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Corps Brass: 60 Years of Corps Unity

November 25, 2020 by aangonia

Per Unitatem Vis…

Corps Brass has rested on the collar of each Texas A&M cadet for the last 60 years. Engraved in the banner above the shield, the words “Per Unitatem Vis” represent a bond between members of the Corps of Cadets and are a unifying motto for the entire Corps itself. This statement, forged from Latin, means “Strength Through Unity.” Its symbolism is a culmination of all of its parts. The Knight, symbolizing mind, body, spirit, poise, and integrity; the Shield, reflecting defense, protection, endurance, reputation, and tradition; the Saber, representing duty, honor, valor, quality, and confidence; and the Fasces, portraying strength, unity, authority, jurisdiction, and power. When all components come together, they form the small but significant object known as Corps Brass.

Although Corps Brass is a tradition that is unique to the members of the Corps of Cadets, the purpose it serves is not unlike other traditions on campus. The symbolism of Corps Brass extends beyond the physical piece worn by cadets on their uniform. As cadets embrace the roles of Soldier, Statesman, and Knightly Gentleman, they embody a reputation that has existed on campus for over half of a century.

Read More… A brief interview with Company F-1’s Commanding Officer, Daniel Farias ‘21, revealed how F-1 embodies the Corps Brass tradition today.

The Finest First…

is the motto for Company F-1, the Corps Brass Company in the Corps of Cadets. As the creators of present day Corps Brass, F-1’s motto is etched in the outfit’s history, and symbolizes the standard expected of all who wear Corps Brass.

In 1960, a select group of seniors, led by Frank “Buck” Buchanan and Percy Mims ‘60, met to discuss class gift ideas. After much discussion, Troy Marceleno, a cadet from Company F-1, proposed the creation of a uniform collar device. He imagined a piece of brass worn by the members of Corps staff that would reflect the tradition and esteemed history of Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets. The group liked Troy’s proposal and presented it as their gift to the administration.

A Corps-wide design competition was held to determine the concept of the collar device. Marceleno led the competition, and the Class Gift Committee eventually chose his design. His concept for Corps Brass reflected an idea proposed by Robert Haggard, an F-1 sophomore. It incorporated the components of, “Soldier, Statesman, Knightly Gentleman,” attributed to Lawrence Sullivan Ross, one of Texas A&M’s earliest presidents.

The final design was submitted to the administration in the spring of 1960 and the new Corps Brass was added to the uniform, and has been worn by members of the Corps of Cadets ever since. In the fall of 2005, members of Corps Staff began to wear Corps Brass instead of Corps Staff Brass, in unity with the rest of the Corps. In under fifty years, Corps Brass came full-circle, as all members of the Corps of Cadets now wore the distinctive brass on their uniforms.

The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band…

cadets wear their own version of Corps Brass. The Aggie Band developed their own expression of unity through the distinctive “Band Lyre.” The first appearance of the lyre is unclear, but archive pictures and literature establish its presence around the late 1890s to early 1900s. The Band Lyre is a holdover from days when elements of the all-Army Corps of Cadets were organized as units of Cavalry, Artillery, and Infantry. Unlike today, when earning Corps Brass is a semester long process, in past years the members of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band earned their Band Lyre following the completion of their first perfect halftime drill.

Halftime drill performances at Texas Aggie football games were graded by Aggie Band leaders and a perfect drill would result in the Band Lyre being awarded to the freshmen the following Monday. The Band Lyre came to symbolize a commitment to excellence for all members of the Aggie Band, and acknowledged the freshmen as official members of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band. Earning the Aggie Band Lyre is a significant accomplishment for all members of the Aggie Band. Today, freshmen in the Aggie Band earn their Band Lyres at the same time that the rest of the Corps receives their Corps Brass. Presently, the members of the Band undergo the same training as the rest of the Corps, continuing a sense of unity throughout the Corps of Cadets.

Today, Corps Brass…

still retains the original intent of the distinctive collar device as envisioned by the original designers in 1960. As defined by The Corps of Cadets Cadence, the cadet’s operational guide, Corps Brass is defined as follows:

“Crossed in the background are a sword, representing soldierly virtues and military tradition, and a fasces, representing the statesman. Superimposed on these is a shield and helmet representing the knight, for the knightly gentleman. Above it is a scroll upon which is written in Latin “Per Unitatem Vis” – through unity strength. These represent the ideals of the inscription that appear on the pedestal of the Lawrence Sullivan Ross statue – soldier, statesman, knightly gentleman.”

Culmination

Presently, cadets throughout the Corps conduct their training to earn Corps Brass in a unified manner. The training comprises three phases, representative of the three components of the Corps Brass: Soldier, Statesman, and Knightly Gentleman. Freshman cadets complete the three training phases throughout the course of their fall semester, and at the end of the semester, the Corps conducts a culminating event in which the freshmen cadets receive their Corps Brass.

At the conclusion of Corps Brass Culmination, the freshmen cadets assemble to take the Corps Brass Oath, proudly wearing their newly earned Corps Brass. The Corps Commander administers Oath, and it reads:

“I do solemnly swear, I will strive to embody the tenacity of a soldier, the intellect of a statesman, and the selflessness of a noble knight. I will execute these ideals with dignity, I will root my actions in self-discipline, I will cultivate my character with enduring pride. By accepting this Brass, I reaffirm acceptance of these values. By wearing this emblem on my uniform, I bridge decades of history between the Aggies who wore this brass and my brothers and sisters who wear it today. I pledge to earn my Corps Brass every day by my honorable actions. I will hold myself and my fellow cadets to this standard. We will not falter. We will not fail— For through unity of purpose, we find strength.”

Once the freshmen have earned their Corps Brass, they will continue to wear it proudly on their uniform for the remainder of their time in the Corps of Cadets as a symbol and reminder of the unity, strength, and the Corps values that are the cornerstone of the organization.

Sixty Years…

and counting. As the Corps celebrates a significant milestone of 60 years of Corps Brass, it is important to recognize the contributions of those who have been a part of the last 60 years—all the cadets who have earned the Corps Brass and have worn it proudly on their cadet uniform as a member of the Corps of Cadets.

For 60 years, the distinctive Corps Brass has been worn on the collar of cadets’ uniforms every day – at morning and evening formations, at Corps March-Ins and Corps Trips, at football games on Kyle Field, at Aggie Bonfire and the commemoration ceremony that has taken place every year since the stack fell in 1999, at the playing of Silver Taps the first Tuesday of every month, and at Aggie Muster on April 21st of each year. The tradition of Corps Brass is as valued and important to the members of the Corps of Cadets today as it was sixty years ago. It has become a vital part of being a member of the Corps of Cadets, just as it was when it was first designed and worn by the cadets 60 years ago. The Corps Brass tradition lives on in today’s Corps, and will continue to do so for the generations of cadets who will follow throughout the next 60 years in the Corps.

By Colton Ray ’22

Cadet Celebrates Native American Heritage Month

November 5, 2020 by aangonia

As a member of the Corps of Cadets, George serves as the Corps Values Sergeant and the First Sergeant of the Cultural Awareness and Diversity Expansion Team (CADET). He’s on the Diversity Commission for the Student Government Association and pursuing a degree in Environmental Design in the College of Architecture (one of only 3 cadets in the school’s junior class).

For cadet George Hass ‘22, November represents more than just Thanksgiving. The month of November signifies a celebration of culture and a chance to honor his heritage. November is Native American Heritage month, and George is a descendant of the Creek and Nez Perce tribes.

Annual proclamations from Presidents Bush, Obama and Trump have designated November as Native American Heritage Month. The month is an opportunity to pay tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of the Native Americans, according to nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov.

The month-long tribute to Native American heritage and traditions began several years ago for George. George attended his first pow-wow approximately seven years ago when he was a freshman in high school. He was a casual observer but was immediately in awe of the regalia worn by fellow Native Americans. He was so impressed that he wanted to make his own regalia.

George learned how to do beadwork, basket weaving, appliqué, leather work and wrapping, in addition to sewing. He wanted to learn all the skills that are part of the Native American culture. “I spent many hours making the intricate parts of regalia. While it was a lot, it was worth it,” he said. “I was able to condense the Native American culture into a wearable medium.”

Most every element of the regalia was handmade by George. The handmade bustle (feathered piece) took 3 months to make. He made the loincloths as well with the front loincloth featuring a rabbit because George’s last name, Hass, means “hare” in German. The head roach is made of horse and deer hair. Other regalia elements include the chest plate and bells, as well as furs and tassels that are worn around wrists and ankles. He carries feather fans made out of owls’ wings.

George is no longer just a casual observer at pow-wows. With the regalia he made, he’s now a participant in days’ long celebrations, dancing in tandem with his kin to the central drumbeat. As George reflects on the significance of Native American Heritage Month, he views the regalia as an opportunity to pay homage to what the month is all about. He notes that there’s no better way to play a part and bring attention to the Native American culture than recognizing the importance of the artistry, both inherent and intrinsic, that lies within each stitch and tassel of his and others’ regalia. “It’s my opportunity to pay tribute, to continue a legacy, and to make those before and after me proud.”

The specific colors featured in George’s regalia carry their own significance. Black signifies strength; white signifies purity and green, fertility and the life energy of the earth.

A Native American’s face paint–to include the colors used and pattern–carry unique meaning. Black paint connotes victory while green paint is used to indicate a celebration of life.

Houston Police Department Mounted Unit Relocates Horses to Texas A&M

August 25, 2020 by aangonia

Before Hurricane Laura makes landfall along the Texas-Louisiana Coast, the Houston Police Department (HPD) Mounted Patrol loaded up their 36 horses and moved them to College Station, Texas. For the immediate future, these horses will have a safe home with the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets’ Parsons Mounted Cavalry (PMC).

With the unpredictable storm expected to hit the Texas Gulf Coast area, and in turn impact the Houston metropolitan area, the HPD Mounted Patrol made the decision to move the horses quickly to a safe area in order to ensure their safety, should Houston experience extreme weather conditions due to Hurricane Laura. Their number one priority is the safety and welfare of their horses, especially in the face of potential severe hurricane weather conditions.

“We are very fortunate to have such a great relationship with Parsons Mounted Cavalry and to be able to bring our horses up here,” Sergeant C. Teel of the Houston Police Department said. “Great to have a plan in place. It gives us peace of mind during this hard time.”

The horses will have open pasture, food, and water access at the facility and around the clock care from the Parsons Mounted Cavalry staff and cadets.

“It’s always our pleasure to help out HPD and their horses,” Lt. Colonel Jeff Gardner, advisor for Parsons Mounted Cavalry said. “They help us out often with training for our cadets and we couldn’t imagine not being there for them in this time of need. It’s the Aggie way.”

Parsons Mounted Cavalry also housed and cared for HPD’s horses in 2017 when Hurricane Harvey impacted the Houston area, so this is not their first experience doing this. PMC is fully prepared to do what is necessary to care for HPD’s horses until the hurricane has passed and it safe for them to return to Houston.

by Brittany Coker, Corps of Cadets

Corps Consults Campus Partners Regarding COVID-19

August 19, 2020 by aangonia

Over the summer the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets worked hand in hand with the Texas A&M University Health Science Center and the School of Public Health to plan and implement strategies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within the Corps of Cadets. Based on their recommendations, we made numerous adjustments to our operating procedures. From the cadet check-in process, unit daily activities/training, morning and evening formation, and dining procedures, everything was assessed and adjusted where necessary to ensure a safe environment for the cadets and Commandant’s staff.

During the check-in process procedures were implemented to ensure that incoming freshman and current cadets did not exhibit any symptoms or had been exposed to someone who had COVID-19. Everyone completed a detailed questionnaire about current health conditions and possible exposure. Then temperatures were taken at two different checkpoints, in the car before unloading and at the entrance of Duncan Dining Hall prior to moving into the dorms. Working closely with Residence Life, detailed procedures were developed to take care of cadets who test positive for or come in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

In addition to their standard issue uniforms, every cadet received two masks and one gaiter in order to comply with the university face coverings policy. The policy states everyone on campus must wear a face covering in indoor public areas on campus and outdoor spaces where six feet or more of physical distancing is difficult to maintain. Cadets will wear masks during formation, training times, and in and out of public spaces like the dorms, Duncan Dining Hall and the Leadership Learning Centers.

Hand sanitizing stations have been placed on every floor of every dorm and Leadership Learning Center, and in front of every elevator and entryway. Additional hand sanitizing stations were purchased to provide multiple points of access for cadets and staff ensuring the opportunity to disinfect before they enter a new area. With help from Facilities Services, all bathrooms in the Leadership Learning Centers and dorms will be properly cleaned at twice per day. As an extra precaution, all cadets have been advised to bring extra disinfectant. Once done in the bathroom or a shower stall, they will spray down the area to ensure the space is kept clean.

Training activities that typically took place in the dorm hallways could not be done within the parameters of physical distancing rules. As a result, any activity normally conducted in the hallways is now held outside where cadets are able to spread out.

Much planning was dedicated to developing a feeding plan that meets the needs of the Corps while operating within current COVID-19 guidelines. With a Corps of over 2300, a lot was taken into consideration when it came to developing the schedule. For the fall semester, the Corps is divided into five feeding blocks that work around academic schedules, and morning and evening formation. To continue the physical distancing protocol, morning and evening formation are spread out across the Quad. Physical training times will be conducted with 10 cadets or less, and certain training activities will not be conducted.

Signage across the Quad and in the dorms clearly communicates the face covering requirement, reminds cadets to practice healthy habits to include physical distancing and hand washing, and to self-monitor for COVID symptoms. Great care was taken to reduce the number of areas where large groups of students can congregate, adjusting traffic patterns by specifying doors for entry and exit into/out of buildings and providing safe study spaces for cadets.

A lot of time and effort went into planning for Freshman Orientation Week and the start of the new school year. Many of the processes and plans in place would not have come to fruition without the collaboration and support of Dr. Martha Dannenbaum, Director of Student Health Services, Dr. Mark E. Benden, Associate Professor and Department Head for the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the School of Public Health, and Dr. Shawn Gibbs, the Dean of the School of Public Health.

The processes and procedures the Corps of Cadets has in place this semester make for a different environment. All are necessary to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the health and safety of cadets. Through the Corps’ work with the Health Science Center, the Texas A&M School of Public, and Student Health Services, the Corps of Cadets can continue to operate while helping reduce the spread of COVID-19.

by Brittany Coker, Corps of Cadets

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Member Ranks First in Class at Marine Corps Officer Candidate School

July 21, 2020 by aangonia

Cadet Wins Commandant’s Trophy for Accomplishment

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets member Seth Dopp ‘22 was the highest-ranked graduate of his 181-member class at the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Quantico, Virginia this summer. As a result of finishing first in his class, he is also the recipient of the Commandant’s Trophy, presented by the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Dopp had the highest combined leadership, academic and physical fitness average during his 6-week session. As a result, he received the Commandant’s Trophy, which is presented to the candidate with the highest composite average in the Platoon Leaders Class.

Dopp is a junior at Texas A&M University and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Distribution. He is a member of Company P-2 where he serves as a Platoon Sergeant and the outfit Training Sergeant. In addition to being a member of the Corps of Cadets, Dopp is enrolled in the Marine Corps’ Platoon Leaders Class (PLC), a program that, among other requirements, calls for participants to complete a six-week summer training session in Quantico, Virginia.

Brigadier General Joe E. Ramirez, Jr., Commandant of the Corps of Cadets, said such recognition of Cadet Dopp is well deserved, describing his finishing first in his OCS class as “a very prestigious honor for a future Marine officer.”

Brigadier General Ramirez noted that Dopp is the third Texas A&M cadet in the past six years to win the Commandant’s Trophy – a true testament to the caliber of the cadets who are in the Corps at Texas A&M.

Following graduation from Texas A&M, Dopp will commission as a 2^nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

by Amy Thompson, Corps of Cadets