Corps Special Units

The Ross Volunteer Company formed in 1887 as the Scott Volunteers. The Company changed their name in 1898 in honor of Lawrence Sullivan Ross, former governor of the state of Texas and President of Texas A&M College.  Often referred to as RVs, the unit is still the official Honor Guard of the Governor of Texas.

The ceremonial uniform is an all-white dress uniform, and Company officers carry sabers and wear red sashes inspired by the French Zouaves.  Ceremonial duties include firing 3-volley, 21-gun salutes at Texas A&M’s Silver Taps ceremonies and during the annual campus Muster ceremony.

The RVs are the Honor Guard of King Rex, the King of Mardi Gras, in New Orleans, La. and participate in multiple parades around the state of Texas.

This horse combat unit consists of cavalry, artillery and quartermaster elements. Military training at A&M included mounted drill until 1943, when the Army disbanded its horse operations. The Cavalry tradition was revived at A&M by the Class of 1974. The unit was named after then Commandant of the Corps of Cadets, Colonel Thomas R. Parsons. Military horse training is used to teach cadets self-discipline, confidence, leadership, and decision-making. Learning to manage an animal much larger than themselves with a mind of its own in challenging conditions develops many of the skills necessary for modern business and military leaders. There are 90 cadets and 50 horses in this unit.

A drill unit composed entirely of freshman Cadets. They compete in precision drill competitions around the country and have won the national championship almost every year since they were created in 1946.

Named in honor of Major General and Texas A&M President James Earl Rudder, Rudder’s Rangers is an elite organization within the Army ROTC program. Since the 1970s, the organization has prepared participating cadets for US Army Ranger School and other training opportunities.

Ranger Challenge develops elite performers within Army ROTC. Participants earn the opportunity to commit to an intensive training program focused on mastering physical performance, marksmanship, navigation, critical thinking, and leadership development in an extremely demanding environment.

Prepares highly motivated students for the rigors of the Basic Reconnaissance Course, as well as Officer Candidate School and The Basic School. In addition to physical training, members receive training in water survival skills, land navigation and fire team tactics.

A small unit designed to familiarize highly motivated students with the rigors faced during Navy Special Warfare training. The platoon participates in advanced physical training, land navigation, as well as hosts and attends major competitions around the nation.

Conducts combat arms and professional training designed to challenge and develop individual discipline, confidence, professionalism, teamwork and leadership skills associated with service to the United States military and government.

Recognizes and rewards cadets with a cumulative GPR of at least 3.2 who foster new ideas of academic achievement, leadership and character in the Corps of Cadets and promote scholastic excellence through academic-related projects including tutoring and academic mentoring.

Established in 1992, Center Guard is a service outfit with a strong focus on giving back to the Aggie community. Members serve as ambassadors of the Corps by sharing and preserving the rich history and heritage of Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets.

The Cultural Awareness & Diversity Expansion Team (C.A.D.E.T.) is the special unit in the corps focused on developing leaders with a focus on intercultural skills and increasing/retaining minority enrollment in the Corps.