Looking Ahead: Corps Quick-Look Assessment Findings

General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III
President

April 8, 2025

Cadets and Corps Staff,

Since taking on the role of President of Texas A&M University, I have commissioned a number of studies and assessments to help us wrap our arms around what we are doing really well and where there are areas we need to focus in order to ensure we are poised for success in the long term. Key among those was a quick-look assessment specifically for the Corps of Cadets and the strategies being pursued. Today, I’m pleased to share the findings of that quick-look assessment, along with the decisions we will be advancing.

From July to December 2024, Corps Quick-Look Assessment Committee members conducted a variety of interviews and listening sessions with current and former members of the Corps, offices that regularly interact with the Corps, the Faculty Senate Executive Committee and other university stakeholders. Additionally, the committee reviewed data on Corps student performance, retention and satisfaction to inform their recommendations. Through their work, they brought forward nine priority recommendations that focused on ensuring the Corps would be equipped and positioned to continue its critically important role within the university.

After reviewing these recommendations, we will be moving forward with several key actions as the new Commandant comes on board. I will work with the Commandant over the next several months to articulate the vision and strategic direction of the Corps of Cadets, which will clearly state how the Corps of Cadets is cadet-run and is living The Standard. I’ll also ask cadet leadership to develop a visible and symbolic way to commit to The Standard.

The Commandant has taken or will take the following actions immediately (note that some of these are already completed):

• Recruit and maintain a 2,550 Corps of Cadets
• Publish The Standard and The Corps Procedures Guide on the Corps of Cadets website
• Ensure each advisor is evaluated annually, to include cadet input, and receives ongoing training
• Establish a firm policy for cadets’ use of Duncan Dining Hall for meals associated with formation and march-in
• Continue current recruitment strategy and defer any external consultants for at least two years

May 15, my office, working with the Commandant, will clarify the role and reporting structure of the Board of Visitors and form an initial plan to fully engage them.

May 15, the Commandant will prepare updated budget projections and requests for FY26 to present to the Strategic Budget Council. These will include a review of current university scholarship funding and a review of current and planned staff structures to determine any necessary changes.

June 15, the Commandant, in coordination with the cadet leadership, Residence Life, the Board of Visitors and other necessary interest groups, will develop and present a plan to me that would transition the Corps toward a more standardized outfit size, beginning with the freshmen cohorts in fall 2025, and rebalance some units as necessary to support those freshmen cohorts. The plan should include both pros and cons of adopting the new structure.

Aug. 1, the Commandant, in coordination with the ROTC Professors of Naval, Military and Air science will develop an integrated leadership development plan that synchronizes academic, leadership development, and physical fitness requirements for all cadets. Service-unique mandatory physical and non-classroom requirements will be highlighted and integrated into the cadet corps schedule. The plan should include a proposal for a single cadet chain of command and present both pros and cons of adopting the new organizational structure. Implementation will begin in August and will be completed by Dec. 15.

Aug. 31, the Commandant will present a concept plan for capital improvements in support of the Corps of Cadets with the focus on three facilities in priority order: (1) replacement of Duncan Dining Hall, (2) replacement of the Trigon and (3) a new cadet life center.

Oct. 31, the Provost will develop a long-range vision for the Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership (HCEL) that includes a defined and structured transition plan to a premiere leadership institute serving all of campus with the Corps of Cadets being a specific and enduring focus area.

The Corps of Cadets is woven into the fabric of our history, culture and identity at Texas A&M. Our cadets are not just the Keepers of the Spirit but the architects of many of our university’s storied traditions—those that make Texas A&M such a special place to live, learn, study and work. These actions over the next year will position the Corps to continue to serve that role for generations to come. To get this right, each of you will need to play an important role in the process.

Thanks for always making us proud … and Gig ’em!

r/mark
General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III, President