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Mark Snyder ’25

March 25, 2025 by rnelson

Hometown: Warrington, Pennsylvania

Major: Political Science

Outfit: Squadron 16

Mark Snyder ’25 currently serves as Squadron 16’s Public Relations Officer. Prior to this year, Mark served as the unit’s Chaplain.

Off the Quad, Mark serves as the President of the Texas A&M Singing Cadets, and is notably the first cadet to serve in the position in 30 years. In his free time, Mark enjoys flying.

“The challenges that I faced in the past four years have made me a better person and a more capable leader. It has been hard, but I have gained experiences that have helped me lead in Squadron 16 and the Singing Cadets, and will also be a valuable resource to lean on as a commissioned officer one day. Whether it’s planning a BBQ or conducting my choir, I’ve consistently had the opportunity to develop my leadership skills. Without the foundations that the Corps built up in me, I wouldn’t be the man I am today,” Mark said of his time in the Corps.

After graduation, Mark plans to commission into the United States Air Force, where he hopes to serve as a Pilot or a Combat Systems Officer.

Across The Quad: The Lone Star Company

March 7, 2025 by rnelson

By Robin Nelson ‘22, Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets - March 7th, 2025

There are 41 different home units within the Corps of Cadets that students may join. Each of these units, also referred to as “outfits”, are unique with their own personalities, traditions and special focuses.

Company L-1’s identity as “the Lonestar Company” is rooted in the outfit’s focus on the state of Texas, its history and its culture.

“Since Company L-1 was founded in 1969, we have always been committed to honoring the legacy of heroic Texans. There is a reason our amazing state has the biggest and strongest reputation when compared to all of the others. We do our best to represent the deeply ingrained Texan value of standing up for what we believe in, no matter the consequences,” said Justice Jenson ‘25, who serves as the Commanding Officer of L-1.

To cadets in L-1, who are also known as “rebels”, Texas’ declaration of independence from Mexico on March 2nd, 1836 and the historical events that followed embody the Texan spirit.

“Texas is completely unique. It was its own nation for about 10 years. We declared independence from the Mexican government on March 2, 1836 due to perceived tyranny from General Santa Anna of Mexico. We fought and achieved our independence, culminating at the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. Our culture as Texans has, from the very beginning, been based upon the idea that you are to stand up for what is right,” Jenson said.

L-1’s acknowledgement of the historic date can be traced back to the unit’s founding in 1969, with present-day recognition efforts including a unit-wide “Rebel Run” around campus and a Texas Independence Day BBQ.

“Rebel Run is a physically difficult event. We loop the entirety of campus in the afternoon at a pace that most people could not hold for just a few miles. L-1 values doing physically difficult events such as this because they train mental toughness and self-confidence,” Jenson said.

“Additionally, L-1 is one tight family. To celebrate the heritage of our amazing state and to celebrate the completion of a physically difficult event, we come together as a unit on Texas Independence Day to break bread and develop deep and meaningful relationships with one another. We pride ourselves on being able to balance both of these aspects of our identity,” he continued.

For L-1 cadets originally from areas outside of Texas, their membership in the unit has helped deepen their understanding of the Lone Star State’s history and gain an appreciation for what makes it unique.

“In my time in L-1, we have had members from California, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Georgia and even Chile. Being from Peachtree City, Georgia, I have found Texas to be an incredibly special place that I will not soon forget. Immersing yourself in what makes Texas special and different from other states is an invaluable part of being a student at Texas A&M,” said Mitch Luebke ‘25, L-1’s 1st Platoon Leader.

Company L-1’s unique culture is just one of many opportunities for students to find a community within the Corps of Cadets. For those interested in joining the Corps, Jenson says that students looking to grow their capabilities as leaders are looking in the right direction.

“If you want to learn how to be a ‘rock’ that people can depend on, the Corps of Cadets is the place for you. If you want to learn how to make sound decisions under pressure, the Corps is the place for you. And, if you want to be a part of a tight-knit family that produces elite cadets, L-1 is the place for you.”

Fish Drill Team Claims Second Place Title at Tulane

February 28, 2025 by rnelson

Freshman cadets attended the prestigious Tulane NROTC Mardi Gras Drill Meet, securing a second place finish against top military academies and senior colleges.

By Robin Nelson ‘22, Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets - February 28th, 2025

The Fish Drill Team of the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets has claimed the second place title at Tulane University’s NROTC Mardi Gras Drill Meet, ranking only behind the United States Naval Academy. This prestigious event hosts drill teams from service academies and senior military colleges across the country, most of which are primarily composed of upperclassmen.

The Fish Drill Team, which is composed entirely of freshman cadets, competed in a total of five team events at the Feb. 28 competition. As a result of their efforts, the Fish Drill Team claimed second place overall at the meet, edging out teams from the United States Military Academy and Norwich University.

This win comes as a result of five months of intense training for the Fish Drill Team, beginning in mid-September, just weeks after the freshman cadets arrived on Texas A&M’s campus.

“What this team has accomplished in such a short amount of time is truly astounding. Less than a year ago, these cadets were seniors in high school, and now they’ve competed with the best on the national stage,” said Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Chip Utterback, interim commandant of the Corps of Cadets.

“Every member on this team, from our freshmen to their cadet and staff advisers, has given their all to secure this victory. We’re beyond proud of them, their efforts and their representation of Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets,” Utterback said.

For over 145 years, the Corps of Cadets has taken individuals from all walks of life and prepared them to lead in the public, private and military sectors. Through unique experiences and opportunities like the Fish Drill Team, students are able to compete and win on the national stage.

Claire Ongais ’25

January 29, 2025 by rnelson

Hometown: San Diego, California

Major: Sociology

Outfit: 1st Battalion Staff/Company F-2

Originally from Company F-2, Claire Ongais ’25 currently serves as the Commander of the Fish Drill Team and the Executive Officer of the First Battalion.

Previously, Claire served as the First Battalion Sergeant Major and has been a part of the Fish Drill Team since her freshman year. In her free time, Claire enjoys running and horseback riding.

‘The Corps has taught me a lot about how to work through tough situations. The challenges I have faced here have helped me to build a foundation of strong values, leadership, and communication skills that I know will help me succeed after graduation,” Claire said of her time in the Corps.

After graduation, Claire plans to attend Coast Guard Officer Candidate School.

The Corps Explained: Leadership Selection Process

January 14, 2025 by rnelson

By Robin Nelson '22, Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets - January 14th, 2025

Throughout its history the Corps of Cadets has produced spirited leaders whose dedication, self-discipline, integrity and patriotism have brought great credit to themselves, the Corps and Texas A&M University. At the root of the Corps experience are the developmental leadership opportunities it provides its members. Among the Corps’ most visible leadership opportunities are commander, sergeant major and first sergeant positions at the Corps, major unit (Brigade/Regiment/Wing), minor unit (Group/Battalion) and outfit (Squadron/Company) levels. The selection process for these positions, though lengthy, identifies those who are both qualified and willing to serve in the areas that most align with their skills.

In December, rising junior (current sophomore) and senior (current junior) cadets who meet the Corps’ GPA and standards & accountability requirements are invited to indicate their interest in competing for Corps leadership. Those who confirm their interest also select the levels of leadership at which they are interested in competing. These levels include the outfit, minor unit, major unit and Corps Staff leadership opportunities. Cadets are only considered for the levels of leadership in which they express an interest.

Qualified cadets that self-select to compete for leadership positions then enter into the board review and interview process.

First, all candidates interview with their respective minor unit board. This board is comprised entirely of cadets and includes minor unit leaders and company commanders. These interviews allow candidates to discuss their prior leadership experience and share their leadership vision for the future.

Based on their performance in this interview, cadets deemed competitive are then invited to a second interview with their respective service board. This board level is managed across each major unit and is comprised of cadets, Office of the Commandant (OOC) staff and ROTC representatives. It is notable that in the overall make-up of each board, cadet voters outnumber the staff, ensuring the selection is determined by cadets.

A non-voting OOC staff member serves as the president of each board. The board president reminds the board of their charge, facilitates discussion amongst the board members, and runs the administrative support for each board. Board presidents also provide context for both staff and cadet perspectives as the group works to match prospective leaders with leadership opportunities.

“Board members can frequently distinguish between cadets who are genuinely thoughtful in their responses. Cadets who speak from their heart and represent themselves authentically generally fare better than those who repeat leadership buzzwords and Corps maxims,” said Lt Col (USMC, Ret.) Byron Schlather, Corps Operations director. .

At the conclusion of the second round of interviews, that board then ranks and recommends who from their candidate pool will go on to a separate Corps board to compete for Corps commander, deputy Corps commander, Major Unit commander, Corps sergeant major and Major Unit sergeant major positions. Once the Corps board has selected who will be slated for these leadership positions, the initial service boards may slate their minor unit and company leaders.

“Cadets are not only evaluated to determine if they’d make a good leader, but they are slated into positions where their skills will complement the team of leaders in place around them. Board perspectives ensure the selection of commanders, from the company to the Corps level, who fulfill the needs of the present Corps and will enable it to stay strong in the future,” said Schlather.

A slate, or list of the leadership positions and their corresponding recommended candidate, is created at the conclusion of the board process. Cadets selected for each leadership position are notified and must then accept their new roles. Those who decline are replaced by cadets on an alternate list. Following the acceptance of each role, the coming year’s leadership slate is solidified, and a formal announcement is made by the Office of the Commandant.

“Our merit-based leadership selection process allows us to hear from cadets who are interested and qualified to serve in a leadership position within the Corps. Their views of the current and future needs of the Corps are an important part of shaping the Corps and their legacy is the leaders they select. We are confident that the participants and process will continue to recommend high caliber leaders for the Corps of Cadets,” said Meredith Simpson, who has served as a board president in previous years.