outfit will race—and sometimes fight—to assist.

Uniforms

A variety of uniforms are issued to a cadet, including summer and winter versions of daily uniforms, dress uniforms and field uniforms. The "Uniform of the Day" depends on the weather. For special occasions and events, the uniform is specified in the Field Order or invitation for the event. Special Corps units have special uniforms, such as the Ross Volunteers, the Fish Drill Team and Parson's Mounted Cavalry.

Uniform Components

Category	Name	Nickname	Description
Headgear	Garrison Cap	Bider or biter	Tan/Dark Tan cover. Cadets who are on scholarship and have completed set criteria may attach an ROTC-specific brass emblem to the front. Seniors have an alternating black and gold braid with no dent or peak in the back. Juniors have a white braid with a slight peak in the back. Sophomores have a black braid with a noticeable peak, while freshman have no braid and a significant peak.
	Campaign cover Campaign hat A campaign cover is a broad-brimmed felt or straw hat, with a high crown, pinched symmetrically at the four corners .It is associated with the New Zealand Army, the Royal Canadian...	Howdy Hat, Smokey-the-Bear Hat, Drill Sergeant Hat	Dark Green, with Corps Stack and class color braid (seniors wear a gold braid). This can be worn with any uniform in place of the Garrison Cap or BDU cover.
	Service cover		Dark Green crown and brass Corps Stack with tan band (gold for seniors), brown visor and strap. The visor and strap are often “marbleized” with black shoe polish to maintain a shiny finish. Seniors wear a gold band to represent cadet officer rank.
	Army Combat Uniform Army Combat Uniform The Army Combat Uniform is the current combat uniform worn by the United States Army. It is the successor to the Battle Dress Uniform and Desert Camouflage Uniform worn during the 1980s and 1990s. It features a number of design changes, as well as a different camouflage pattern from its... Cover		Rank is centered on the crown
Shirts	Class B Summer		Short sleeve tan shirt with two breast pockets and a seam with three points pointed downward on the back. The major unit crest is placed on the shoulderboards. Citation cords are worn over the wearer’s left shoulder. Corps brass/Band Lyres is worn on the wearer’s left collar and rank is work on the right. ROTC and Specialty badges, marksmanship ribbons, and rack ribbons are worn over the left breast pocket while a nametag and a replacement badge are worn on the right pocket. Presidential Citations are also worn above the right pocket. Patches indicating ROTC affiliation are worn on the upper left arm and a TAMU patch is worn on the left. Worn with a white T-shirt underneath.
	Class A Summer		Long sleeve version of the Class B Summer shirt. All decorations are the same as the Class B Summer shirt. Sometimes worn with a black tie.
	Midnights		Dark green version of the Class A Summer shirt. All decorations are the same as the Class B Summer shirt with the exception of ribbons, which may be hanging ribbons. Worn with a tan tie.
	Class C	Army Combat Uniform Army Combat Uniform The Army Combat Uniform is the current combat uniform worn by the United States Army. It is the successor to the Battle Dress Uniform and Desert Camouflage Uniform worn during the 1980s and 1990s. It features a number of design changes, as well as a different camouflage pattern from its... (ACU)	Camouflage long-sleeved shirt with rank centered on chest. Worn with a sand colored T-shirt. Contract upper class cadets may also wear the utility uniform of their service when attending their weekly ROTC classes (Army Combat Uniform for Army contract seniors, Flight Uniforms for Air Force contract seniors with flight status, or Digital Utilities for Navy & Marine cadets).
	Class D	PT Gear	Unit-specific t-shirt or grey/maroon Corps sweatshirt with Corps Logo, worn primarily during physical training activities.
Jackets	Black Jackets		A Black jacket. Rank is displayed on the shoulder boards.
	Raingear		A dark tan overcoat used in inclement weather and can be worn over any uniform.
	Letterman's Sweater		White sweater with maroon trim or a maroon sweater indicating Juniors and Seniors who have participated in varsity sports (to include Band members and Yell leaders)
Pants	Summer		Slacks made from the same color & material as the Summer shirts. Seniors pants are actually jodhpurs Jodhpurs Jodhpurs in their modern form are tight-fitting trousers that reach to the ankle, where they end in a snug cuff, and are worn primarily for horse riding. The term is also used incorrectly as slang for a type of short riding boot, also called a paddock boot or a jodhpur boot, because they are worn... made in the same color and material.
	Winter		Darker than and heavier slacks than the summer pants. Seniors pants are jodhpurs Jodhpurs Jodhpurs in their modern form are tight-fitting trousers that reach to the ankle, where they end in a snug cuff, and are worn primarily for horse riding. The term is also used incorrectly as slang for a type of short riding boot, also called a paddock boot or a jodhpur boot, because they are worn... made in the same color and material.
	Class C		Camouflage pants
	Class D	PT Gear	Grey or black shorts or grey Corps sweatpants, worn primarily during physical training activities.
Footwear	Black Low-Quarter Shoes		These are not permitted to be patent leather. They are worn with black socks. Women may wear neutral-color hose.
	Combat Boots		These can consist of any combat boots authorized by the US military. They are worn with black boot socks.
	Senior boots		These cavalry riding boots are a privilege reserved for seniors. Most seniors purchase them from one of several local companies; they can also be rented from the Corps Museum, or in some cases, seniors wear the boots a family member wore before them.
Belts and Buckles	Freshman belt		Black cotton with standard army-issue brass buckle.
	Sophomore Belt		Black nylon with flat, two-clamp, no tab brass buckle.
	Junior Belt		White cotton with flat, two-clamp, no tab brass buckle with the Corps Stack.
	Senior Belt		White nylon with flat, two-clamp, no tab brass buckle with the Army Crest.
Other	Sam Browne Belt Sam Browne belt The Sam Browne belt is a wide belt, usually leather, which is supported by a strap going diagonally over the right shoulder. It is most often seen as part of a military or police uniform.-Origins:...		A wide calfskin belt with matching shoulder strap connected by brass pins, buckles, and hooks used for carrying a sabre. A silver, double-braided chain and hook connects to the scabbard of the sabre. Optional for use with a sabre. May be worn without a sabre for formal events when weapons are inappropriate (such as the commander of a funeral detail while in a church). Typically this item is reserved for seniors serving in a command capacity.
Other	White cotton gloves		Worn for formal functions. A rubberized gripping surface on the outer surface of the palms are authorized only for those carrying sabres, guidon Guidon Guidon may refer to:Guidon , a type of heraldic flagGuidon , a swallow tailed flag for the colours of a light cavalry regiment... s, flags, or bugles.

Uniform Combinations

Class C — BDU/ACU

All class years through 2011 - BDU cap, BDU Blouse and Trousers with Corps Brass and Brass Rank, Black Combat Boots

All classes 2012 on — ACU cap, ACU Blouse and Trousers with velcro rank centered on chest, Tan Roughout Combat Boots

Class B Summer

Tan Garrison Cap

Garrison cap

, Class B Summer shirt, Black Jacket(optional), Summer Pants, Black Low-quarter shoes/Senior boots

Class A Summer

Tan Garrison Cap, Class A Summer shirt, Black Jacket(optional), Summer Pants, Black Low-quarter shoes/Senior boots

Class Midnights

Dark Tan Garrison Cap or Service Hat, Midnight shirt, Winter Pants, Black Low-quarter shoes/Senior boots

Corps life

Today, due to the reduced size of the Corps and expanded on-campus dormitories, cadets no longer occupy all of the buildings on campus. The Corps is housed only in the dorms located in what is now called "the Corps dorms," or "the Corps area" on the Quadrangle, a.k.a. "the Quad". They are divided into companies, batteries, and squadrons, which range from 20 to 110 cadets and serve as the basic units of the Corps of Cadets. These units are aligned by ROTC affiliation under two Navy/Marine Regiments, two Air Force Wings, three Army Brigades, a mixed military affiliation Task Force, and the Combined Band.

There are normally two Corps formations each day—one in the morning and one in the evening to observe the raising and lowering of the American Flag before marching to Duncan Dining Hall for chow. Individual fish in each unit serve as 'Whistle Jocks" to announce the approach of formations, the Uniform of the Day, and the menu for the next meal.

In addition to normal college classes, cadets participate in daily Corps activities. These can range from intramural sport events, helping the local community, to a 2,200-member formation Corps run around campus.

Current Corps structure


Army
First Brigade	Second Brigade	Third Brigade
A-2 Peacekeepers * #	D-2 Dogs	Animal A-1 *
Battlin' B-1 * #	E-1 Jocks #	B-2 Patriots
F-2 Foxes #	Red Eye I-1 *	C-1 Cobras *
Lonestar L-1	Kayo K-1	Spider D-1
Navy and Marines
First Regiment	Second Regiment
C-2 Cocks	E-2 Mascot Company
Killer K-2 #	H-1 Rough Riders
Trident P-2 *	N-1 Knights * #
Spartan S-1 * #	F-1 *
Air Force
First Wing	Second Wing	Third Wing
Hustlin' 1 *	Outlaw 8 * #	Gator 2 *
Thunderbird 3 *	Talon 12 * #	Titan 20 *
Challenger 17	Falcon 16 * #	Nighthawk 23 *
Phantom 18 *	Hellcat 21 * #
Joint Service
Task Force	Combined Band
Delta Company *	A-Battery Noblemen *
Viper V-1 *	B-Battery Wildmen *
Parsons Mounted Cavalry *	A-Company Wolfpack *
	B-Company Street Fighters *

Key: * = Gender Integrated Unit, # = Technical Unit

Note that "Company A-1" or "Squadron 2," for example, would be the official designations of the outfits in the Corps. The nicknames of the outfits are included because they are an integral part of the tradition and heritage of the Corps.

A-2 is a unit for cadets who are pursuing degrees in the school of architecture.

C-1 is a unit for cadets who are pursuing degrees in the school of agriculture.

Sq. 18 is the "frog" outfit for out-of-cycle cadets who will be completing their entire freshman year in one semester.

SQ. 20 is a unit for cadets who are seeking to attend a professional school.

V-1 is a unit for prior service members, varsity athletes, off-campus and married students.

D-Co is a unit for veterans who have been deployed at least once.

Special units

The following are special units within the Corps of which cadets can additionally be members (for example a cadet in D-2 could be a member of the Ross Volunteers, but not the Band).

Ross Volunteers

The Ross Volunteer Company is the official Honor Guard

Honor guard

An honor guard, or ceremonial guard, is a ceremonial unit, usually military in nature and composed of volunteers who are carefully screened for their physical ability and dexterity...

for the Governor of the state of Texas

Texas

Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...

, and, aside from the Cadet Corps itself, is the oldest student organization in the state of Texas. Started in 1887, the organization was named Scott Volunteers for the President of Texas A&M. In 1898, the company was renamed for Texas A&M President Lawrence Sullivan Ross

Lawrence Sullivan Ross

Lawrence Sullivan "Sul" Ross was the 19th Governor of Texas , a Confederate States Army general during the American Civil War, and a president of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, now called Texas A&M University.Ross was raised in the Republic of Texas, which was later annexed to...

. The company lives by the creed, "Soldier, Statesman, Knightly Gentleman."

The company is composed of junior and senior cadets. Cadets are chosen on a basis of honor, humility, and character. Each fall, 72 junior cadets are selected into the company by the RV seniors. A critical voting process, undisclosed to outside sources, is conducted to select the new junior inductees. Once the juniors are inducted into the company, it is composed of those 72, accompanied by 35 active seniors. Inactive seniors are continually welcomed at all practices, events, and socials.

Today, the RV uniform is a distinctive white uniform, with yellow trim. Officers in the RV Company (Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, Administrative Officer, Operations Officer, and three Platoon Leaders) as well as one Non-Commissioned Officer (1st Sergeant) wear a silk red sash around the waist of the white uniform. The RV Company performs a 3 volley, 21-gun salute

3-volley salute

The 3-volley salute is a ceremonial act performed at military and police funerals as part of the drill and ceremony of the Honor Guard. It consists of a rifle party firing blank cartridges into the air three times. The custom originates from the European dynastic wars, where the fighting ceased so...

at the traditional Silver Taps

Traditions of Texas A&M University

The traditions of Texas A&M University are a key aspect of the culture of Texas A&M University. Some of the school traditions date to the 1890s, shortly after the opening of the school, while others have been introduced more recently...

ceremony and at the annual campus Muster

Muster (Texas A&M University)

Aggie Muster is a time-honored tradition at Texas A&M University. Muster officially began on April 21, 1922 as a day for remembrance of fellow Aggies. Muster ceremonies today take place in approximately 320 locations globally including Kabul, Afghanistan, and Baghdad, Iraq. The largest muster...

event. In addition, the RV Company marches in several parades each year including the Rex Parade

Rex parade

Rex is a New Orleans Carnival Krewe which stages one of the city's most celebrated parades on Mardi Gras Day. Rex is Latin for "King", and Rex reigns as "The King of Carnival"....

on Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras

The terms "Mardi Gras" , "Mardi Gras season", and "Carnival season", in English, refer to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after Epiphany and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday...

in New Orleans, Louisiana. The RVs serve as the honor guard of Rex, the king of Mardi Gras. Other duties include Texas Gubernatorial events, funerals, weddings, and campus events.

Color Guard

The first thing seen from afar during reviews, the Color Guard

Color guard

In the military of the United States and other militaries, the color guard carries the National Color and other flags appropriate to its position in the chain of command. Typically these include a unit flag and a departmental flag...

represents the Corps' devotion to loyalty, pride, and patriotism. This special unit consists of a Commanding Officer, an Executive Officer, and flagbearers/guards for Corps Staff and every Major Unit except the Band

Fightin' Texas Aggie Band

Rudder's Rangers

Rudder's Rangers is named for James Earl Rudder

James Earl Rudder

James Earl Rudder was a United States Army Major General, Texas Land Commissioner, and President of Texas A&M University.-Early life:...

, commander of the 2nd Ranger Battalion that stormed the beaches at Normandy. Upon retirement from the military, Rudder became the 16th president of Texas A&M University.

Rudder's Rangers trains volunteer Army ROTC cadets and prepares them to take part in some of the Army's special training schools, such as Airborne School

United States Army Airborne School

The United States Army Airborne School — widely known as Jump School — conducts the basic paratrooper training for the United States armed forces. It is operated by the 1st Battalion , 507th Infantry, United States Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia...

, Air Assault School

United States Army Air Assault School

The Sabalauski Air Assault School is a FORSCOM TDA unit located at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Its primary task is training leaders and soldiers assigned to the 101st Airborne Division , other US Army units and US armed services in several courses annually.- Background :Air Assault School qualifies...

, and eventually Ranger School

Ranger School

The United States Army Ranger School is an intense 61-day combat leadership course oriented towards small-unit tactics. It has been called the "toughest combat course in the world" and "is the most physically and mentally demanding leadership school the Army has to offer". The course is conducted...

. This training happens over a year long process, during which cadets participate in a Winter Field Training Exercise at Fort Hood and compete in Texas A&M's Best Ranger Competition. Cadets meeting the requirements are awarded a pin to wear on their uniform. The newest addition to Rudder's Rangers is the Combat 5k. Started in 2008, this annual philanthropy event raises money for Fisher House

Fisher House Foundation

Fisher House Foundation is best known for the network of comfort homes built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. The Fisher Houses are 5,000 to homes, donated to the military and Department of Veterans Affairs, where families can stay while a loved one is receiving treatment...

Fish Drill Team

This all-freshman precision rifle drill team represents Texas A&M and its Corps of Cadets in competition with other colleges at military drill meets around the nation. The team has been a part of Corps life for more than 60 years and has won several national championships. Participation involves daily rifle drill instruction and practice. As with all other Corps activities, poor academic performance results in suspension from participation.

The team began when the freshman were moved from the main campus to deal with the overcrowding and hazing issues that followed World War II and the return of war veterans to the A&M campus. The freshman were moved to the Riverside Campus Annex and lived in the dorms of the retired Bryan Air Force Base

Bryan Air Force Base

Bryan Air Force Base is a former United States Air Force base located just west of Bryan, Texas. Today, the location houses the Texas A&M University Riverside Campus.-World War II:...

twelve miles from campus. They were bussed to class each day, but primarily lived in isolation from the rest of the Corps. Out of boredom, the freshman organized themselves into the Freshman Drill Team and made their debut performance among the jeers and laughter of their upperclassmen. By the end of the performance however, the team received a standing ovation.

The Fish Drill Team is open to any freshman in the Corps who is willing to accept the challenges of being on the team. At the beginning of each season, the team consists of about 300 Fish Drill Team candidates. However, by the end of the first semester the number of candidates has usually dwindled down to about 40.
The Fish Drill Team competes in precision drill competitions around the United States each year and represents the Corps of Cadets and Texas A&M. They have won numerous national championships, including five consecutive national titles at the National Cherry Blossom Festival

National Cherry Blossom Festival

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a spring celebration in Washington, D.C., commemorating the March 27, 1912, gift of Japanese cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington...

in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....

from 1968 to 1972, when the drill meet portion was discontinued.

With the absence of a national drill meet, the Fish Drill Team continued winning. The team won 16 consecutive Texas State Champion titles. In 1997, the team was put on hiatus for four years due to leadership concerns and issues. The team was reinstated in the Spring of 2002 with the Class of 2005. However, the Class of 2006 was the first team to compete since reinstatement, taking 2nd place at the national competition. Since then the Fish Drill Team has won national titles in every meet, except 2009 when the team placed 2nd, including their most recent win at the 2011 Mardi Gras Drill Meet hosted by Tulane University

Tulane University

Tulane University is a private, nonsectarian research university located in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States...

NROTC.

SEAL Platoon

A team of cadets that prepares cadets to become Navy SEALs

United States Navy SEALs

The United States Navy's Sea, Air and Land Teams, commonly known as Navy SEALs, are the U.S. Navy's principal special operations force and a part of the Naval Special Warfare Command as well as the maritime component of the United States Special Operations Command.The acronym is derived from their...

, Navy EOD technicians

United States Navy EOD

United States Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians render safe all types of ordnance, including improvised, chemical, biological, and nuclear. They perform land and underwater location, identification, render-safe, and recovery of foreign and domestic ordnance...

or Navy Diving Officers

United States Navy Diver

A Navy Diver refers to a member of the community of Unrestricted Line Officer Officers, Medical Corps Officers and enlisted personnel in the United States Navy who are qualified in underwater open/closed circuit breathing apparatus, deep sea type diving apparatus and saturation diving. Personnel...

Marine Corps Recon Company

A team of cadets that prepares cadets for the successful completion of the Marine Corps

United States Marine Corps

The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...

Basic Reconnaissance Course, allowing them to become Force Recon

United States Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance

The Force Reconnaissance Companies , are one of the United States Marine Corps's special operations "capable" forces that provide essential elements of military intelligence to the command element of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force ; supporting the landing or joint task force commanders, and...

or Recon Battalion

United States Marine Corps Reconnaissance Battalions

The United States Marine Corps Reconnaissance Battalions are the reconnaissance assets of Marine Air-Ground Task Force that provide division-level ground and amphibious reconnaissance to the Ground Combat Element within the United States Marine Corps...

members.

Corps Center Guard

This is a historical unit that strives to preserve the history of the Corps. They run the Sanders Corps of Cadets Center

Sanders Corps of Cadets Center

The Sam Houston Sanders Corps of Cadets Center is a museum on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, dedicated to the school's Corps of Cadets....

and give tours on a daily basis. As a tribute to the past of A&M, members often wear old uniforms of the Corps.

Parson's Mounted Cavalry

Parson's Mounted Cavalry preserves the tradition of the cavalry at Texas A&M. The mounted unit was formed in the spring of 1973 to preserve the traditions of the Texas A&M Cavalry of the 1920s and 1930s. The unit also represents the university at parades, agricultural and equestrian events throughout Texas. It is named after Colonel Thomas R. Parsons, a former Commandant of Cadets. “The Cav” marches with the Corps at all home football games.

This special unit also maintains and keeps the "Spirit of '02". This field gun

Field gun

A field gun is an artillery piece. Originally the term referred to smaller guns that could accompany a field army on the march and when in combat could be moved about the battlefield in response to changing circumstances, as to opposed guns installed in a fort, or to siege cannon or mortars which...

was found in the fall of 1974 at a bonfire cut site near Easterwood Airport

Easterwood Airport

Easterwood Airport , also known as Easterwood Field, is the regional airport for Texas A&M University, Bryan-College Station and Brazos County, Texas, USA. The airport is owned by Texas A&M University...

. Legend has it that the gun was the run away that tumbled over a ridge in the film We've Never Been Licked
We've Never Been Licked
We've Never Been Licked is a World War II propaganda film produced by Walter Wanger and released by United Artists. Parts of the movie were shot on location at the Texas A&M University campus...

. Through the dedication and hard work of John Gunter '79 and financing from the Association of Former Students, a limber/caisson was found on a ranch near Georgetown, Texas

Georgetown, Texas

Georgetown is a city and also the county seat of Williamson County, Texas, United States with a population of 47,400 at the 2010 census. Southwestern University, founded in 1840, is the oldest university in Texas and is located in Georgetown, about 1/2 mile east of the historic square...

, wheels made in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma city

Oklahoma City is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Oklahoma.Oklahoma City may also refer to:*Oklahoma City metropolitan area*Downtown Oklahoma City*Uptown Oklahoma City*Oklahoma City bombing*Oklahoma City National Memorial...

, and original McClelland tack was obtained.

Gen. O.R. Simpson Honor Society

Cadets need to have a cumulative 3.4 GPR in order to join. Members foster new ideas of academic achievement, leadership and character in the Corps of Cadets and promotion of scholastic excellence through academic related projects which include tutor assistance and operation of a study lounge for all cadets.

Pathfinders

An orienteering and land navigation unit. They compete each year in land navigation and orienteering events. Pathfinders is also the base of training for Aggies who attempt the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge

German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency

The German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency is a decoration of the Bundeswehr, the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany....

External links

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.

History

Early years

Post-World War II

Rank

Class system

Freshmen

Sophomores

Juniors

Seniors

Senior boots

Uniforms

Uniform Components

Uniform Combinations

Corps life

Current Corps structure

Special units

Ross Volunteers

Color Guard

Rudder's Rangers

Fish Drill Team

SEAL Platoon

Marine Corps Recon Company

Corps Center Guard

Parson's Mounted Cavalry

Gen. O.R. Simpson Honor Society

Pathfinders

See also

External links