Corps of Cadets

Texas Military Institute Corps of Cadets

The Texas Military Institute Corps of Cadets is an optional Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) and is designated an Honor Unit with Distinction.

Nationwide, only 45 schools offer a military program comparable to TMI’s Corps of Cadets, which has been designated an Honor Unit With Distinction. Cadets are required to wear TMI designated military uniforms on campus during school. Each week, Cadets participate in several formations and drills outside of JROTC class time. Each month, they conduct and participate in additional special ceremonies and parades. TMI Cadets are also a regular and welcome presence at parades and community service activities throughout San Antonio.

Emphasis throughout the program is on leadership. Values including integrity, dependability, self-discipline, commitment, respect and loyalty are taught. The instructors are the Commandant and Deputy Commandant, who are certified as Army Instructors by the US Army and have over 55 years military experience between them, bringing their experience and leadership to the Cadet battalion.

A Leadership Laboratory

The Corps of Cadets is essentially a leadership laboratory. The lessons learned here have leadership applications both in and out of uniform. The Cadets are led by Cadet officers and sergeants, not by coaches and teachers. Cadet officers (lieutenants, captains, and above) are the equivalent of corporate officers, business executives, or chief administrators within a corporation. Cadet sergeants are equivalent to first line supervisors, personnel or operation managers, and team leaders. The success of our Cadets is a result of placing the ROTC classroom leadership theory into practice. This enables Cadets to learn respect for authority and sharpen their leadership skills. The Cadet commanders are responsible for Cadet organizations of between 30 and 120 Cadets. This responsibility includes Cadet conduct and appearance. A Cadet staff officer's responsibility covers the areas of supply and equipment, recruiting and public information, administration, operations, scholastics and retention. At the first line of the supervisory level are juniors and sophomores, who lead smaller groups of Cadets, ranging from 7 to 18 in number. Cadets are held accountable for their own actions as well as those under their command. The Middle School, freshman and sophomore Cadets learn to follow leadership from upperclassmen. Additional leadership opportunities are available for all Cadets, through The MacArthur Rifles Drill Team, Color Guards, Bagpipe and Drum Band, and The Rifle Team (marksmanship), the Saber Guard (Haines’ Sabers), Cannon Crew, Physical Fitness Platoon, Pistol Club, and Orienteering Team. These groups represent TMI both on campus and in the surrounding communities.

A Tradition of Success

Since 1974 the Cadet corps has been a voluntary program. The leadership program at TMI has a long and distinguished history. Fourteen alumni have risen to general officer rank, including General of the Armies Douglas MacArthur, while past alumni have received the Medal of Honor and at least Five Distinguished Service Crosses (second-highest award for valor). Former Cadets include bishops, congressmen, and university presidents.

A Nationally Recognized JROTC Program

The end of the year Pass in Review ceremonial tossing of the hats is a long-standing tradition for the graduating senior class. Upper School Cadets take a one-credit JROTC class that meets daily. Middle School Cadets do not attend the classroom phase of Cadet training. Upper School Cadets are members of the JROTC program. TMI has received the highest rating possible from the US Army Cadet Command for over 10 years. This rating acknowledges ours as one of the finest in the nation. The JROTC program was established in 1919, and its goal is to help students become better citizens and leaders.

It is supported with texts through four levels of instruction addressing the following areas: leadership, citizenship, map reading, first aid, drug abuse prevention, physical fitness, public speaking, financial management, military history, career opportunities and job interview skills, basic marksmanship, military drill and ceremonies.

Cadets at TMI are held to a higher standard of conduct and appearance as part of the Leadership Laboratory concept. This is an indication of the Cadets’ place at the heart of TMI’s standard of moral conduct and servant leadership. Cadets march into and sit as a unit during the monthly Eucharist service. Cadet conduct is expected to be above reproach both in and out of the classroom and off campus as well. The Cadets themselves correct discrepancies within the corps. This is accomplished through leadership by example, a demerit system, and the Cadet-run disciplinary board.

A Proven Balance

The typical Cadet at TMI is involved in one to two sports each year and one additional extra-curricular activity. The impact of Cadet leadership can be seen in all areas, from sports team captains to the Honor Council, from chapel prefects to lead actors in play productions. 

Leadership

How to join the Corps

Upper School students, contact: 
CW3 (Ret) Casey Reed
c.reed@tmi-sa.org
(210) 564-6121

Middle School
 students, contact: 
SFC Minnette Danielle Sandoval
m.cornish@tmi-sa.org
(210) 564-6199
MISSION: TMI provides an exceptional education with values based on the teachings of Jesus Christ that challenge motivated students to develop their full potential in service and leadership.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS
TMI Episcopal admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, religion, and physical ability to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, religion, and physical ability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and financial aid programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
TMI Episcopal
20955 W. Tejas Trail
San Antonio TX 78257
phone (210) 698-7171
fax (210) 698-0715