Special Units
Members of the Corps have the opportunity to join any of the over 30 special units, ranging from athletics teams, cyber security or nationally ranked drill and shooting teams. Through participation in special units, cadets receive specialized training, develop personally and have the opportunity to compete on the state and national levels.
Ross Volunteer Company
The Ross Volunteer Company is the oldest honor guard and drill team of its kind in Texas. It was formed in 1887 and was originally named the Scott Volunteers. In 1898, the unit was renamed in honor of Lawrence Sullivan Ross, former governor of Texas and president of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (later renamed Texas A&M University).
The company, which serves as the official honor guard of the governor of Texas, is composed of junior and senior cadets. They wear a distinctive white uniform, and officers wear a silk red sash around the waist of their uniforms.
The Ross Volunteers perform three-volley, 21-gun salutes at Texas A&M’s Silver Taps ceremonies and annual Muster ceremony. They also march in several parades each year and serve as the honor guard of King Rex, the King of Mardi Gras, in New Orleans.
Fightin' Texas Aggie Band
The nationally acclaimed Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, formed in 1894, is the official marching band of Texas A&M. Also called the “Noble Men of Kyle,” the Aggie Band is the largest collegiate military marching band in the U.S., known for its military precision and style. All band members are members of the Corps of Cadets.
The Aggie Band performs at all home football games, many away games — including bowl games — and other functions throughout the year. They have also participated in inaugurations for many U.S. presidents and Texas governors, as well as many other parades and special events, making it one of the most traveled collegiate bands in the country.
Learn more about the Aggie BandFish Drill Team
The Fish Drill Team is an all-freshman precision rifle drill team that represents the Corps of Cadets and Texas A&M at military drill meets across the U.S. The Fish Drill Team has won many national championships over its six decades of existence, making it one of the Corps of Cadets' most highly decorated and recognized units.
Parsons Mounted Cavalry
Parsons Mounted Cavalry was formed in 1973 and was named after Col. Thomas R. Parsons, a former commandant of cadets. The cavalry has more than 70 horses and mules and more than 85 members. All Parsons Mounted Cavalry members are cadets in the Corps and are trained in basic horsemanship skills, as well as the care and feeding of the unit's animals. Many members join the unit with no prior horsemanship experience. Parsons Mounted Cavalry represents Texas A&M at all home football games, parades and other equestrian events throughout Texas. One of Parsons Mounted Cavalry’s most notable game day traditions is the firing of one of the unit’s cannons at Midnight Yell and after every Aggie touchdown in Kyle Field.
Corps Athletics
The Corps proudly sponsors several highly competitive, club-level athletic programs. From golf, tennis, baseball, basketball, competitive marksmanship or something in between, each team provides cadets with an excellent opportunity to stay involved with the sports they enjoy.
More Texas A&M Traditions
Explore more of the traditions that unite our current and former students, build camaraderie and foster the Aggie Spirit.
Read about the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets’ Final Review, which signifies the transition of command of the corps from one year to the next.
Learn about March to the Brazos, the Corps of Cadets' major annual fundraiser during which cadets march nine miles to the Texas A&M Beef Center.