“In true Texas tradition … 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.”
—GEN Omar Bradley, USA Speech to 1950 Graduating Class
“I believe integrity is the basic building block for the Aggie Spirit in any Texas Aggie. Being a Texas Aggie is … spirit. In a very real sense it is a state of mind. This is what A&M expects of you—to recognize standards and give it your best try. In short, A&M expects you to be a person of absolute integrity—to be a real Aggie. This Aggie spirit is both your heritage and your challenge; make the most of it.”
—LtGen Ormond R. Simpson, USMC Aggie Muster Speech, April 21, 1985
A Place Like No Other
Deep in the heart of Texas, there is a university like no other, an institution steeped in tradition, unique in spirit and renowned for developing leaders of character who are dedicated to service for the greater good. This place is Texas A&M University. When President Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Act of 1862, he funded the creation of land-grant colleges across the United States with the purpose of teaching agriculture and mechanics, while emphasizing military training. While most land-grant colleges still stress these disciplines, no other school does so with the vigor of Texas A&M.
Texas A&M remains one of the nation’s leading agriculture schools and was home to Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Norman Borlaug, a Distinguished Professor of International Agriculture. He came to Texas A&M in 1984 where he taught and inspired young scientists until 2009. As an influential agronomist, he is credited with having saved more lives than anyone else in history through his crop research.
Texas A&M also is the home of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets, which commissions more military officers than any Reserve Officers’ Training Corps unit in the nation. During World War II, Texas A&M even outpaced the military academies by commissioning 14,123 officers. Of the numerous Aggies who have served in the military, seven have earned the nation’s highest award, the Medal of Honor, and 225 have become flag or general officers. Today, there are more than 1,900 cadets and midshipmen in the Aggie Corps.
Graduates of Texas A&M continue to serve in all levels of government and business. The current Texas governor, Rick Perry, graduated from the university in 1972 and has served as governor for the past 10 years (a state tenure record). A former president of Texas A&M, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates was called to serve by President George W. Bush and continues in that position in President Barack Obama’s administration. A rare and unique sense of tradition, spirit and servant leadership is instilled in all Texas Aggies.
A Tradition of Traditions
The “Aggie Traditions” Web page poses the question, “What does it mean to be a Texas Aggie?” It explains: “Since its beginning in 1876, Texas A&M has developed a rich heritage of traditions that have helped to develop character, leadership, unity and public service in all its graduates. By experiencing these honored traditions, you can begin to understand what is truly meant by ‘the Spirit of Aggieland.’ ”
While widely recognized as a leading academic institution and for significant contributions to our nation, it is the longstanding and unique traditions that set Texas A&M apart. Many Aggie traditions reflect the university’s origins as a military college.
One such tradition is “Silver Taps.” On the first Tuesday evening of every month, students gather silently in a memorial service for recently fallen students. All of the campus lights are extinguished as Texas A&M’s honor guard, the Ross Volunteers, march in front of the families of the fallen in a slow and silent cadence. After a three-volley rifle salute ends, three buglers from the Aggie band play a special rendition of “Taps” three times, once to the north, once to the south and once to the west, signifying that the sun never will rise over those fallen students again.
“Aggie Muster” is an annual tradition dating back to 1883. On April 21 (the anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto where Texas won independence from Mexico) Aggies around the world gather in more than 400 separate Muster ceremonies. Tradition dictates, “If there is an A&M man in one hundred miles of you, you are expected to get together, eat a little, and live over the days you spent at the A&M College of Texas.”
It is a time for celebration, but also of remembrance as Aggies honor all graduates and students who died that year. During the ceremony, each name is called in a “roll call for the absent.” Family and friends answer “here” for their loved ones, signifying that they will never be gone while their families remain.
Aggie Muster gained worldwide recognition in the Pacific during WW II when Army Major General George F. Moore held Muster for all of the Aggies fighting on Corregidor to ensure that they still were alive. A reporter sent the story home, telling of the brave men who were fighting abroad. Truly a unique tradition, Muster reminds Aggies of the greatness that lies within Texas A&M, of the loyalty Aggies possess and of the connection that binds Aggies, whether they are present in flesh or spirit.
Along with these traditions, Texas A&M also is home of the “Twelfth Man.” This tradition began Jan. 2, 1922, when the underdog Aggie football team played the nation’s top ranked team, Centre College. In a tough game, as the Aggies ran out of players, Coach Dana X. Bible remembered a former player, E. King Gill, who was in the bleachers. Gill was called to the field and suited up, ready to play for the rest of the game, which A&M won. At the end of the game, Gill was the only man left standing on the sidelines for the Aggies.
He later said, “I simply stood by in case my team needed me.” He became known as the Twelfth Man because he stood ready for duty in the event that the team needed him. His spirit of readiness for service, spirit, support and enthusiasm kindled a flame of devotion among the students. The spirit of the Twelfth Man has grown over time, and now the entire Aggie student body is the Twelfth Man as they stand in support during the entire game.
“Midnight Yell Practice” dates back to 1913. At midnight before home football games, yell leaders (Aggies don’t have cheerleaders) join the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band and the Twelfth Man in the stadium to lead the crowd in old Army yells and the fight song and tell stories of how the Aggies are going to “beat the hell” out of the next opponent. Lastly, the lights go out, and Aggies practice kissing their dates. (Aggie tradition mandates kissing dates when the team scores.)
Aggies also participate in “The Big Event,” a one-day service project organized by the students of Texas A&M as a way of thanking the local community for supporting the university. Started in 1982, it is the largest event of its kind in the nation. In 2009, more than 12,500 Aggies completed more than 1,200 projects in the Bryan/College Station area.
Texas A&M has numerous other traditions that foster spirit, character and camaraderie. Aggie traditions are cherished as part of the Texas A&M culture, which is best described by Secretary Gates: “The Aggie culture is grounded in patriotism, religious faith however expressed, love of family, loyalty to one another, an old-fashioned work ethic, a sense of duty and the importance of service to others and to our country, and a shared belief in the supreme importance of character and integrity.”
The Corps of Cadets
Outside of the U.S. military academies, the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets remains the largest uniformed student body in our nation. The Aggie Corps offers students something extra. Like other senior military-college training programs, it provides a disciplined lifestyle and practical leadership experiences every day. But at Texas A&M, cadets are at the heart of Aggie Spirit since most of the traditions grew out of the Corps during its days as an all-male military college. Thus, the cadets are considered “Keepers of the Spirit.”
The Corps of Cadets trains students to be effective leaders in all areas of society, not just in military skills. Of the 1,900 cadets in the Corps, about half seek commission in the armed services while others seek service as leaders in other government or business pursuits. Cadets hold leadership billets within their units and learn how to lead both underclassmen and peers in a challenging environment. The rewarding four-year journey of shared experiences fosters a unique camaraderie that lasts a lifetime.
Aggie cadets have and continue to “Answer the Call” to arms for our country. The senior class of 1917 volunteered en masse for officer training a month before the end of school to fight in WW I. When America was drawn into WW II, more than 18,000 students went to war and enhanced the tradition of Fightin’ Texas Aggies. In the early stages of WW II, General Douglas MacArthur wrote, “Texas A&M is writing its own military history in the blood of its graduates. … Whenever I see a Texas man in my command; I have a feeling of confidence.” Today, countless Aggies serve as leaders in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Naval ROTC Unit
Established in 1972, the Texas A&M Naval ROTC unit continues to set the highest standards of excellence in leadership development, academics and physical fitness. The Midshipman Battalion currently has more than 400 students enrolled. Many will receive commissions in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. In the past three years, the Texas A&M NROTC unit has commissioned 166 officers.
The Texas A&M NROTC also has many Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP) and Seaman-to-Admiral 21 (STA-21) students.
These Marine and Navy active-duty enlisted students are an integral part of the NROTC, but are not members of the Corps of Cadets. The MECEP and STA-21 students routinely set academic records and serve as mentors for cadets who will join the military.
This academic year, there are 24 MECEPs at Texas A&M. Sergeant Travis McWhirter, a combat engineer by military occupational specialty and one of the MECEPs to be commissioned in May 2011, said, “As a Marine, I naturally gravitated towards a school that offered an atmosphere saturated in long-held traditions.”
Staff Sergeant Brandon Cox, with a Marine military police background and anticipating commissioning in December, added, “MECEPs here share a high level of cohesiveness.”
Additionally, the NROTC unit has forged close ties with the local officer selection officer (OSO) to link NROTC training with students who are participating in the Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) Program. The OSO, Captain Thomas Cantu, working out of Recruiting Station Houston, makes frequent coordination visits to the university, assisting the NROTC staff efforts in preparing PLCs, midshipmen and MECEPs for active duty.
To maximize training for all future leaders, the NROTC hosts numerous “special units” that enhance professional development. The units include Recon Company, SEAL Platoon, Semper Fi Society, Admiral Halsey Society, a sailing team and the Spearhead Company. These units are organized and led by students to provide additional leadership experience before commissioning.
To support these units and provide training, the unit staff of 16 officers, enlisted and civilians, is led by a Marine colonel with combat experience. This large staff and its vast Marine and Navy experiences complement the Corps of Cadets staff to provide a “one-of-a-kind” leadership-training environment.
Midshipman First Class Kristopher Smith, who will be commissioned in December, said, “The Corps of Cadets prides itself on developing leaders. … If I have learned anything from my four and a half years at Texas A&M University, it is the power of the Aggie family and the value of personal relationships.”
Midn 1/c David Keim, a Marine option, is the Corps commander for this academic year. As the highest ranking cadet in the 1,900-person Corps of Cadets, Keim said, “The Aggie experience provides leadership opportunities and challenges that prepare you for life after college.”
The USMC-Aggie Tradition
Over the years, Texas A&M has graduated many Marine warrior-leaders. In this 60th anniversary year of the Korean War, MajGen Raymond L. Murray comes immediately to mind.
During WW II as a major and lieutenant colonel, Murray, a graduate of the Class of 1935, commanded 2d Battalion, Sixth Marine Regiment, earning two Silver Stars and a Navy Cross. When the Korean War broke out, then-LtCol Murray took 5th Marines to war. Fighting in the Pusan Perimeter, Inchon landing and up through the Chosin Reservoir campaign in 1950, he earned two additional Silver Stars and a Navy Cross.
In the last 20 years, Texas A&M has commissioned more than 490 officers into the U.S. Marine Corps. Many of these officers remain on active duty today. Currently there are three Aggies who serve as general officers in the Marine Corps, MajGen Randolph D. Alles, MajGen (Sel) David C. Garza and Brigadier General Walter L. Miller Jr.
A number of Marine Aggies have retired and returned to Texas A&M to fill leadership roles. Most notably, retired Lieutenant General Joseph F. Weber was appointed as the university’s Vice President for Student Affairs in 2008. LtGen John H. Miller, USMC (Ret), a former Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, and member of the A&M Class of 1949, volunteers in the athletic department. MajGen Marvin T. Hopgood Jr., USMC (Ret) served as the 37th Commandant of the Corps of Cadets and head of the School of Military Sciences from 1996 to 2002.
Asked what is different about Texas A&M, LtGen Weber said, “Texas A&M is a unique and very special place. It produces special leaders of character and integrity ... young men and women who always seem to volunteer for the toughest jobs, always seem to be able to keep more than one ball in the air at a time, and are committed to the accomplishment of the mission no matter how difficult while demonstrating a genuine care and compassion for those they lead. This uniqueness is best defined and attributed to those who choose to partake in the ultimate Aggie experience—the Corps of Cadets.”
The Marine Corps’ culture of esprit, love of heritage and tradition, and dedication to building leaders with character is strikingly similar to the culture of Texas A&M. A Marine’s foundation in the core values of honor, courage and commitment are reflected in the Aggie core values of integrity, leadership, loyalty, selfless service, excellence and respect. Texas A&M provides a unique “made-to-order” environment to build the foundation for future Marine officers who will continue the USMC-Aggie tradition of selfless leadership to country and Corps.
Looking to the Future
During the past 134 years, Texas A&M has evolved to provide leaders with character in all walks of life. As one of the oldest institutions in Texas, it retains the ideals and culture of the people of Texas in its roots. However, the university, the Corps of Cadets and the Naval ROTC unit are looking to the future requirements of our country and its naval services.
With the university’s “Vision 2020” plan, Texas A&M outlined a path to future improvements and growth. One of the imperatives is that the Corps of Cadets will grow to 2,600 cadets. New professors and a robust building plan will support the added thousands of students who will become Fightin’ Texas Aggies and members of the Twelfth Man. The Corps of Cadets will appoint a new Commandant of Cadets later this year as it continues to improve leadership training opportunities. The NROTC unit is growing at a rapid pace as more midshipmen, MECEP and STA-21 students join the ranks.
Despite the changes, some things will remain the same at this truly unique institution. Texas A&M will build on its traditions and leverage the Aggie spirit to produce quality selfless leaders of character, the likes of which America can be proud.
Editor’s note: To learn more about Texas A&M University and its NROTC program, visit http://nrotc.tamu.edu/ and the Web site for all NROTC: https://www.nrotc.navy.mil/. More insights into the Marine Corps’ enlisting commissioning program are available at https://www.marines.usmc.mil/G3/Officer/mecep.htm.
“Finishing What He Started”
Sergeant Neil Erskine was an Aggie before he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2002. A native Texan, Sgt Erskine attended Texas A&M as a member of the Corps of Cadets after graduating from Jersey Village High School in northwest Houston. He explained that during his first semester as an Aggie, the events of Sept. 11, 2001, “pushed me to enlist.”
After two semesters, Midshipman Erskine turned in his Aggie uniform and donned a Marine Corps uniform at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. He firmly believes that his Corps of Cadets experience ensured that he was physically and mentally prepared for the rigors of boot camp and subsequent combat deployments. In his time at A&M, he stated, “I learned followership and a lot about myself.” He also learned about the importance of humble leadership and the value of “listening to others’ ideas before giving 100 percent.”
After graduating with an 0311, rifleman occupational specialty from the School of Infantry-West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., he was assigned to 1st Battalion, Seventh Marine Regiment and completed three combat deployments to Iraq between 2003 and 2006. As a squad leader, he earned a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat “V.” While he was assigned as a tactics instructor at Headquarters and Service Company, Officer Candidates School, Quantico, Va., Sgt Erskine was selected to participate in the MECEP Program.
Asked why he wanted to return to Texas A&M to pursue his education and commission, his immediate response was, “I wanted to finish what I started” at a place that is home to military-type traditions. Attending A&M is also an Erskine family tradition; he has two brothers who also have attended Texas A&M.
Currently, he is studying sociology and is on track to be commissioned as another proud Fightin’ Texas Aggie second lieutenant of Marines in May 2011.
—Col Gerald Smith
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