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.