THE ULTIMATE AGGIE EXPERIENCE
“There is no military obligation for joining the Corps.”
The Texas A&M Corps of Cadets is the largest, oldest and most visible student organization and leadership training program at Texas A&M University. The Corps develops well-educated leaders of character who embody the values of honor, courage, integrity, discipline and selfless service. They are academically successful, highly sought-after and prepared for global leadership challenges of the future.
The Corps, one of the largest uniformed bodies of students in the nation, provides hands-on leadership experience, enhances a world-class education from Texas A&M, and directly involves cadets in the traditions that make Aggieland so different from all other schools.
There are more than 2,000 cadets at Texas A&M, each with their
own reason for joining the Corps of Cadets. Below are just a few of the reasons students have joined the Corps.
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ACADEMICS
Our commitment is first and foremost to helping cadets succeed academically as students. In the Corps, you gain access to resources that can help you excel academically. The Corps of Cadets continues to post a higher GPA than their university counterparts. For the previous five years, over half of the Corps has posted a GPA of 3.0 or better.
LEADERSHIP
Through the Corps of Cadets, you develop and excel as a leader through participation in the premiere values-based military and civilian leadership program in the country. Although not all cadets commission into the military, they still gain a wealth of leadership knowledge through the ROTC programs and the Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership.
PHYSICAL FITNESS
Cadets participate in physical training several times a week together with their outfits, creating a team environment. With physical fitness as a priority, members of the Corps experience the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle while in college. Consistent, structured physical training helps cadets create a well-balanced lifestyle and healthy habits. Other benefits include mental clarity, more energy and better sleep habits. The Corps of Cadets collaborates with the department of Health and Kinesiology at Texas A&M to build all fitness programs used by outfits.
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FRIENDSHIPS
The shared experience of the Corps of Cadets creates lifelong bonds with your “buddies.” During your Corps career, you will meet a diverse section of the student body, many of whom you will remain in contact with long after your days at A&M.
VALUES
The Corps of Cadets strive to embody the 6 Corps Values including honor, integrity, discipline, courage, respect, and selfless service. Cadets are to uphold honor, the unwavering commitment to sound moral values and strong character. It is expected that cadets also act with integrity, the honesty and moral courage to always defend and do what is right, and discipline, striving for excellence by holding oneself and others accountable to higher standards. Respect enables cadets to maintain an environment that ensures all persons are treated with fairness and dignity. Finally, cadets are to exhibit selfless service; the desire and ability to put others before self.
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ACADEMICS
Our commitment is first and foremost to helping cadets succeed academically as students. In the Corps, you gain access to resources that can help you excel academically. The Corps of Cadets continues to post a higher GPA than their university counterparts. For the previous five years, over half of the Corps has posted a GPA of 3.0 or better.
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LEADERSHIP
Through the Corps of Cadets, you develop and excel as a leader through participation in the premiere values-based military and civilian leadership program in the country. Although not all cadets commission into the military, they still gain a wealth of leadership knowledge through the ROTC programs and the Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership.
-
PHYSICAL FITNESS
Cadets participate in physical training several times a week together with their outfits, creating a team environment. With physical fitness as a priority, members of the Corps experience the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle while in college. Consistent, structured physical training helps cadets create a well-balanced lifestyle and healthy habits. Other benefits include mental clarity, more energy and better sleep habits. The Corps of Cadets collaborates with the department of Health and Kinesiology at Texas A&M to build all fitness programs used by outfits.
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FRIENDSHIPS
The shared experience of the Corps of Cadets creates lifelong bonds with your “buddies.” During your Corps career, you will meet a diverse section of the student body, many of whom you will remain in contact with long after your days at A&M.
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VALUES
The Corps of Cadets strive to embody the 6 Corps Values including honor, integrity, discipline, courage, respect, and selfless service. Cadets are to uphold honor, the unwavering commitment to sound moral values and strong character. It is expected that cadets also act with integrity, the honesty and moral courage to always defend and do what is right, and discipline, striving for excellence by holding oneself and others accountable to higher standards. Respect enables cadets to maintain an environment that ensures all persons are treated with fairness and dignity. Finally, cadets are to exhibit selfless service; the desire and ability to put others before self.
ACADEMIC ADVANTAGE
Academic excellence is the top priority of the Corps of Cadets. We offer scholastic consulting, supplemental instruction, cadet-led support programs as well as access to state-of-the-art facilities. The Corps provides a structured, disciplined, environment conducive to academic excellence. The Corps observes mandatory study periods five days per week and maintains
quiet hours in the dorms to facilitate academic study.
Our cadets continue to excel academically and prove that students at Texas A&M can achieve academic excellence while being members of the Corps of Cadets. The Corps of Cadets continues to post a higher GPA than their university counterparts. For the previous five years, over half of the Corps has posted a GPA of 3.0 or better. Our efforts toward academic excellence as a priority are producing excellent outcomes.
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THE ACADEMIC DAY
During the academic day, cadets attend classes, study, and see to personal business. Freshman and sophomore cadets have a study period called “Evening Study Time” which is a mandatory multi-hour period on Sunday through Thursday evenings. This time is dedicated to studying, projects, group work, supplemental instruction, and test reviews.
DEDICATED SCHOLASTIC STAFF
There are four-full-time Scholastic Performance Specialists on the Commandant’s staff who provide tailored academic advice and mentoring to all cadets no matter their major. They provide instruction for coping with college academics and guidance on balancing your academic degree plan with Corps course requirements.
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THE ACADEMIC DAY
During the academic day, cadets attend classes, study, and see to personal business. Freshman and sophomore cadets have a study period called “Evening Study Time” which is a mandatory multi-hour period on Sunday through Thursday evenings. This time is dedicated to studying, projects, group work, supplemental instruction, and test reviews.
DEDICATED SCHOLASTIC STAFF
There are four-full-time Scholastic Performance Specialists on the Commandant’s staff who provide tailored academic advice and mentoring to all cadets no matter their major. They provide instruction for coping with college academics and guidance on balancing your academic degree plan with Corps course requirements.
TRADITIONS
Texas A&M is more than a great university; it is the home of the Aggie family and has a long history of spirit and tradition.
The Corps has long been known as the “Keepers of the Spirit and Guardians of Tradition ” because of cadets’ key roles in the preservation and execution of A&M’s time-honored traditions for over 140 years.
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REVEILLE
Reveille, the highest-ranking member in the Corps of Cadets, is Texas A&M’s official mascot. The tradition began when Reveille I arrived in 1932, and since 1960 she has been cared for by Company E-2.
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MUSTER
Each year on April 21, Aggies gather together to celebrate the lives of fellow Aggies who have passed away that year. At Muster’s conclusion, the Corps’ Ross Volunteers honor the fallen with a rifle volley.
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SENIOR BOOTS
Senior cadets earn the privilege to wear distinctive brown leather boots that remain one of the most recognizable symbols of the Corps of Cadets and Texas A&M University.
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MIDNIGHT YELL
The night before every home football game, Aggies hold Midnight Yell, a special event regularly attended by thousands of fans, led by the Texas A&M Yell Leaders and the Aggie Band.
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SILVER TAPS
Held the first Tuesday of the month, Silver Taps is the final tribute paid to an Aggie who, at the time of their death, was enrolled in graduate or undergraduate courses at Texas A&M.
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MARCH-IN
Led by Corps Staff, 2200+ member Corps marches into Kyle Field before home football games, displaying their drill and ceremony precision for Reviewing Officers and spectators.
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FIGHTIN’ TEXAS AGGIE BAND
Nationally known for its precise military marching formations, the Aggie Band is the official marching band of Texas A&M and is formed exclusively by members of the Corps of Cadets.
FAQs
Acceptance to Texas A&M University is the ONLY prerequisite for joining this leadership training program. The majority of incoming cadets are in the freshman class, however, the Corps is open to all Texas A&M students.
- Apply to TAMU
- Fill out this form
- Contact a Corps Recruiting Representative at 1-800-TAMU-AGS or [email protected]
There is no military obligation when you join the Corps of Cadets. Cadets are required to take ROTC classes during their freshman and sophomore years as these classes provide formal leadership education and practical leadership experience.
Yes. Membership in the Aggie Band requires full participation in all required activities of the Corps of Cadets in addition to those required of the Aggie Band. To read more about the Aggie Band, visit their page here.
The Quad is where Cadets live on campus, in dorms with their home outfits. Some exceptions do apply. To learn more about housing at Texas A&M visit: https://reslife.tamu.edu/options/corps/
Though all students at Texas A&M are welcome to join the Corps of Cadets, membership in the Corps is not required.
The purpose of the Corps of Cadets is to develop well educated leaders of character who embody the values of honor, integrity, courage and selfless service. The Corps prepares cadets to become top leaders in the public, private, and military sectors.
There are a wide range of career building opportunities available to cadets not seeking a commission into the United States military. From career readiness programs, networking opportunities with companies and professionals to personalized career advising sessions, the Corps of Cadets is dedicated to preparing students for whichever career path they choose to pursue. For more information on the Corps’ career readiness initiatives, visit here.
In accordance with Title 10 of the United States Code, a Senior Military College (SMC) is an accredited educational institution that prepares selected students for commissioned service into the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or Space Force. SMCs offer a combination of higher education courses and military instruction over the course of 4 years.
The Corps of Cadets is the oldest student organization at Texas A&M. Founded alongside the university in 1876, the Corps of Cadets has produced top quality leaders of character for over 145 years. Though the look of the Corps has evolved throughout the years, the central purpose has remained: building individuals that exemplify respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity, and selfless service. To learn more about the Corps of Cadets’ storied history, visit here. The Corps of Cadets is the oldest student organization at Texas A&M. Founded alongside the university in 1876, the Corps of Cadets has produced top quality leaders of character for over 145 years. Though the look of the Corps has evolved throughout the years, the central purpose has remained: building individuals that exemplify respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity, and selfless service. To learn more about the Corps of Cadets’ storied history, visit here.
The Corps of Cadets provides students at Texas A&M with the complete Aggie experience, from the day they arrive on campus to the time they walk the stage at graduation. Individuals in the Corps are exposed to a wide range of opportunities--from social to professional--throughout their four years in the Corps. As members of the Corps, cadets are able to challenge themselves daily, excel academically, and develop relationships that last a lifetime, without any military obligation. The grades of freshman and sophomore cadets consistently exceed those of their peers among the Texas A&M student body. Post graduation, over 90% of cadets are either employed or commissioning into the military at graduation, exceeding the university average.
The Corps can date its origins back to the creation of Texas A&M in 1876. As the Keepers of The Spirit and the Guardians of Tradition, the Corps of Cadets is devoted to upholding Texas A&M’s reputation as a top tier institution. In addition to preserving Texas A&M’s time honored traditions, the Corps of Cadets has consistently produced some of our nation’s top leaders, in both the private and public sectors. Texas A&M University would not be Texas A&M without the Corps of Cadets.
Yes. As long as you have four semesters left at Texas A&M, you are eligible to transfer into the Corps. New cadets are welcomed at the beginning of each semester. To learn more about the opportunities available to you, contact a Corps Recruiting Representative by phone at (979) 845-9232 or via email at [email protected].
There are several online, virtual and in person opportunities to learn more about the Corps of Cadets. Click here for more.
THE NATIONALLY FAMOUS
FIGHTIN' TEXAS AGGIE BAND
Known for its precision military marching formations on the football field, the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band is the largest military marching band in the nation. This 300+ member Corps of Cadets unit is the official marching band of Texas A&M University. Performing at all home football games, several away games, parades and events, this organization is one of the most traveled collegiate marching bands in the nation.
VISIT THE CORPS
The Corps of Cadets offers several ways for High School students to experience cadet-life, meet and interact with current cadets, staff, and faculty, and tour the Texas A&M Campus.
CONTACT US
Not sure which program best fits your needs? Fill out the form above to connect with the Corps Recruiting team.