The Ultimate Aggie Experience
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, respect, discipline and selfless service. They are academically successful, highly sought-after and prepared for global leadership challenges of the future.
ARE YOU READY FOR THE CHALLENGE?
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 by employers and prepared for global leadership challenges of the future.
There is no military service commitment associated with membership in the Corps
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.
ACADEMICS
Our commitment is first and foremost to help cadets succeed academically. In the Corps, you gain access to exclusive academic resources that are designed to help you excel. The Corps of Cadets continues to post a higher GPA than their university counterparts.
VALUES
The Corps of Cadets strives to embody the 6 cadet values of honor, integrity, discipline, respect, courage and selfless service, while embracing the university’s additional values of leadership, excellence and loyalty. Cadets are to uphold honor, the unwavering commitment to sound moral values and strong character. It is expected that cadets also act with discipline by holding oneself to higher standards and moral courage to always defend and do what is right.
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.
RELATIONSHIPS
The shared experience of the Corps of Cadets creates lifelong bonds with your “buddies.” During your Corps career, you will meet and face the rigors of cadet life alongside individuals from all walks of life, many of whom you will remain in contact with long after your days at A&M.
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.
TRADITIONS
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.
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 1959 she has been cared for by Company E-2.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
These are some of the most commonly asked questions associated with the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. Visit our Incoming Cadet page for a deeper list.
How Do I Join the Corps?
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.
If I join in the Corps, do I have to join the military?
There is no military service commitment associated with membership in the Corps. Cadets are required to take ROTC classes during their freshman and sophomore years, as these classes provide formal leadership education and practical leadership experience.
Where do cadets live?
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 below
HousingVISIT 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.
Corps Recruiting Programs