I was watching the first episode of the FTAB show for this year and noticed that one of the commanders was wearing a Fish Drill Team Cord. How in blue blazes does a BQ have the time to be a member of FDT (I was FDT by the way) and the FTAB? Red ass is all I can say!

Times have changed. When I was in the Band, we practiced in the afternoons - roughly the same time that the Fish Drill Team practiced. Today, the Band drills in the morning, thus we have BQs who choose to join the FDT and practice with them in the afternoon. Its not easy, but many have done it, and have gone on to become Advisors for the FDT as upperclassmen. That was why you probably saw a BQ wearing a FDT cord. And yes, they ARE redass!

Have a son in the Band and wondered the same thing when I went to events his fish year. In addition to FDT, there are BQs in Parsons and at least one yell leader recently.

The Commandant's answer about the schedule is just one of the changes over years ago. When I was there, the culture would not have allowed for BQs to be in so many other organizations -- from both the Band and the other unit. BQs didn't want their BQs in FDT and FDT didn't want BQs, etc.

Not saying that was right / wrong, good / bad. But years ago, the schedule certainly didn't permit being part of another unit, and the Band and the units didn't want BQs to go there.

BQ as a yell leader...that one blows my mind. Back in the 80's we would have kicked someone out of the band (among other things) if they announced they wanted to be a yell boy.

When my son joined, it was very interesting to see the changes from the 80's. At first, I was kind of angry at some of the things and took on the, "Old Army is dead" mentality. But I quickly made a decision to keep my mouth shut. Why? First of all, me voicing an opinion wasn't going to change things one bit. Second, it would not be fair to my son to constantly talk about the old days and how "bad" the Corps and Band are. I always disliked those old Ags coming around the dorm telling us how much tougher and better things were years ago and how easy I had it and how bad the Band is.

The fact is, in so many, many ways, that Corps of Cadets and that Aggie Band (and all corps organizations) are so much better than when I was in. My son's a senior and for 3 plus years I've spent many weekends on the quad. I am very impressed with those cadets. They are sharp, well-spoken, professional. I've listened at outfit banquets and read weekly emails from his chain and thought numerous times how I'd like these young men and women to be part of my business. They would make it better.

Maybe crawling thru crap at the pig farm and steam showers did teach me some toughness and grittiness. But, these kids have perseverance too. The corps is still tough -- damn tough. And anyone who makes it through should be extremely proud of successfully completing a physically and mentally tough, tough four-year obstacle course.

All anyone has to do is look at the product. FDT is still razor sharp. Parsons is phenomenal. Seal Platoon -- damn tough. So tough, I'll say most 'Old Army' types couldn't make it through. And halftime still takes the breath out 100,000 people.

quote:

---

So tough, I'll say most 'Old Army' types couldn't make it through

---

I don't know if I agree with that statement but... I do know that most "Old Army" types wouldn't even get admitted to Texas A&M today. Of my 12 buddies who made it through all 4 years, at least 4 of them wouldn't even get in to the University today. Including one US Army LTC and a couple other higher profile alumni.