Members of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets march in a previous New Cadet Parade.
BLACKSBURG, Va., Aug. 16, 2010 – Three hundred fifty-four new members of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets reported to the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg on Aug. 14, one week before the rest of the campus, for New Cadet Training.
The Class of 2014, at over 350 strong, will push the regiment to an overall size of 840 cadets, the largest corps since 1969. The Class of 2014 is a diverse group with an international student and a 50-50 split of in-state and out-of-state students. Throughout the week these new cadets will be taught by approximately 100 upper class cadets on how to march and perform military drill with precision, how to properly complete a military obstacle course safely, and how to rappel down a 40-foot towe,r along with many other experiences.
In recognition of completing this challenging training, a parade marking the acceptance of the New Cadets into the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets will be held Saturday, Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. on the Drillfield. It will be centered on Burruss Hall. The incoming Class of 2014 will join a long standing tradition at Virginia Tech which began with 132 cadets in October 1872, when all students were cadets and Virginia Tech was known as the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College.
During the parade, the Highty-Tighties, the Regimental Band, will play and Skipper, the corps cannon, will be fired when the cadets first enter the Drillfield, at the first note of the National Anthem, and the first note of Tech Triumph.
There will be three shots total, the first shot will be at approximately 9:50 a.m. and the final shot will be at approximately 10:45 a.m.
Everyone is welcome to come out and watch this event. Parking is available around the Drillfield and no visitor’s pass is necessary on weekends. However, please be aware that move-in for the civilian first-year students is on Saturday and parking may be limited around the Drillfield. Parking is also available in Perry Street Lots 1, 3, 4 and 6 near Prices Fork Road. Find more parking information online or call (540) 231-3200.
The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets has produced military, public, and corporate leaders since the university was founded in 1872. It is one of just two military corps within a large public university. The corps holds its members to the highest standards of loyalty, honor, integrity, and self-discipline. In return, cadets achieve high academic success and a long-lasting camaraderie with fellow members. Virginia Tech, the most comprehensive university in Virginia, is dedicated to quality, innovation, and results to the commonwealth, the nation, and the world.