Welcome Aboard Class of 2008!!!

The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets grew by 208 members with the arrival of the Class of 2008. 

Day 8, 21 August 2004

Midshipmen flock to the pylons for the administering of the Oath of Office.

Parents and friends line the perimeter of the pylons to watch this proud beginning to many naval careers.

Virginia Tech Naval ROTC Staff wouldn't miss this for the world.  Naval ROTC Staff Officers are the professors for Navy classes that all midshipmen must take.

Captain Snyder administers the Oath of Office to the 92 Midshipmen.  It is done in two phases; first, to those midshipmen who are on scholarship, and second, to those midshipmen who plan on being on scholarship as soon as possible.

Family and friends crowd the drillfield to witness the enormous changes their sons and daughters have experienced over the past week.

Day 7, 20 August 2004

Freshmen cadets train with their wheel covers on; this will be a tremendous help to them during the New Cadet Parade where they will have to march and maneuver their rifles at the same time.

For many New Cadets, this is the first time they have been around rifles.

Maintaining proper dress and cover (spacing) is one of the hardest aspects of drill and ceremonies.

Day 6, 19 August 2004

New Cadets learn to traverse the Obstacle Course one section at a time.

Navy Midshipmen make up the majority of the Tactical Applications Company that runs the Obstacle Course.  Freshman cannot join any organizations or clubs until after their first semester.

The Obstacle Course is an individual event that takes an enormous amount of peer motivation to be able to maneuver in a timely manner.

Freshmen learn the ropes in preparation for the 20 foot climb at the obstacle course.

New Cadets "learn the ropes" on the ground before taking their skills 30 feet up.

Cadets rappel one at a time while their buds watch and learn from different training areas.

A female freshman cadet rappels from the 40 foot tower as part of the physical training during the week.

Day 5, 18 August 2004

New Cadets have come a long way in the few days since mom and dad left.

A rare smile escapes the lips of a new cadet.  It acts as a reminder that no matter how difficult the task at hand, you can persevere.  The primary motivation this week comes from your peers.

PT is an integral part of New Cadet Week.

Cadets from Training Company 2-4 demonstrate their unity as a bud class.

Working together is the key to surviving New Cadet Week.

Day 4, 17 August 2004

New Cadets eat, sleep, and train as a "bud class."

Those cadets that have problems with their bearing find themselves singled out from their buds.

When not eating, new cadets study from their Guidon.  A Guidon is a booklet fully packed with Corps of Cadets information and history; they will later be quizzed on this information in order to gain privileges.

New Cadets act in unison switching the Guidon from the tired arm to a more suitable Guidon wielding fresh arm.

Commandant of Cadets, Major General Allen, enjoys lunch at Schultz with upper-class cadets.

Day 3, 16 August 2004

Captain Snyder addresses the 93 new Midshipmen.

Captain Snyder, Commanding Officer, NROTC Unit, Virginia Tech

The new Midshipmen pay close attention to Captain Snyder's words of wisdom.

Captain Snyder discusses his expectations with our newest Midshipmen.

Captain James S. Snyder, Commanding Officer, NROTC Unit, Virginia Tech.

Day 2, 15 August 2004

Cadets listen while a cadre member explains the basics of drill.

The cadre demonstrate proper drill technique.

The New Cadets first steps; almost like learning to walk, all over again.

Not too shabby for their second day in the Corps.

Staying hydrated is of the utmost importance.

View from the Pylons.

Day 1, 14 August 2004

Colonel Payne, Deputy Commandant of Cadets, Third Battalion, addresses parents and cadets on their first day at Virginia Tech.

A new cadet receives a haircut that is well within regulations.  Freshman cadets must earn the privilege of having hair.

Cadets arrive at Tech a week before the rest of the student body for initial military familiarization and training; some may refer to it as "Hell Week"

Cadets stand in formation after their first day of training.

The Virginia Tech Corps has formation as a Regiment every morning of the week.