Virginia Tech started as an all military school in the 1800s.
Now it’s one of two public universities in the country that has a full-functioning military school, within the university.
The best known representation of Tech's military history is the Corps of Cadets.
Christine Berry is a self described military brat,
A senior at Virginia Tech, and a future officer in the U.S. Air Force
“I will be going to flight school when I graduate,” Berry said.
With the next 10 years of her life committed to military service, Berry wanted college to feel like college.
“I don't want it to all be Air Force. I want it to be what everybody else gets to experience,” Berry said.
That's why she chose the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, a fully functioning military school, within the larger university.
“We're really raising these young men and women to be citizen soldiers,” Col. Rock Roszak said. “So in a place like this where you still get the university experience, you get to understand a little bit more about the citizens you're growing up with. It just makes you a better officer, better leader.”
To develop those leaders, the Corps focuses heavily on tradition, which is on display every game day.
“I still remember the shivers I got, the first time 66,000 people started jumping up in the stands,” John Witte said. “It's been an experience I still remember. It's pretty memorable.”
John Witte is now a senior, and a leader in the Corps band called the Highty-Tighties.
“It's been possibly the most rewarding thing I've ever done,” Witte said. “I just remember the first football game of this season. We all came down and the band started playing. I just got butterflies in the my stomach. I just love being able to represent something bigger than just myself.”
The next time you're in the stands, look to the endzone. And remember it's not just about touchdowns and the push-ups. These are the faces of some of America's next military leaders.
“They understand the importance of what the country is asking them to do and they're willing to go take that extra step,” Col. Rock Roszak said. “And I'm totally impressed by their spirit, their desire. And I'm totally humbled by the service of our young alumni.”
After graduation, 80% of the Cadets will be active-duty military, serving on average about 4 years.
The other 20%, are on the civilian track, and have no military obligation after graduation.
Despite the U.S. being involved in wars for the past 10 years, this year is one of the largest ever incoming freshman classes of cadets.
