I find it hard to explain what it truly means to be a freshman in the Corps of Cadets, specifically in Band Company, to those not in the Corps. The numerous ranks, jargon, regulations, and unwritten rules are one thing, and the Highty Tighties are another. This entirely different sect within the Corps of Cadets deserves it’s own post.
I’m in Band Company, which is comprised of, you guessed it, musicians. Everyone plays/are currently learning how to play an instrument and we have been practicing marching and our music for the past two weeks for our first game, which was against Appalachian State yesterday (which we won!).
Well, before we could prove we were ready, the training company (aka TC, aka freshmen) traversed through hell and back before we could wear our white chords in public. I won’t reveal the exact details, but I will say that I’m completely honored to be a part of the Band Company and can’t wait to be recognized as a full-fledged Highty Tighty when I turn (become a sophomore) at the end of the Spring semester. The agitated and jumbled emotions, serendipitous timing of the weather, and grueling three weeks of training has brought us closer as a bud class.
My first show with the Highty Tighties
Hey. So, I’m thinking of attending VT in the corps of cadets next year, and I was wondering if you could tell me what it’s like there. Is the civilian track different from the military tracks? Also, I’m kind of an odd, geeky-type person. The kind who does her homework with her computer screen turned sideways to see how quickly her reflexes adjust. Would I be out of place there? Is there geekery in the corps?
Glad to hear you’re interested in the Corps! Unfortunately I’ve only been here for only a mere month, so I can’t fully describe what it’s like to prospective students just yet. Ask me this in a couple of months and I might have a different answer! Additionally, I’ve only been a part of one company (band) so I can’t speak for other students/line companies. However, based on my [limited] time here as a freshman in the Corps, the only universal observation I can impart is that you’re time is heavily monitored. I came in thinking I would have enough time to manage my academics, corps duties, and a job (because I was in dire need of one) first semester, but I was sadly mistaken. There will be days where I found that I could barely handle my academics. In a way, I’m glad I wasn’t granted permission to tackle a job because that would be a heavy burden.
Furthermore, since I am in Band Company, not only do I have responsibilities as a student and cadet, I’m also accountable for my duties as a bandsman. Not only can’t I play my instrument, but I also can’t march to save my life. I participated in activities such as Student Government, the newspaper, and service projects in high school, so marching band was a completely different realm that I needed to get used to (but it’s a working progress). Anyways, there is one thing my VPI squad leader told me regarding freshmen year: “If you must choose between being a good student or a good Cadet, always choose the good student”. You can be dubbed the “failbud” by the rest of your class, but as long as you’re smart, you’re good to go (at least in my book). I’d rather get pummeled with demerits than risk falling behind in class. There are ways to combat this, such as [in my opinion] taking a really easy courseload your first year (as in, 12 credits worth).
Also, I can’t really speak for the military (ROTC) tracks since I’m a part of the civilian track (aka VPI Company), but from my understanding, they’re completely different. I’m not completely sure, but apparently ROTC students learn about military history and how to recognize weapons and vehicles and stuff. Not too sure. As a VPI Cadet, we’re learning professional development such as how to dress professionally and how to set up VT’s e-portfolio.
You will find your first couple of weeks to be murderous because the corps engulfs your life, but think about the bigger picture here; whether you’re looking to do the civilian or military track, you’re degree is top priority here, and the Corps realizes that. It may not seem like it at first (yesterday I took a test on my reading comprehension skills…..really?) but they actually do care about your academic development.
And….interesting question regarding your personality. I personally believe the “geeky-type” disposition has its place here, only because it should. What I mean is whether you’re “geeky”, a “jock”, can’t speak English, black, white, hispanic, asian, etc., it shouldn’t matter when you’re making life decisions. Accept the fact that you’re geeky, whether the Corps is or not. I find in my training company that there is a lot of diversity, therefore a lot of ideas and personalities. That way we all have something to contribute.
Sorry for the long answer, but I commend you in your decision to join the Corps of Cadets. I say do it because it’s such an unconventional way to live out your college career, and I take pride in that. Moreover, VT is a great school filled with some creative and intelligent minds.
Good luck in your college application process!