I'm a rising sophomore in the Corps of Cadets. Earlier today, I found out from my upperclassmen that 'sophomore academy' was approved, and sophomores are expected to move in on August 10th. So far, that is the only information I'm aware of. There is no official announcement from the Commandant about this, so for now, take this with a grain of salt.

What is Sophomore Academy and do they not use "Piss head" anymore?

Would they really do anything like this so sudden? I mean we're only like a few months out from that and that would be such a significant change to how things have been done for so long. Surely they'd give more warning right?

I know several current cadets. This is happening as TexasRanger states.

I'd like to assume the VPSA is in a bind with corps performance and is trying to get the current commandant to clean up the mess that was left for him.

I agree that more training for heads is a good idea. I also think that cadets could benefit from more uniform standards, provided the outfit cultures are not stifled. There is no harm in pointing out this change in light of the kerfuffle from earlier this year, and the fact that many still do not know what the plan is moving forward.

JABQ04 said:

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You mean watching Full Metal Jacket the night before FOW isn't good enough anymore? What is new army coming to?

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At least you got to watch a movie....

Ours was more like " Remember the sh8t we put you through last year?"

Good read with some good perspective.

https://secure.corpsofcadets.org/rr/rr-june2024/#section=0

FTACo88-FDT24dad said:

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Good read with some good perspective.

https://secure.corpsofcadets.org/rr/rr-june2024/#section=0

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Thank you for sharing that!

What an inspirational read.

Wow! That's a fantastic speech. It's clear why he has been so successful. The entire speech is worth reading, so many good nuggets, but for the sake of this thread I'd highlight the following (which is what we call "first principles" in planning):

"Probably the most critical tool that you have to manage complexity is the ethical principles that you've learned over the past four years in the Corps. When things get tough, you have a set of principles you can rely on to help guide you and inform your decisions. One of the beautiful things that sets A&M apart is how we use traditions to help reinforce and emphasize those key principles.

The tradition of the 12th Man is manifested by standing during football games, but the principle that it emphasizes is readiness and teamwork. Muster is manifested by lighting a candle and saying "Here," but the principle that it emphasizes is respect and community and remembrance. We Aggies revere our traditions because we have strong principles, but we can sometimes get the tradition part mixed up with the principle part. Traditions are there to emphasize the principle, not for the sake of tradition. Remember that when something that was "Ol' Army" for you gets challenged. One of my closest friends and mentors from A&M is in the audience, Bill Carter, Class of '69. What was "Ol' Army" for Bill and his Class of '69 is different than what "Ol' Army" is for my Class of '96, and it's different than what "Ol' Army" is for you. The way traditions manifest themselves may change over time, but we continue to celebrate and reinforce the same principles. It also doesn't mean that change for the sake of change is always a good idea. When it's time for you to change, or you are leading change, or change is brought to you, ask yourself if the change is still in line with your key principles. Those principles got Bill through tough times in his career, they helped keep me straight when I faced challenges, and they will be a bedrock for you as well if you rely on them in times of complexity."

Nice signature.

Wow. I actually got the Ross Review in the mail yesterday, sorta skimmed it and put it on the counter to be disposed of (when and if my kids notice there is recycling to take out). After reading it posted here I've gotten it out and stashed it away on my home office.