I'm way too far out from my time in the Corps to offer an opinion without it being completely biased based on my personal experience and outdated information. That being said, there's a 97.9% chance you'll be happy in whatever outfit you join. And probably a 75% chance you'll want to join whatever outfit you spend the night with. Just keep in mind that every outfit tries to put their best foot forward during SNWC.

*Disclaimer: percentages are approximations

D-2

I am looking for an outfit that promotes academics and pushes physical fitness. I understand that this is what every outfit strives for, but who (in your opinion) is the best? Any help is good. Thanks!

Grades and physical fitness are the best criteria by which to evaluate outfits, you are ahead of the power curve recognizing this. Having retired from the military and moved on to my second (and now third) career I can say without question, grades should always be at the front of your mind, followed by getting in great shape, closed by having as much fun as possible.
When I was in undergrad I cared about marching, and clean rooms and all the other things that have no correlation to long term success. Grades & physical fitness directly correlate with long term success, especially in the military. So when evaluating outfits look at how they handle academics, fitness, and if you think you can have fun with these guys. To this end E-1 (Army) & H-1 (Navy/Marines) are fine choices to which I would only add Squadron 17 (Air Force).
I graduated far too long ago to have any first had knowledge of what the modern Corps is like, but have stayed connected through family and friends kids to still know a bit & Jock 15 had the right of it. Almost every outfit in the "Modern Corps" promotes academics. It really is more about what does the outfits culture value; what is your fish classes personal attitude towards grades before and after starting at A&M; what majors do you and your fish class have; what is your semester by semester load, ect Those are the things that will really shape your experience and those are all things you cannot find out until you are in your outfit.

Now a bit about the various awards:

This year's Parent's Weekend Awards:
Commandant's Flag speaks indirectly to a culture promoting extra outfit involvement, this is a good thing!
Commandant's Flag (Outfit Involvement in Activities Both on and Off the Quad): 1st Place - SQ-17; 2nd Place - D-2; 3rd Place - E-1

I'm not sure what the criteria are, but Sec Def Gates was a great man and public service should be strongly encouraged.
Robert Gates Flag (Public Service): 1st Place - SQ-18; 2nd Place - SQ-2; 3rd Place - SQ-17

I fully understand why the Commandant and his staff would promote this, however I personally would avoid any outfit which won the General Sanchez.
JJ Sanchez Flag (Recruiting and Retention): 1st Place - A Co Band; 2nd Place - SQ-2; 3rd Place - SQ-11

If one outfit consistently won or placed for this several years in a row I would give them strong consideration, otherwise every year varies too much to put much stock in past years academic success as a likely indicator of future success.
George P.F. Jouine Flag (Academic Excellence): 1st Place - A-1; 2nd Place - D-2; 3rd Place - F-2


Not sure what the criteria are, no opinion.
Bruno Hochmuth Flag (Military Proficiency): 1st Place - SQ-11; 2nd Place - SQ-16; 3rd Place - D-2

Not sure what the criteria are, no opinion.
Taylor Gillespie Flag (Most Improved Outfit): 1st Place - P-2; 2nd Place - D-2; 3rd Place - A-1

Not sure what the criteria are, no opinion.
President's Flag (Outstanding Major Unit): 1st Wing

Avoid these outfits like the plague. The General Moore flag incorporates drill proficiency, room cleanliness, ect outfits which focus on these elements more than necessary (which is a prerequisite to win the award) do so at the expense of what matters (grades, fitness, having fun) & should be avoided.
General George F. Moore Flag (Outstanding Unit): 1st Place - A Co Band; 2nd Place - SQ-11; 3rd Place - SQ-2

On a final note, join an un-integrated outfit. Nothing against integrated outfits but there is a lot you can do in an all-male environment that is generally not possible in a co-ed environment. Not to mention if physical fitness and having fun are top criteria, then all male outfits are in much better shape and I would take ten to one odds have more fun.

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On a final note, join an un-integrated outfit. Nothing against integrated outfits but there is a lot you can do in an all-male environment that is generally not possible in a co-ed environment. Not to mention if physical fitness and having fun are top criteria, then all male outfits are in much better shape and I would take ten to one odds have more fun.

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I disagree with this a bit. I felt being in an integrated outfit helped me. There will never be another point in you life where you can avoid being subordinate to, working with, or being the supervisor of women. I felt I was able to deal with female soldier issues much better in the Army because I had already dealt with many of the in the Corps. I think those lessons go for most professional careers as well.

If you are looking for a stronger fraternal organization type experience (more frat like), then that plays a bigger role, sure. There is nothing wrong with that if you are. And no, you can't walked around naked and the jokes are less crude in an integrated outfit. But if you are looking for this experience to prepare you for a future career in the military, you might as well start working with women. Just my humble opinion.

And wow, there are so many flags now. And I agree. Outfits constantly trying to get the Moore Award are less fun.

The band is the limpest organization at A&M, BQ's suck.

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The band is the limpest organization at A&M, BQ's suck.

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ouch. That one hurt a little.

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Proved his point though.