The latest news about the Corps of Cadets from the Commandant.
The latest news about the Corps of Cadets from the Commandant.
Howdy!

This semester is flying by! It seems like only yesterday that our cadets were returning from the winter break, and now we are rapidly approaching the mid-semester mark! 
An observation from the Commandant’s foxhole:  It is interesting to bear witness to ‘leadership in action’ by our Cadets.  Every day is a learning opportunity where we see leader growth.  The complexity of leading peers in a military based cultural model creates conditions where emotions, intellect, passion, discipline and will come together.  Sometimes not always with an optimal solution.  It is in the not-to-optimal that learning really occurs… That is what prepares young men and women for the challenges of tomorrow.  We continue to mature the Corps experience to one that matches the demands of tomorrow and balances the traditions that define Texas A&M.   

With mid-term grades being due less than a month from now, I wanted to take the time to remind you that there are several academic resources available to your cadet. From Corps dedicated academic advising (academics@corps.tamu.edu) to the university’s writing center, these additional resources are in place to ensure that your cadet is on the right track academically. 

If your cadet feels they could use additional personal support, there are several resources available to them in this area as well. Our Corps Performance Coaches (academics@corps.tamu.edu) are available to provide training on resiliency and other holistic health focuses, and connect them with greater university health resources as needed. 

More information on these new members of our team is provided later in this newsletter. 

For a full list of resources that are available to our cadets, please visit here

The spring is a busy, yet exciting time for the Corps of Cadets. As we push forward, there’s two key events that we’d love to have you join us for:

Family Weekend (4/12 - 4/14)

Final Review (4/27)

Additionally, Parsons Mounted Cavalry will be traveling to represent us at several different events across the state this semester. A list of those events is accessible here

As always, if there is anything within the Corps that your cadet is experiencing that may be out of line with my expectations of a respectful, values-based environment, tell us. Contact one of our advisors, who are experienced leaders. 

Their email and phone number information can be accessed here.

Thanks, Gig ‘Em, 
Brigadier General Patrick Michaelis ’93
Family at Aggieland Saturday Ross Volunteer reflection in puddle at Aggieland Saturday

Aggieland Saturday 2024


As Texas A&M’s largest open-house event of the semester, we welcomed thousands of prospective students and their families to campus for Aggieland Saturday last weekend! 
Though there was quite a bit of rain, our cadets didn’t let the weather dampen their spirits. It was quite the sight to see cadets, who represented special units and outfits in the Corps, at each corner of campus. From serving as guides throughout the day to answering our guest’s questions, our cadets made sure that every Aggieland Saturday attendee was properly welcomed.  
We can’t wait for next year! 
View photos from Aggieland Saturday here.
Tabitha Ford '25 Elizabeth Lewis ‘25 Volodymyr Ploskanych ‘25

Cadets Intern on Capitol Hill


This spring, cadets Tabitha Ford ‘25, Elizabeth Lewis ‘25 and Volodymyr Ploskanych ‘25 (from left to right, above) are interning on Capitol Hill through Texas A&M’s Agricultural Natural Resources Policy Internship Program (ANRP) and Public Policy Internship Program (PPIP). 

The highly selective programs offer students from across many different majors the opportunity to gain a better understanding of how the policy process impacts their intended professional field. 

Read more about these cadets and their time in their respective programs here
FDT on Tulane Drill Field

Fish Drill Team Claims 14th Straight Title at Tulane

A huge congratulations to the Fish Drill Team (FDT) on their victory at Tulane’s Mardi Gras Drill Meet! The class of 2027’s success at this competition, which featured drill teams from across the nation, marks the team’s 14th consecutive first place title. FDT is unique amongst their competitors in that they’re the only drill team comprised entirely of freshmen.

To the freshman class of 2027 and their advisors: be proud. After just five months of intense training, you’ve demonstrated professionalism, dedication to your craft and the Aggie spirit on the national stage. Your hard work has paid off, and the glory is all yours. 

View photos from the Mardi Gras Meet here.

Resource Spotlight: Corps Performance Coaches

 A new addition to the Commandant’s staff is the Corps Performance Coaches. 

Corps Performance Coaches provide training on resiliency, lay-education on mental health, well-being and suicide prevention. They also provide education services on other wellness dimensions including sleep, time and stress management, nutrition and healthy eating, physical health, and emotional, social, environmental and spiritual health. 

CPCs are not licensed counselors, but can provide resources to cadets when needed.

There are currently four of these coaches on the team, with efforts underway to add a fifth. All cadets may reach out by emailing performance@corps.tamu.edu to set up an appointment or walk-in during office hours, of 8-5pm Monday-Friday. The team office is in the Buzbee LLC on the 4th floor, in room 410. 

The CPCs will also frequently provide structured instruction through outreach events and SOMS classes.

2024 Minerva Conference 

Calling all former female cadets! The first annual Minerva Conference will be held on March 3rd, 2024 at the Memorial Student Center, room 2300, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. 

The Minerva Conference aims to foster support and connection amongst current and former female cadets through mentorship, shared experience and love for the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. Key speakers include Mandy Scott ‘87, Bonnie Michaelis and General Janet Wolfenbarger. Lunch will be provided to all attendees!

If you are interested in attending the Minerva Conference, please register here by February 23rd. 
Anika Waddill '24 poses in front of the arches

Cadet Spotlight: Annika Waddill ‘24


Anika Waddill ‘24 is a nursing major from Burleson, Texas. Originally from Company A-2, Anika presently serves as the PR and Recruiting Officer for First Wing.
On the Quad, Anika works for Corps Recruiting and is a member of the Corps Tennis team and Corps Color Guard. Anika previously served as the First Brigade Color Sergeant. Off the Quad, Anika is an active member of Aggie Sweethearts.
After graduation, Anika plans to move back to the Fort Worth area to work as a nurse. She also hopes to one day return to school for her master’s degree in nursing.
Learn more about Anika and her time in the Corps here.
Upcoming Events
February 16th - Graduation application deadline

February 23rd-24th - San Antonio Rodeo (PMC will serve as the color guard)

February 24th - Houston Rodeo Parade

Stay up to date with upcoming events in the Corps of Cadets here

To view the latest photo coverage of Corps events,
visit our Flickr account here
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