About the Corps of Cadets

The Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets is a student run military organization. Established with the University in 1876, it is the oldest student organization on campus. Members of the Corps of Cadets serve the University as the "keepers of the spirit" and "guardians of tradition." The purpose of the Corps is to develop well educated leaders of character prepared to provide value based leadership and service in the public and private sectors. This purpose is achieved by following one of two paths which lead either to a commision as an officer in the U.S. military or the leadership certificate route which requires no military commitment.

Leadership Focus

After cadets finish their first two years of mandatory ROTC training they are given the choice to remain in the ROTC program and become military officers or to pursue the leadership certificate option. For those cadets who do not wish to enter the military the route they would take would be to obtain a leadership certificate. Upon graduation the leadership certificate is placed in that cadets file with their transcripts and can be used when applying for a job. There are several Fortune 500 companies who come to the Corps of Cadets and recruit those cadets taking the leadership certificate route as there is a shortage in the job market of incoming prospective employees who have extensive leadership training. In this economy participation in the Corps of Cadets and the training that it provides will provide you with an edge over competitors when applying for jobs.

Military Focus

Texas A&M commisions more officers into the U.S. Armed Forces than any other senior military college in the country. Cadets can choose to seek a commission in one of four ROTC branches: Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force. By choosing to commission in the military many cadets can recieve much needed financial assistance from their ROTC branch which includes full tuition, monthly allowances, and money for books and uniforms. Upon graduation and commisioning aggie officers in the military are assured two things not allowed officers from any other school. The first is that aggie officers are automatically given advancement oppurtunities not given to other officers because of the reputation of former aggies who have served. The second is that aggie officers are guaranteed a friend which is a valuable asset for officers new to the military. Aggies have always been known to take up the call to serve their country and have developed a reputation well known throughout the military.