Texas A&M: The Military College of Texas

Texas A&M is one of six national senior military colleges offering participation in military Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) programs. With more than 145 years of cadet training and service to the nation, it is not surprising that Texas A&M is listed first on the United States Code, which established the senior military colleges in law. The other five colleges include The Citadel, the University of North Georgia, Norwich University, the Virginia Military Institute and Virginia Tech. 

Before 2001, three of the six senior military colleges had been named the official military college of their respective states. After meeting with leaders from these colleges, former Commandant of the Corps of Cadets Maj. Gen. Ted Hopgood ’65 realized that Texas A&M was more than qualified to claim the Texas title. But he knew he would have to bring this to the attention of the Texas government.  

In June 2001, Hopgood sent a letter to Gov. Perry requesting Texas A&M be awarded the designation, citing the extensive history of Aggie military service, officer training programs and student organizations that create passionate, patriotic leaders.  

“Texas A&M has a long history of supporting military efforts by training outstanding officers and instilling in them our university’s core values and a dedication to our nation,” Hopgood said. “All I did was present the facts; Texas A&M’s accomplishments spoke for themselves.” 

Aggies Answer the Call 

Since its establishment in 1876, Texas A&M has maintained a standing body of cadets who live and learn on campus. It has offered ROTC programs since 1916, graduating officers who have served in every major U.S. armed conflict since its founding.  

“Texas A&M can boast 145 years of service to our country; not many other institutions have the honor or privilege to say the same,” said Col. Byron Stebbins ’78, Interim Commandant of the Corps. “Having this designation acknowledges the commitments and sacrifices past, current and future Aggies have made and will make for our state and nation.” 

Students over the years have freely given their time, health and lives for the American people. While Texas A&M cadets fought in the Spanish American War and World War I, it was their service in and after World War II that sent the college into the forefront of military education.  

Campus almost emptied during the war, as cadets left to fight in droves, many never returning. Throughout the worldwide conflict, nearly 20,000 Aggies served in the nation’s military, more than 950 of whom laid down their lives for their country. Seven former students were awarded the Medal of Honor, the country’s highest and most prestigious military award for valor, for their heroic deeds. 

On and off the battlefield, Aggies were noticed for their exemplary military education and problem-solving skills. More Aggies served as military officers during World War II than graduates of any other school in the nation, while campus offered military training courses for over 50,000 additional soldiers.
 

A glowing recommendation from Gen. Omar Bradly supported these facts. After serving with Gen. James Earl Rudder ’32 in World War II, he stated, “The men of Texas A&M can stand up to any men in the world and compare favorably their education and training for leadership—leadership in the pursuits of peace, and if it comes to war, leadership in battle.”  

The Corps of Cadets grew exponentially in the post-World War II years, graduating over 300 generals and admirals to this day, 10 of whom attained four-star rank.  

Special units within the Corps offer an extra layer of military discipline for dedicated cadets. ROTC programs like Rudders Rangers, the SEAL and Recon Platoons, and the Special Tactics Squadron provide extra strength and leadership training through annual competitions. Through intense instruction, these groups focus on preparing cadets to serve their country. 

Non-ROTC units also provide leadership enrichment and build a culture of honor in the Corps. The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, Fish Drill Team and Parsons Mounted Cavalry all teach precision, resiliency and integrity. The Ross Volunteer Company, the most prestigious special unit comprised of junior and senior cadets, has served as the honor guard for Texas governors since 1950. 

While serving in ceremonial, leadership and performance capacities, cadets learn personal strength, humility, honor and teamwork. When they leave the Quad, they enter the world ready to make an impact no matter where they go.