What was it like before CCA came into existence?
First of all, it is not a charitable organization, but rather a “not for profit” organization to promote, support and grow the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M.
In about 1990, the university had grown to over 35,000. The Corps strength had declined to around 2,000. Between 1966-1970, the university enrollment fluctuated upward from about 9500 to 11,500. The Corps strength fluctuated downward between 3400 to 2850.
As a representation of the student body, the percentage of cadets to total students dropped from approximately 35% to 5.7% during the same 20 year period. Prior to 1970, if you encountered a former student, the first thing you would normally ask is what outfit were you in? By 1980 it was “were you in the Corps?” By 1990 it was “what is the corps”
General Darling saw a need for recruiting prospective cadets into the Corps. The Corps had no formal recruiting arm, thus the CLO (Corps Leadership Outreach) was formed consisting of former cadets who volunteered their time to visit high school college fairs and counselors.
Realizing the Corps had no material in the way of brochures and the Former students provided inadequate funding and seemed to lack interest in general in growing the Corps, a volunteer stepped forward on his own and formed the CCA. Prior to this time, there was no formal organization dedicated solely to promoting and growing the Corps. Neither was there a data base of former cadets.
The CCA started out on a shoe sting budget consisting of dedicated volunteers desiring to promote the Corps, its growth, continuation and camaraderie. The organization has grown from a handful of former students in 1993 to what it is today. Unlike the academies or other military colleges, CCA competes with the Former Students, Foundation and 12th Man for dollars generally missing out on the larger capital bequests. Most of the revenue is generated from membership dues at several levels. For this privilege, members are able to access the CCA web page which contains current Corps info, numerous data bases, membership rosters, photos and videos. Additionally, members receive a quarterly copy of the GUIDON magazine.
Having been involved in Corps recruiting since the early 1990’s, I can attest to the generosity of CCA in providing funds for Corps brochures, advertising, and other support. I have never made a request of CCA that wasn’t answered, and I assure you, every Commandant from General Darling to present can attest to the value that CCA has contributed to the growth and sustenance of the Corps
[This message has been edited by HuslinOne70 (edited 12/14/2011 9:40a).]
First of all, it is not a charitable organization, but rather a “not for profit” organization to promote, support and grow the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M.
In about 1990, the university had grown to over 35,000. The Corps strength had declined to around 2,000. Between 1966-1970, the university enrollment fluctuated upward from about 9500 to 11,500. The Corps strength fluctuated downward between 3400 to 2850.
As a representation of the student body, the percentage of cadets to total students dropped from approximately 35% to 5.7% during the same 20 year period. Prior to 1970, if you encountered a former student, the first thing you would normally ask is what outfit were you in? By 1980 it was “were you in the Corps?” By 1990 it was “what is the corps”
General Darling saw a need for recruiting prospective cadets into the Corps. The Corps had no formal recruiting arm, thus the CLO (Corps Leadership Outreach) was formed consisting of former cadets who volunteered their time to visit high school college fairs and counselors.
Realizing the Corps had no material in the way of brochures and the Former students provided inadequate funding and seemed to lack interest in general in growing the Corps, a volunteer stepped forward on his own and formed the CCA. Prior to this time, there was no formal organization dedicated solely to promoting and growing the Corps. Neither was there a data base of former cadets.
The CCA started out on a shoe sting budget consisting of dedicated volunteers desiring to promote the Corps, its growth, continuation and camaraderie. The organization has grown from a handful of former students in 1993 to what it is today. Unlike the academies or other military colleges, CCA competes with the Former Students, Foundation and 12th Man for dollars generally missing out on the larger capital bequests. Most of the revenue is generated from membership dues at several levels. For this privilege, members are able to access the CCA web page which contains current Corps info, numerous data bases, membership rosters, photos and videos. Additionally, members receive a quarterly copy of the GUIDON magazine.
Having been involved in Corps recruiting since the early 1990’s, I can attest to the generosity of CCA in providing funds for Corps brochures, advertising, and other support. I have never made a request of CCA that wasn’t answered, and I assure you, every Commandant from General Darling to present can attest to the value that CCA has contributed to the growth and sustenance of the Corps
[This message has been edited by HuslinOne70 (edited 12/14/2011 9:40a).]
