Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets
Encyclopedia
The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets (VTCC) 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 educational experience similar to that available at the United States service academies. The Corps of Cadets has existed from the founding of the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College in 1872 to the present-day institution of Virginia Tech, which is designated a senior military college
by federal law.
While not mandatory for membership in the Corps, many members of the Cadet Corps also participate in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and become commissioned officers in the U.S. Military upon graduation. Around 80% of the corps' graduates choose to participate in ROTC and receive a commission in the military as officers after graduation. If a cadet is enrolled in an ROTC program at Virginia Tech, they must also be enrolled in the Corps of Cadets. However, a cadet does not have to be enrolled in an ROTC program in order to participate in the corps. There are a few exceptions made for active duty enlisted students participating in programs like the Army's Green to Gold program.
Women entered the VTCC in the Fall of 1973 and created a single unit called L Squadron. By 1979, women were integrated into the line companies, though they still lived separately from the males in their units. In 1981 that changed and the dorms became co-ed and women were allowed to live in the same unit area as their male counterparts. In 1987, the first female Regimental Commanding Officer (CO) was appointed. To date, the Corps has had 4 female Regimental Commanding Officers. Today the Corps is nearly 14% female and females hold a number of positions throughout the Corps.
On October 1, 1872, Virginia Tech opened as the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College (VAMC). All students were cadets organized into a battalion of two companies with an enrollment of 132. The Commandant of Cadets was General James H. Lane
, formerly the youngest general in the Army of Northern Virginia
, who was wounded three times in combat. He worked to provide both the best education and the best military training in the state for his cadets based on his experience in the Civil War
, and as a student and teacher at VMI
and UVA
, and as a teacher at Florida State Seminary and North Carolina Military Institute.
General Lane
is considered the father of the Corps. He wrote the first cadet regulations and began the tradition of academic and military excellence. In 1878, VAMC President Charles Minor
wanted to do away with the strict military requirements. Lane opposed him and their disagreement became so heated that a faculty meeting ended with a fistfight between the two. Both left campus in the ensuing scandal, but the Corps remained.
The VAMC cadets made their first Corps trip in 1875 to Richmond to the dedication of the Lee Monument. Over the years, the Corps has made many trips. These trips were more frequent in the early years including the Pan-American Exposition
in Buffalo, New York in 1901 and the St. Louis World's Fair
in 1904. In 1880, political mismanagement from Richmond contributed to enrollment dropping to just 78 cadets. But in the ensuing years, enrollment and educational opportunities were expanded. E Battery, manning four Civil War artillery pieces with upper classmen, existed between 1883 and 1907.
In 1896 VAMC, through an act of the Virginia Legislature, changed its name to the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute. The name was quickly abbreviated in common usage to VPI. Also that same year a tradition began that lasted nearly three-quarters of a century, the VPI-VMI annual football game in Roanoke. Known as the Military Classic of the South, the annual Corps trips and associated parades ended in 1970.
during the Philippine-American War
and another cited for gallantry at the Battle of Santiago de Cuba
. The Gaujot brothers
remain the only two brothers in American history to receive the Medal of Honor for actions in two separate wars.
The VPI Cadet Band
had first been organized in 1892. Prior to that, as early as 1883, music was provided by the "Glade Cornet Band," an organization made up of townspeople. The summer of 1902 saw the VPI Cadet Band serve as part of the 70th Virginia Infantry during large-scale national military maneuvers held in Manassas, Virginia
. The VPI Cadet Band has been referred to as the Highty-Tighties
since 1921.
, the ROTC was established at Virginia Tech. In January 1917, Infantry ROTC was established followed shortly by Engineer and Coast Artillery. During the war, Virginia Tech became an army post. Cadets were inducted and became enlisted men of the Student Army Training Battalion and its Navy detachment. They wore Army and Navy uniforms during this period. Two Army training detachments of between 226 and 308 men each operated on campus.
CPT. J.W.G. Stephens (class of 1915), of the 26th Infantry, led the first American forces "over on top" in combat near Montdidier, France. Many alumni served with distinction with the 1st, 2nd, 29th, and 80th Divisions, all of which saw heavy combat. Note must be made of Major Lloyd W. Williams (class of 1907), US Marine Corps. One of the famous quotes of the war, used for years as a Marine standard, was attributed to him. "Retreat, Hell No!" was his reply to the French orders to retreat his company. His company held its ground, but he was killed in the action and awarded the Distinguished Service Cross
. In the air, alumni, even as World War I foreshadowed VPI's contribution to the Air Force, CPL Robert G. Eoff (class of 1918), French Foreign Legion
, attached to the 157 French Fighter Squadron shot down the first of 6 enemy aircraft credited to Techmen. LT John R. Castleman (class of 1919) was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
for heroism in completing an aerial reconnaissance in spite of the attack of 12 enemy aircraft, two of which he shot down.
VPI's contribution to the war effort during World War I included 2,297 men in uniform. These included 2,155 in the Army, 125 in the Navy, 19 in the Marine Corps, 6 in the Coast Guard, 1 in the British Army
and 1 in the French Foreign Legion
. One alumnus (Earle D. Gregory
, Class of 1921) was awarded the Medal of Honor
, seven the Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
, and one the Navy Cross
. At least eight were awarded the Silver Star
. Twenty-six died in service and another twenty-six were wounded. Based on this, VPI was designated as one of twelve 'Distinguished Colleges' by the War Department
.
After World War I, veterans affected the Corps and VPI at large, both as new and returning cadets. In 1921, women were admitted to VPI as civilian students and attended classes as day students. The next year the Corps was reorganized into a regiment of two battalions. Two years later (1923) military service as a cadet was reduced from four years to two; however, after two years of the camaraderie of Corps life very few cadets chose to convert to civilian student status. During the national rail strike of 1923 the corps again volunteered to the Virginia Governor for active military service. They were not called upon.
A Third Battalion was added to the regiment by 1927. Rapid growth followed as Virginia Tech's reputation as both an outstanding academic and military institution grew. In 1939, a Fourth Battalion was added.
, academic sessions and the Corps operated on a twelve-month cycle. The Corps had grown to a brigade of 2,650 cadets consisting of two regiments with a total of five battalions. The First Battalion was primarily Infantry ROTC. The Second Battalion was Engineer ROTC and the Third, Fourth and Fifth consisted of Cadet Batteries taking Coast Artillery ROTC. Because of the war, seniors were graduated and commissioned early. Juniors were on an accelerated schedule and brought on active duty. Finally, sophomores and freshmen over 18 were largely inducted into military service. The Corps soon numbered under 300 and was organized into a single battalion.
During the war, the Commandant of Cadets, in addition to the cadet battalion, supervised a unit of the Army Specialized Training Program
and Army Specialized Training Reserve Program (ASTRP) (soldiers under 18 years of age) and a Navy pre-flight-training unit. These units included many former cadets, and adopted many of the traditions of the Corps, including the Honor Code and saluting the Rock. The young men of the ASRTP were actually uniformed in cadet gray. Once again VPI was largely an active duty military installation.
During World War II
, 7,285 alumni served in uniform. The army had 5,941 men, the navy 1,095, 110 in the Marine Corps, 29 in the Merchant Marine, 23 in the Coast Guard, and one in the Royal Air Force. These included ten Brigadier Generals, five Major Generals, and one Rear Admiral. Three hundred twenty-three died, five were awarded the Medal of Honor
, seven the Distinguished Service Cross
, two the Navy Cross
, at least 73 the Silver Star
, and 94 the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Following World War II, returning veterans were not required to serve in the Corps and the great influx of veterans swelled the number of civilian students. Civilian students out-numbered cadets for the first time in 1946. That same year Air Force ROTC was introduced to Virginia Tech. Initially civilian-cadet relations were not good as most veterans were attending Virginia Tech for the first time. Thanks to the regimental commander, Cadet Robertson (class of 1949), a World War II Coast Guard veteran, greater understanding was promoted among his fellow veterans and the Corps continued to grow and flourish.
During the following years the Corps would expand again back to a regiment and eventually organize into four battalion-size units. The Cadet 1st Battalion was housed at Radford Army Arsenal for two years at "Rad-Tech." There, in World War II Army barracks, the cadets lived and took many of their classes. For unavailable classes, a fleet of buses brought them back to the main campus. As new dorms were completed the battalion returned to campus.
, 1,867 corps alumni served, of whom 30 died in service. During the war, First Lieutenant Richard Thomas Shea, Jr. (Class of 1949) received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions at Pork Chop Hill as a company commander. In 1952, the university employed a retired general as the Commandant of Cadets. This was a departure from policy since 1884, where the senior active duty military instructor functioned as commandant.
In a move to expand educational opportunities at Virginia Tech, the board of visitors made participation in the Corps completely voluntary starting in 1964. However the taking of ROTC continued to require Corps membership. The Vietnam War
period saw unrest on campus outside the Corps ranks. In 1970 demonstrations were conducted with the aim of halting Corps drill. Cowgill and Williams Hall were occupied and over 100 students were arrested. Other incidents occurred including the suspected arson of an on-campus building. Civilian-cadet relations were at an all-time low. Throughout all of this, the Corps maintained discipline and high esprit.
The post-Vietnam years saw the Corps numbers decline and reorganization to a two-battalion sized regiment. In 1973, Virginia Tech was among the first Corps of Cadets in the nation to enroll women, assigning them to L Squadron. In 1975, the first female cadet was assigned to Band Company. In 1979, L Squadron was disbanded and female cadets were integrated into the line companies. In 1991, the Cadet dormitories became coed.
The freshman "Rat System" converted to the "New Cadet System" in the fall of 1981. Naval ROTC was established in 1983. The cadet regiment expanded to a three-battalion structure in 1998. Today the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets is one of six senior military colleges
outside the five federal military academies. Virginia Tech is one of only two universities in the nation that maintains a full-time military environment within a larger civilian university; the other is Texas A&M
, which also dubs its institution the Corps of Cadets.
The Corps at Virginia Tech has seen many turbulent years and weathered them all. Since the Spanish American War, the corps has provided officers to the U.S. military. Most recently, the War in Iraq has seen three alumni killed. The valor of Corps alumni is legendary, with seven Medal of Honor
recipients, and eighteen recipients of the nation's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross
or Navy Cross. The Corps exemplifies in many ways the University motto, "Ut Prosim"--that I may serve.
The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets (VTCC) is a cadet-run organization, consisting of approximately 800 members, and is modeled on an Army infantry regiment structure. The cadet corps is supervised by a senior leadership staff who establish cadet regulations and enforce base line guidance for the running of the cadet corps. The day-to-day corps activities, however, are run by the cadets.
from either the Army
or Air Force
. Of note, the VTCC has never had a Commandant from the Navy
or the Marine Corps
.
The Commandant is assisted by three Deputy Commandants who oversee the cadet battalions and one Deputy Commandant for Leader Development. There is also an Assistant Commandant of Cadets for Recruiting and an Assistant Commandant for Alumni Development. The Commandant of Cadets is assisted by an Executive Officer, typically a recent civilian track corps graduate who assists in administrative matters and also serves as the Traveling Recruiter.
The Director of the Regimental Band, the Highty Tighties, is also a member of the Commandant's Staff and is normally appointed from the officer ranks of the Virginia Militia
.
a"From the day of its founding to the present Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has had a commandant of cadets. The session of 1880-1882 is unique however. The Board of Visitors failed to appoint either a commandant or a president. Acting President Hart thereupon appointed a senior cadet as acting commandant and permitted this individual to select other seniors as acting assistant commandants. With this one exception all commandants have been appointed by the Board of Visitors."
Regimental Staff
Regimental Special Staff
Battalion staff
Company staff
The Regimental Band has these additional ranks exclusive to their company:
Up until the Fall of 2008, all senior cadets were granted the rank of Cadet 2nd Lieutenant regardless of whether they had a billet, unless they had shown substandard performance. Additionally, all seniors were entitled to wear a gold chin strap on their cover regardless of rank and had the privilege to carry a saber. During that semester, the regulations were changed so that only seniors with a requisite billet would be cadet officers. All other seniors would maintain enlisted cadet rank and would no longer be allowed to wear a gold chin strap or carry a saber. The following is the rank breakdown of personnel with no billet by class year:
A cadet of any class year who commits a serious infraction may be reduced in rank to cadet private, which carries no insignia.
Week. During this week, the new cadets are trained in drill with and without a weapon and also receive physical training to help prepare them for the rigors of leadership and the upcoming stresses of the academic year. The week ends on Saturday with the New Cadet Parade, where the new cadets march under arms for their families and university staff, as well as a crowd of friends and fellow Virginia Tech students moving onto campus. The parade is intended to display the change in the new cadets and their acquisition of military knowledge and discipline. After this event, the new cadets are given approximately 30 hours of pass so they can stay overnight off-campus with their families. During this freshman pass, the returning upperclass who were not cadre move into their rooms in Upper Quad (Brodie Hall, Rasche Hall, and Monteith Hall
).
The cadet training system at Virginia Tech has evolved through the decades, with each iteration seeking to improve the quality of leader produced by the program. Beginning with the class of 2004, the current cadet training system was implemented. The new cadets officially begin Red Phase upon returning from pass at 1830 for their first study hours Sunday evening. A freshman cadet typically has eight-and-a-half hours of unstructured time during a weekday in which to attend classes, study, run errands, and workout. Red Phase, like the color red, is the most intense phase, and the new cadets continue to be trained by their cadre (juniors and seniors who were specifically trained to train the freshmen). They will be expected to learn topics from The Guidon, the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets book of knowledge and will be quizzed on topics from the Guidon during "Freshmen Online", more commonly referred to as "onlines". Onlines are conducted Monday through Thursday and last for one-half hour. Onlines typically go away at the end of Red Phase. To delineate the phases, the cadets and cadre go on the Caldwell March, envisioned as the direct replacement for "Turn Day". The Caldwell March is named after the first student at Virginia Tech, William Addison Caldwell, and there is a statue of him by Brodie Hall on campus. William Addison walked 26 miles (41.8 km) to be the first student at Virginia Tech, and to commemorate this historic walk, the Caldwell March was begun. The march is broken into two 13 miles (20.9 km) hikes, the first 13 miles (20.9 km) are completed at the end of Red Phase, and Homer Hickam
, whose life the movie October Sky
is based upon, occasionally joins the cadets on this momentous hike. The hike begins at the Caldwell Homestead, which is still lived in today, and follows along parts of the Appalachian Trail
, before ending at a park named after the Caldwell brothers. This usually takes place in October and the fall foliage adds to the spectacular views in marking the end of the arduous Red Phase. It is the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors' policy, that any freshmen or transfer cadets who leave the corps before the end of Red Phase (which is usually defined by the university's last day to drop classes in the fall semester and completion of the Caldwell March), must leave the university and begin again in the Spring (they do not have to re-apply).
White Phase begins after the Caldwell March in October and lasts until the conclusion of Military Weekend in February. During White Phase, freshman cadets attend Cadet Leader School taught by the Commandant's Staff and upperclassman cadets. During the Thursday afternoon period reserved normally for the Corps of Cadets lab, freshmen are educated in leadership responsibilities and roleplay scenarios to learn solutions to different situations. Freshman cadets are evaluated during this time for their competence as Fire Team Leaders. White Phase normally terminates at the annual Military Ball during Military Weekend (typically in the middle of February). At the beginning of Blue Phase, freshmen cadets are rewarded new privileges and continue in their transition from followership to leadership. Marking the end of freshmen year is the second phase of the Caldwell March. After successful completion of the march, the freshman cadets are "turned" to upperclassman status for the remainder of the year. During this period, the freshman cadets will be partially integrated into their future companies, providing them with valuable acclimation time in order to prepare themselves for their sophomore challenges.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, popularly known as Virginia Tech , is a public land-grant university with the main campus in Blacksburg, Virginia with other research and educational centers throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States, and internationally.Founded in...
. Cadets live together in dormitories, march to meals in formation, wear a distinctive uniform on campus, and receive an intensive military and leadership educational experience similar to that available at the United States service academies. The Corps of Cadets has existed from the founding of the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College in 1872 to the present-day institution of Virginia Tech, which is designated 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...
by federal law.
Overview
The Corps provides leadership training for all of its cadets. A cadet will have the opportunity to receive an academic minor in Leadership when they graduate through the Rice Center for Leader Development which is in the Pamplin School of Business. This is a unique endeavor in Senior Military Colleges.While not mandatory for membership in the Corps, many members of the Cadet Corps also participate in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and become commissioned officers in the U.S. Military upon graduation. Around 80% of the corps' graduates choose to participate in ROTC and receive a commission in the military as officers after graduation. If a cadet is enrolled in an ROTC program at Virginia Tech, they must also be enrolled in the Corps of Cadets. However, a cadet does not have to be enrolled in an ROTC program in order to participate in the corps. There are a few exceptions made for active duty enlisted students participating in programs like the Army's Green to Gold program.
Women entered the VTCC in the Fall of 1973 and created a single unit called L Squadron. By 1979, women were integrated into the line companies, though they still lived separately from the males in their units. In 1981 that changed and the dorms became co-ed and women were allowed to live in the same unit area as their male counterparts. In 1987, the first female Regimental Commanding Officer (CO) was appointed. To date, the Corps has had 4 female Regimental Commanding Officers. Today the Corps is nearly 14% female and females hold a number of positions throughout the Corps.
Early years of the Corps
James H. Lane (general)
James Henry Lane was a university professor and Confederate general in the American Civil War.He is considered to be the father of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and is the namesake of the University's oldest building, Lane Hall.-Early life:Lane was born in Mathews Court...
, formerly the youngest general in the Army of Northern Virginia
Army of Northern Virginia
The Army of Northern Virginia was the primary military force of the Confederate States of America in the Eastern Theater of the American Civil War, as well as the primary command structure of the Department of Northern Virginia. It was most often arrayed against the Union Army of the Potomac...
, who was wounded three times in combat. He worked to provide both the best education and the best military training in the state for his cadets based on his experience in the Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
, and as a student and teacher at VMI
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...
and UVA
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia is a public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, founded by Thomas Jefferson...
, and as a teacher at Florida State Seminary and North Carolina Military Institute.
General Lane
James H. Lane (general)
James Henry Lane was a university professor and Confederate general in the American Civil War.He is considered to be the father of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and is the namesake of the University's oldest building, Lane Hall.-Early life:Lane was born in Mathews Court...
is considered the father of the Corps. He wrote the first cadet regulations and began the tradition of academic and military excellence. In 1878, VAMC President Charles Minor
Charles Minor
For the character on the US TV series The Office, see Charles Miner.Charles Landon Carter Minor was the first president of the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College , Virginia’s new land-grant institution...
wanted to do away with the strict military requirements. Lane opposed him and their disagreement became so heated that a faculty meeting ended with a fistfight between the two. Both left campus in the ensuing scandal, but the Corps remained.
The VAMC cadets made their first Corps trip in 1875 to Richmond to the dedication of the Lee Monument. Over the years, the Corps has made many trips. These trips were more frequent in the early years including the Pan-American Exposition
Pan-American Exposition
The Pan-American Exposition was a World's Fair held in Buffalo, New York, United States, from May 1 through November 2, 1901. The fair occupied of land on the western edge of what is present day Delaware Park, extending from Delaware Ave. to Elmwood Ave and northward to Great Arrow...
in Buffalo, New York in 1901 and the St. Louis World's Fair
Louisiana Purchase Exposition
The Louisiana Purchase Exposition, informally known as the Saint Louis World's Fair, was an international exposition held in St. Louis, Missouri, United States in 1904.- Background :...
in 1904. In 1880, political mismanagement from Richmond contributed to enrollment dropping to just 78 cadets. But in the ensuing years, enrollment and educational opportunities were expanded. E Battery, manning four Civil War artillery pieces with upper classmen, existed between 1883 and 1907.
Spanish American War service
In 1898, with the outbreak of the Spanish American War, the VPI Corps of Cadets formally volunteered to the governor for combat service. This request was declined, but most of the VPI Cadet band and their director enlisted as the Band of the 2nd Virginia Infantry Regiment. Many alumni served in the Spanish American War and the Philippine Insurrection. One alumnus (A.M. Gaujot. Class of 1901) was awarded the Medal of HonorMedal 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...
during the Philippine-American War
Philippine-American War
The Philippine–American War, also known as the Philippine War of Independence or the Philippine Insurrection , was an armed conflict between a group of Filipino revolutionaries and the United States which arose from the struggle of the First Philippine Republic to gain independence following...
and another cited for gallantry at the Battle of Santiago de Cuba
Battle of Santiago de Cuba
The Battle of Santiago de Cuba, fought between Spain and the United States on 3 July 1898, was the largest naval engagement of the Spanish-American War and resulted in the destruction of the Spanish Navy's Caribbean Squadron.-Spanish Fleet:...
. The Gaujot brothers
Gaujot Brothers
The Gaujot brothers, Antoine August Michel Gaujot and Julien E. Gaujot, are two of the eight sets of brothers received the Medal of Honor and the only pair to receive the Medal for actions in different wars...
remain the only two brothers in American history to receive the Medal of Honor for actions in two separate wars.
The VPI Cadet Band
Highty-Tighties
The Virginia Tech Regimental Band, also known as the Highty Tighties, VPI Cadet Band, or Band Company, is a military marching band and unit in the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University...
had first been organized in 1892. Prior to that, as early as 1883, music was provided by the "Glade Cornet Band," an organization made up of townspeople. The summer of 1902 saw the VPI Cadet Band serve as part of the 70th Virginia Infantry during large-scale national military maneuvers held in Manassas, Virginia
Manassas, Virginia
The City of Manassas is an independent city surrounded by Prince William County and the independent city of Manassas Park in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. Its population was 37,821 as of 2010. Manassas also surrounds the county seat for Prince William County but that county...
. The VPI Cadet Band has been referred to as the Highty-Tighties
Highty-Tighties
The Virginia Tech Regimental Band, also known as the Highty Tighties, VPI Cadet Band, or Band Company, is a military marching band and unit in the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University...
since 1921.
World War I
With the approach of World War IWorld War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, the ROTC was established at Virginia Tech. In January 1917, Infantry ROTC was established followed shortly by Engineer and Coast Artillery. During the war, Virginia Tech became an army post. Cadets were inducted and became enlisted men of the Student Army Training Battalion and its Navy detachment. They wore Army and Navy uniforms during this period. Two Army training detachments of between 226 and 308 men each operated on campus.
CPT. J.W.G. Stephens (class of 1915), of the 26th Infantry, led the first American forces "over on top" in combat near Montdidier, France. Many alumni served with distinction with the 1st, 2nd, 29th, and 80th Divisions, all of which saw heavy combat. Note must be made of Major Lloyd W. Williams (class of 1907), US Marine Corps. One of the famous quotes of the war, used for years as a Marine standard, was attributed to him. "Retreat, Hell No!" was his reply to the French orders to retreat his company. His company held its ground, but he was killed in the action and awarded the Distinguished Service Cross
Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army, for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree...
. In the air, alumni, even as World War I foreshadowed VPI's contribution to the Air Force, CPL Robert G. Eoff (class of 1918), French Foreign Legion
French Foreign Legion
The French Foreign Legion is a unique military service wing of the French Army established in 1831. The foreign legion was exclusively created for foreign nationals willing to serve in the French Armed Forces...
, attached to the 157 French Fighter Squadron shot down the first of 6 enemy aircraft credited to Techmen. LT John R. Castleman (class of 1919) was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army, for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree...
for heroism in completing an aerial reconnaissance in spite of the attack of 12 enemy aircraft, two of which he shot down.
British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
and 1 in the French Foreign Legion
French Foreign Legion
The French Foreign Legion is a unique military service wing of the French Army established in 1831. The foreign legion was exclusively created for foreign nationals willing to serve in the French Armed Forces...
. One alumnus (Earle D. Gregory
Earle D. Gregory
Earle Davis Gregory was a World War I Medal of Honor recipient for his heroic actions in 1918 during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in France.-Biography:Davis was born in Clayville, Virginia on October 18, 1897...
, Class of 1921) was awarded 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...
, seven the Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army, for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree...
, and one the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
. At least eight were awarded the Silver Star
Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
. Twenty-six died in service and another twenty-six were wounded. Based on this, VPI was designated as one of twelve 'Distinguished Colleges' by the War Department
United States Department of War
The United States Department of War, also called the War Department , was the United States Cabinet department originally responsible for the operation and maintenance of the United States Army...
.
After World War I, veterans affected the Corps and VPI at large, both as new and returning cadets. In 1921, women were admitted to VPI as civilian students and attended classes as day students. The next year the Corps was reorganized into a regiment of two battalions. Two years later (1923) military service as a cadet was reduced from four years to two; however, after two years of the camaraderie of Corps life very few cadets chose to convert to civilian student status. During the national rail strike of 1923 the corps again volunteered to the Virginia Governor for active military service. They were not called upon.
A Third Battalion was added to the regiment by 1927. Rapid growth followed as Virginia Tech's reputation as both an outstanding academic and military institution grew. In 1939, a Fourth Battalion was added.
World War II years
During World War IIWorld 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...
, academic sessions and the Corps operated on a twelve-month cycle. The Corps had grown to a brigade of 2,650 cadets consisting of two regiments with a total of five battalions. The First Battalion was primarily Infantry ROTC. The Second Battalion was Engineer ROTC and the Third, Fourth and Fifth consisted of Cadet Batteries taking Coast Artillery ROTC. Because of the war, seniors were graduated and commissioned early. Juniors were on an accelerated schedule and brought on active duty. Finally, sophomores and freshmen over 18 were largely inducted into military service. The Corps soon numbered under 300 and was organized into a single battalion.
During the war, the Commandant of Cadets, in addition to the cadet battalion, supervised a unit of the Army Specialized Training Program
Army Specialized Training Program
The Army Specialized Training Program was a military training program instituted by the United States Army during World War II at a number of American universities to meet wartime demands for junior officers and soldiers with technical skills...
and Army Specialized Training Reserve Program (ASTRP) (soldiers under 18 years of age) and a Navy pre-flight-training unit. These units included many former cadets, and adopted many of the traditions of the Corps, including the Honor Code and saluting the Rock. The young men of the ASRTP were actually uniformed in cadet gray. Once again VPI was largely an active duty military installation.
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...
, 7,285 alumni served in uniform. The army had 5,941 men, the navy 1,095, 110 in the Marine Corps, 29 in the Merchant Marine, 23 in the Coast Guard, and one in the Royal Air Force. These included ten Brigadier Generals, five Major Generals, and one Rear Admiral. Three hundred twenty-three died, five were awarded 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...
, seven the Distinguished Service Cross
Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army, for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree...
, two the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
, at least 73 the Silver Star
Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
, and 94 the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Following World War II, returning veterans were not required to serve in the Corps and the great influx of veterans swelled the number of civilian students. Civilian students out-numbered cadets for the first time in 1946. That same year Air Force ROTC was introduced to Virginia Tech. Initially civilian-cadet relations were not good as most veterans were attending Virginia Tech for the first time. Thanks to the regimental commander, Cadet Robertson (class of 1949), a World War II Coast Guard veteran, greater understanding was promoted among his fellow veterans and the Corps continued to grow and flourish.
During the following years the Corps would expand again back to a regiment and eventually organize into four battalion-size units. The Cadet 1st Battalion was housed at Radford Army Arsenal for two years at "Rad-Tech." There, in World War II Army barracks, the cadets lived and took many of their classes. For unavailable classes, a fleet of buses brought them back to the main campus. As new dorms were completed the battalion returned to campus.
Korean War
During the Korean WarKorean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
, 1,867 corps alumni served, of whom 30 died in service. During the war, First Lieutenant Richard Thomas Shea, Jr. (Class of 1949) received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions at Pork Chop Hill as a company commander. In 1952, the university employed a retired general as the Commandant of Cadets. This was a departure from policy since 1884, where the senior active duty military instructor functioned as commandant.
1950s, 1960s, and 1970s
In 1958, Virginia Tech became the first traditionally white southern college to graduate an African American, with the graduation of Cadet Charles Yates (class of 1958).In a move to expand educational opportunities at Virginia Tech, the board of visitors made participation in the Corps completely voluntary starting in 1964. However the taking of ROTC continued to require Corps membership. The Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
period saw unrest on campus outside the Corps ranks. In 1970 demonstrations were conducted with the aim of halting Corps drill. Cowgill and Williams Hall were occupied and over 100 students were arrested. Other incidents occurred including the suspected arson of an on-campus building. Civilian-cadet relations were at an all-time low. Throughout all of this, the Corps maintained discipline and high esprit.
The post-Vietnam years saw the Corps numbers decline and reorganization to a two-battalion sized regiment. In 1973, Virginia Tech was among the first Corps of Cadets in the nation to enroll women, assigning them to L Squadron. In 1975, the first female cadet was assigned to Band Company. In 1979, L Squadron was disbanded and female cadets were integrated into the line companies. In 1991, the Cadet dormitories became coed.
1980s and beyond
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...
outside the five federal military academies. Virginia Tech is one of only two universities in the nation that maintains a full-time military environment within a larger civilian university; the other is Texas A&M
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...
, which also dubs its institution the Corps of Cadets.
The Corps at Virginia Tech has seen many turbulent years and weathered them all. Since the Spanish American War, the corps has provided officers to the U.S. military. Most recently, the War in Iraq has seen three alumni killed. The valor of Corps alumni is legendary, with seven 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...
recipients, and eighteen recipients of the nation's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross
Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army, for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree...
or Navy Cross. The Corps exemplifies in many ways the University motto, "Ut Prosim"--that I may serve.
Organization
Senior leadership
The senior leadership is provided by the Commandant of Cadets, who is appointed by Virginia Tech and is a paid faculty member. The Commandant is typically a retired Major GeneralMajor General
Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general...
from either the Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
or Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
. Of note, the VTCC has never had a Commandant from the Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
or 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...
.
The Commandant is assisted by three Deputy Commandants who oversee the cadet battalions and one Deputy Commandant for Leader Development. There is also an Assistant Commandant of Cadets for Recruiting and an Assistant Commandant for Alumni Development. The Commandant of Cadets is assisted by an Executive Officer, typically a recent civilian track corps graduate who assists in administrative matters and also serves as the Traveling Recruiter.
The Director of the Regimental Band, the Highty Tighties, is also a member of the Commandant's Staff and is normally appointed from the officer ranks of the Virginia Militia
Virginia Militia
The Virginia militia is an armed force composed of all citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia capable of bearing arms. The Virginia militia was established in 1607 as part of the British militia system. Militia service in Virginia was compulsory for all free males...
.
Commandants of Cadets
| Rank | Name | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 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.... |
James H. Lane James H. Lane (general) James Henry Lane was a university professor and Confederate general in the American Civil War.He is considered to be the father of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and is the namesake of the University's oldest building, Lane Hall.-Early life:Lane was born in Mathews Court... |
1872–1880 |
| Cadet Captain | James A. Clarke (acting)a | 1880–1882 |
| Colonel Colonel (United States) In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, colonel is a senior field grade military officer rank just above the rank of lieutenant colonel and just below the rank of brigadier general... |
W. Ballard Preston | 1882–1884 |
| Lieutenant Lieutenant A lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer in many nations' armed forces. Typically, the rank of lieutenant in naval usage, while still a junior officer rank, is senior to the army rank... |
J. C. Gresham | 1884–1887 |
| Colonel Colonel (United States) In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, colonel is a senior field grade military officer rank just above the rank of lieutenant colonel and just below the rank of brigadier general... |
W. Ballard Preston | 1887 |
| Lieutenant Lieutenant A lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer in many nations' armed forces. Typically, the rank of lieutenant in naval usage, while still a junior officer rank, is senior to the army rank... |
J. T. Knight | 1887–1890 |
| Lieutenant Lieutenant A lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer in many nations' armed forces. Typically, the rank of lieutenant in naval usage, while still a junior officer rank, is senior to the army rank... |
J. A. Harman | 1890–1894 |
| Lieutenant Lieutenant A lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer in many nations' armed forces. Typically, the rank of lieutenant in naval usage, while still a junior officer rank, is senior to the army rank... |
D. C. Shanks | 1894–1898 |
| Colonel Colonel (United States) In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, colonel is a senior field grade military officer rank just above the rank of lieutenant colonel and just below the rank of brigadier general... |
A. T. Finch | 1898–1900 |
| Colonel Colonel (United States) In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, colonel is a senior field grade military officer rank just above the rank of lieutenant colonel and just below the rank of brigadier general... |
J. S. A. Johnson | 1900–1906 |
| Captain | G. H. Jameson | 1906–1909 |
| Captain | E. R. Dashiell | 1909–1911 |
| Lieutenant Lieutenant A lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer in many nations' armed forces. Typically, the rank of lieutenant in naval usage, while still a junior officer rank, is senior to the army rank... |
J. F. Ware | 1911–1914 |
| Lieutenant Lieutenant A lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer in many nations' armed forces. Typically, the rank of lieutenant in naval usage, while still a junior officer rank, is senior to the army rank... |
S. W. Anding | 1914–1917 |
| Major Major (United States) In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, major is a field grade military officer rank just above the rank of captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel... |
W. P. Stone | 1917–1918 |
| Major Major (United States) In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, major is a field grade military officer rank just above the rank of captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel... |
J. C. Skuse | 1918–1919 |
| Captain | C. C. Carson | 1919–1920 |
| Major Major (United States) In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, major is a field grade military officer rank just above the rank of captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel... |
F. E. Williford | 1920–1924 |
| Major Major (United States) In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, major is a field grade military officer rank just above the rank of captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel... |
W. R. Nichols | 1924–1929 |
| Lt. Colonel Lieutenant Colonel (United States) In the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps, a lieutenant colonel is a field grade military officer rank just above the rank of major and just below the rank of colonel. It is equivalent to the naval rank of commander in the other uniformed services.The pay... |
J. B. Maynard | 1929–1935 |
| Lt. Colonel Lieutenant Colonel (United States) In the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps, a lieutenant colonel is a field grade military officer rank just above the rank of major and just below the rank of colonel. It is equivalent to the naval rank of commander in the other uniformed services.The pay... |
C. H. Tenney | 1935–1938 |
| Colonel Colonel (United States) In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, colonel is a senior field grade military officer rank just above the rank of lieutenant colonel and just below the rank of brigadier general... |
J. H. Cochran | 1938–1942 |
| Colonel Colonel (United States) In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, colonel is a senior field grade military officer rank just above the rank of lieutenant colonel and just below the rank of brigadier general... |
R. W. Wilson | 1942–1945 |
| Colonel Colonel (United States) In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, colonel is a senior field grade military officer rank just above the rank of lieutenant colonel and just below the rank of brigadier general... |
George Henderson | 1945–1946 |
| Colonel Colonel (United States) In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, colonel is a senior field grade military officer rank just above the rank of lieutenant colonel and just below the rank of brigadier general... |
T. W. Munford | 1946–1951 |
| Colonel Colonel (United States) In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, colonel is a senior field grade military officer rank just above the rank of lieutenant colonel and just below the rank of brigadier general... |
W. B. Merritt | 1951–1952 |
| Maj. Gen. Major general (United States) In the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force, major general is a two-star general-officer rank, with the pay grade of O-8. Major general ranks above brigadier general and below lieutenant general... |
J. M. Devine | 1952–1961 |
| Brig. Gen. Brigadier general (United States) A brigadier general in the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, is a one-star general officer, with the pay grade of O-7. Brigadier general ranks above a colonel and below major general. Brigadier general is equivalent to the rank of rear admiral in the other uniformed... |
M. W. Schewe | 1961–1967 |
| Maj. Gen. Major general (United States) In the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force, major general is a two-star general-officer rank, with the pay grade of O-8. Major general ranks above brigadier general and below lieutenant general... |
F. T. Pachler | 1967–1972 |
| Brig. Gen. Brigadier general (United States) A brigadier general in the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, is a one-star general officer, with the pay grade of O-7. Brigadier general ranks above a colonel and below major general. Brigadier general is equivalent to the rank of rear admiral in the other uniformed... |
David S. Henderson | 1972–1973 |
| Brig. Gen. Brigadier general (United States) A brigadier general in the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, is a one-star general officer, with the pay grade of O-7. Brigadier general ranks above a colonel and below major general. Brigadier general is equivalent to the rank of rear admiral in the other uniformed... |
Earl C. Acuff | 1973–1980 |
| Lt. Gen. Lieutenant General (United States) In the United States Army, the United States Air Force and the United States Marine Corps, lieutenant general is a three-star general officer rank, with the pay grade of O-9. Lieutenant general ranks above major general and below general... |
Howard M. Lane | 1980–1989 |
| Maj. Gen. Major general (United States) In the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force, major general is a two-star general-officer rank, with the pay grade of O-8. Major general ranks above brigadier general and below lieutenant general... |
Stanton R. Musser | 1989–1999 |
| Maj. Gen. Major general (United States) In the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force, major general is a two-star general-officer rank, with the pay grade of O-8. Major general ranks above brigadier general and below lieutenant general... |
Jerrold P. Allen | 1999–2011 |
| Maj. Gen. Major general (United States) In the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force, major general is a two-star general-officer rank, with the pay grade of O-8. Major general ranks above brigadier general and below lieutenant general... |
Randal D. Fullhart | 2011-present |
a"From the day of its founding to the present Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has had a commandant of cadets. The session of 1880-1882 is unique however. The Board of Visitors failed to appoint either a commandant or a president. Acting President Hart thereupon appointed a senior cadet as acting commandant and permitted this individual to select other seniors as acting assistant commandants. With this one exception all commandants have been appointed by the Board of Visitors."
Cadet Regiment
The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets is organized on the level of an Army infantry regiment. The following is the structure for the 2009-2010 Academic Year:Regimental Staff
- Regimental Commander (Cadet Colonel, 6 Gold Chevrons)
- Regimental Executive Officer (Cadet Lieutenant Colonel, 5 Gold Chevrons w/ Star underneath)
- S-1 [Adjutant] (Cadet Major, 5 Gold Chevrons)
- S-2 [Public Affairs] (Cadet Major)
- S-3 [Operations and Planning] (Cadet Major)
- S-4 [Supply and Finance] (Cadet Major)
- S-5 [Academics] (Cadet Major)
- Command Sergeant Major (Cadet Command Sergeant Major, 3 White Chevrons w/ 3 rockers and a diamond in the middle)
- Regimental Executive Officer (Cadet Lieutenant Colonel, 5 Gold Chevrons w/ Star underneath)
- Honor Court Chief Justice (Cadet Major)
- Vice Chief of Ethics Training (Cadet Major)
- Executive Committee Chairman (Cadet Major)
- Inspector General (Cadet Major)
- Regimental Chaplain (Cadet Captain, 4 Gold chevrons)
- Recruiting and Retention Officer (Cadet Captain)
- Medical Officer (Cadet Major)
- Information Systems Officer (Cadet Captain)
- Historian (Cadet Captain)
- Executive Information Systems Officer (Cadet 1st Lieutenant)
- Color Guard Commander (Cadet Command Color Sergeant, 2 White Chevrons w/ two rockers, a star and wreath underneath it in the center of the rank)
- Color Guard Member, Junior (Cadet Color Sergeant, 2 Chevrons w/ two rockers and a star in the center)
- Color Guard Member, Sophomore (Cadet Color Corporal, 2 Chevrons w/ a star underneath)
- Skipper Crew Commander (Cadet Artillery Sergeant, 2 Chevrons w/ two rockers and crossed cannons in the center)
- Skipper Crew Member, Sophomore (Cadet Artillery Corporal, 2 Chevrons w/ crossed cannons underneath)
- Skipper Crew Member, Junior (Cadet Artillery Sergeant)
- Ordnance Staff Commander - Senior (Cadet 1st Lieutenant, 3 Gold chevrons with star underneath)
- Ordnance Staff Commander - Junior (Cadet Ordnance Sergeant, 2 Chevrons with one rocker and an exploding grenade in the center)
- Ordnance Staff Member, Junior (Cadet Ordnance Sergeant)
- Ordnance Staff Member, Sophomore (Cadet Ordnance Corporal, 2 Chevrons with flaming grenade underneath)
- Regimental Bugler** (Cadet Signal Sergeant, 2 Chevrons w/ two rockers and a bugle in the center)
Battalion staff
- Battalion Commander (Cadet Lieutenant Colonel)
- Battalion XO (Cadet Major)
- S-1 [Adjutant] (Cadet Captain)
- S-3 [Operations and Planning] (Cadet Captain)
- S-5 [Academics] (Cadet Captain)
- Battalion Sergeant Major (Cadet Sergeant Major, 3 Chevrons w/ 2 rockers and a diamond in the middle)
- Battalion XO (Cadet Major)
Company staff
- Company Commander (Cadet Major)
- Company XO (Cadet Captain)
- Platoon Leader (Cadet 1st Lieutenant)
- Academics Officer (Cadet 2nd Lieutenant)
- Company First Sergeant (Cadet First Sergeant, 2 Chevrons w/ 2 rockers and a diamond in the middle)
- Platoon Sergeant (Cadet Sergeant 1st Class, 2 Chevrons w/ 2 rockers)
- Squad Leader (Cadet Staff Sergeant, 2 Chevrons w/ 1 rocker)
- Fire Team Leader (Cadet Corporal, 2 Chevrons)
- Company XO (Cadet Captain)
The Regimental Band has these additional ranks exclusive to their company:
- Drum Major (Cadet Captain with crossed batons under 4 gold chevrons)
- Supply Sergeant (Cadet Supply Sergeant, 2 Chevrons with horizontal stripe)
Up until the Fall of 2008, all senior cadets were granted the rank of Cadet 2nd Lieutenant regardless of whether they had a billet, unless they had shown substandard performance. Additionally, all seniors were entitled to wear a gold chin strap on their cover regardless of rank and had the privilege to carry a saber. During that semester, the regulations were changed so that only seniors with a requisite billet would be cadet officers. All other seniors would maintain enlisted cadet rank and would no longer be allowed to wear a gold chin strap or carry a saber. The following is the rank breakdown of personnel with no billet by class year:
- Senior
- Cadet 2nd Lieutenant (Any cadet who achieved a position granting the rank of Cadet Major, and cadets who held the rank of Cadet Captain that showed superior performance.)
- Cadet Staff Sergeant (If cadet held a senior sergeant position during their junior year.)
- Cadet Sergeant (If cadet did not hold a senior sergeant position.)
- Skipper (5th year cadets)
- Junior
- Cadet Staff Sergeant (If cadet held a senior sergeant position during the fall semester of their junior year.)
- Cadet Corporal (If cadet successfully completed at least one semester as a fire team leader.)
- Cadet Private 1st Class, 1 Chevron (If cadet did not complete semester as fire team leader)
- Sophomore
- Cadet Private 1st Class (If cadet is not holding a fire team leader or special staff position.)
A cadet of any class year who commits a serious infraction may be reduced in rank to cadet private, which carries no insignia.
The modern freshman training system
Freshman cadets are required to report to Virginia Tech a week before the start of classes for training, also known as New CadetCadet
A cadet is a trainee to become an officer in the military, often a person who is a junior trainee. The term comes from the term "cadet" for younger sons of a noble family.- Military context :...
Week. During this week, the new cadets are trained in drill with and without a weapon and also receive physical training to help prepare them for the rigors of leadership and the upcoming stresses of the academic year. The week ends on Saturday with the New Cadet Parade, where the new cadets march under arms for their families and university staff, as well as a crowd of friends and fellow Virginia Tech students moving onto campus. The parade is intended to display the change in the new cadets and their acquisition of military knowledge and discipline. After this event, the new cadets are given approximately 30 hours of pass so they can stay overnight off-campus with their families. During this freshman pass, the returning upperclass who were not cadre move into their rooms in Upper Quad (Brodie Hall, Rasche Hall, and Monteith Hall
Virginia Tech campus
The Virginia Tech campus is located in Blacksburg, Virginia; the central campus is roughly bordered by Prices Fork Road to the northwest, Plantation Drive to the west, Main Street to the east, and U.S. Route 460 bypass to the south, although it also has several thousand acres beyond the central...
).
The cadet training system at Virginia Tech has evolved through the decades, with each iteration seeking to improve the quality of leader produced by the program. Beginning with the class of 2004, the current cadet training system was implemented. The new cadets officially begin Red Phase upon returning from pass at 1830 for their first study hours Sunday evening. A freshman cadet typically has eight-and-a-half hours of unstructured time during a weekday in which to attend classes, study, run errands, and workout. Red Phase, like the color red, is the most intense phase, and the new cadets continue to be trained by their cadre (juniors and seniors who were specifically trained to train the freshmen). They will be expected to learn topics from The Guidon, the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets book of knowledge and will be quizzed on topics from the Guidon during "Freshmen Online", more commonly referred to as "onlines". Onlines are conducted Monday through Thursday and last for one-half hour. Onlines typically go away at the end of Red Phase. To delineate the phases, the cadets and cadre go on the Caldwell March, envisioned as the direct replacement for "Turn Day". The Caldwell March is named after the first student at Virginia Tech, William Addison Caldwell, and there is a statue of him by Brodie Hall on campus. William Addison walked 26 miles (41.8 km) to be the first student at Virginia Tech, and to commemorate this historic walk, the Caldwell March was begun. The march is broken into two 13 miles (20.9 km) hikes, the first 13 miles (20.9 km) are completed at the end of Red Phase, and Homer Hickam
Homer Hickam
Homer Hadley Hickam, Jr. is an American author, Vietnam veteran, and a former NASA engineer. His autobiographical novel Rocket Boys: A Memoir, was a #1 New York Times Best Seller, is studied in many American and international school systems, and was the basis for the popular film October Sky...
, whose life the movie October Sky
October Sky
October Sky is a 1999 American biographical film directed by Joe Johnston, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper and Laura Dern. It is based on the true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner's son who was inspired by the launch of Sputnik 1 to take up rocketry against his father's wishes, and who...
is based upon, occasionally joins the cadets on this momentous hike. The hike begins at the Caldwell Homestead, which is still lived in today, and follows along parts of the Appalachian Trail
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or simply the AT, is a marked hiking trail in the eastern United States extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. It is approximately long...
, before ending at a park named after the Caldwell brothers. This usually takes place in October and the fall foliage adds to the spectacular views in marking the end of the arduous Red Phase. It is the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors' policy, that any freshmen or transfer cadets who leave the corps before the end of Red Phase (which is usually defined by the university's last day to drop classes in the fall semester and completion of the Caldwell March), must leave the university and begin again in the Spring (they do not have to re-apply).
White Phase begins after the Caldwell March in October and lasts until the conclusion of Military Weekend in February. During White Phase, freshman cadets attend Cadet Leader School taught by the Commandant's Staff and upperclassman cadets. During the Thursday afternoon period reserved normally for the Corps of Cadets lab, freshmen are educated in leadership responsibilities and roleplay scenarios to learn solutions to different situations. Freshman cadets are evaluated during this time for their competence as Fire Team Leaders. White Phase normally terminates at the annual Military Ball during Military Weekend (typically in the middle of February). At the beginning of Blue Phase, freshmen cadets are rewarded new privileges and continue in their transition from followership to leadership. Marking the end of freshmen year is the second phase of the Caldwell March. After successful completion of the march, the freshman cadets are "turned" to upperclassman status for the remainder of the year. During this period, the freshman cadets will be partially integrated into their future companies, providing them with valuable acclimation time in order to prepare themselves for their sophomore challenges.
Meritorious awards
- Regimental Presidential Service Ribbon
- Outstanding Recruiting Service Ribbon
- Presidential Inaugural Award Ribbon
- Regimental Cadre Ribbon
- Recruiting Service Ribbon
Academic ribbons
- Academic Excellence Ribbon (Gold Level) 3.75 - 4.0
- Academic Excellence Ribbon (Orange Level)3.4-3.74
- Academic Excellence Ribbon (Maroon Level)3.0-3.39
Organization ribbons
- Air Force Special Operations Preparatory Team (AFSOPT) Ribbon
- Arnold Air SocietyArnold Air SocietyThe Arnold Air Society is a professional, honorary, service organization advocating the support of aerospace power. AAS is open to officer candidates in Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps and at the United States Air Force Academy , and is formally affiliated with the Air Force Association...
Ribbon - Association of the United States ArmyAssociation of the United States ArmyThe Association of the United States Army is a private, non-profit organization that acts primarily as an advocacy group for the United States Army. Founded in 1950, it has 125 chapters worldwide. Membership is open to everyone, not just Army personnel, nor is membership mandatory for soldiers,...
Ribbon - Color Guard Ribbon
- Gregory Guard Service Ribbon
- Ranger Company Service Ribbon
- Raider Company Ribbon
- Conrad Cavalry Service Ribbon
- Blue and Gold Society Membership Ribbon
- Surface Warfare Society Membership Ribbon
- Submarine Society Membership Ribbon
- Skipper Crew Service Ribbon
- Scabbard and BladeScabbard and BladeScabbard and Blade is a college military honor society founded at the University of Wisconsin in 1904. Although membership is open to R.O.T.C. cadets and midshipmen of all military services, the society is modeled after the U.S. Army and its chapters are called companies and are organized into...
Membership Ribbon - Sash and Saber Membership Ribbon
- Eagle ScoutEagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America)Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America . A Scout who attains this rank is called an Eagle Scout or Eagle. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than 2 million young men...
Association Ribbon - Society of American Military EngineersSociety of American Military EngineersThe Society of American Military Engineers is an organization for military engineering professionals. According to its , SAME was formed “in the interest of National Defense… bringing together all phases of U.S...
Ribbon - Tactical Applications Company Ribbon
- VTCC Athletics Ribbon
See also
- Virginia Tech
- Highty Tighties
- Senior Military CollegeSenior Military CollegeIn 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...