Frequently Asked Questions

The Texan Corps of Cadets is a leadership development and spirit organization at Tarleton State University. Offering military and civilian pathways, the Corps develops leaders through discipline, teamwork, service, and personal growth while upholding a proud tradition dating back to 1917.

The Texan Corps of Cadets is a leadership development program that provides Cadets with military structure, training, and a strong sense of community. Cadets can participate in the Texan Corps without military obligation. ROTC partipication is required for students wishing to pursue a military officer commission. All Cadets, regardless of ROTC participation, are considered members of the Corps of Cadets.

The Texan Corps of Cadets offers two pathways: military and civilian. The military pathway provides opportunities to participate in Army ROTC, Air Force ROTC, or the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class (PLC), all leading toward the opportunity to earn an officer commission. The civilian pathway, known as Texan Leaders, focuses on leadership development, professional growth, and preparing Cadets for success in business, government, and other careers, with no military obligation.

Cadets are required to live on-campus in the Traditions South residence hall throughout their partipcation in the Texan Corps of Cadets. Cadets may submit an exception to policy to the Commandant’s Office for qualifying circumstances.

Cadets are required to wear their prescribed uniform from 0800-1700 each day, both on and off campus. Cadets may request an exemption thorugh the Cadet Training Officer for academic labs or actvities that could potentially damage the uniform. If a uniform item is damaged during authorized use, Cadets may return it to the Supply Warehouse and receive a replacement at no additional cost.

The annual uniform fee as of Fall 2026 is $500 per Cadet and is charged once at the beginning of the fall semester. The fee is included with tuition and fees located on the Cadet’s Texan Bill Pay account. The uniform fee is the only fee associated with membership for the Texan Corps of Cadets.

Yes, the Texan Corps of Cadets has several designated closed weekends throughout the academic year when Cadets are required to participate in university events and ROTC training exercises. All home football games are mandatory and constitute closed weekends. Cadets may request an exception to policy to miss mandatory events with approval from the Cadet Training Officer.

Texas House Bill 5646 allows eligible non-resident students enrolled in a military-related program such as ROTC, a Corps of Cadets, or a Corps of Midshipmen, to qualify for in-state tuition and fee rates at public institutions of higher education in Texas. All out-of-state students who join the Texan Corps of Cadets qualify for in-state tuition.

A typical day begins with morning physical training (PT) or Corps Lab, followed by First Call Formation and breakfast. Cadets are then released for their academic day and attend classes in uniform until Close of Business (COB). Evenings may include weekly study hall, university events, and other Corps activities as designated by staff. For more information about the daily Cadet experience, visit the Cadet Life tab on our website.

Cadets have access to several scholarship opportunities. ROTC scholarships may be awarded through individual military branches, and high school students are encouraged to apply for national ROTC scholarships. The Corps awards approximately $300,000 in scholarships based on merit and financial need. These scholarships are not typically available to first-year Cadets. To be considered, Cadets must have a FAFSA and Tarleton State General Scholarship Application on file. Cadets pursuing a commissioning pathway are also encouraged to apply for the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program (TASSP).

Yes, Cadets are permitted to hold part-time employment while participating in the Corps. Cadets are responsible for communicating any work-related schedule conflicts with Corps leadership and must ensure that their duties as a leader or staff member within the Corps are still fulfilled.

The Texan Corps of Cadets offers a variety of special teams that allow Cadets to develop skills, build camaraderie, and represent the Corps. Teams within the Corps include Wainwright Rifles, Rudder’s Riders Cannon Team, COlor Guard, Ranger Challenge, Grill Sergeants, Texan Volunteers, Bataan Ruck Team, Media Team, and Spirit Guard. Cadets are also encouraged to form intramural or club sports teams. Cadets may also participate in clubs or organizations outside the Corps, so long as they communicate schedule conflicts through the proper channels and maintain Corps responsibilities.

Students are encouraged to join at the beginning of the fall or spring semester to get the full Cadet experience. However, students interested in joining at other times are encouraged to contact a Corps recruiter to discuss available opportunities and next steps.

Yes! The Texan Corps of Cadets is open to students of all academic majors and backgrounds. You do not have to pursue a military career to join. Any student enrolled at the Stephenville campus may join the Corps of Cadets. There is no age limit or medical requirement to joining the Corps of Cadets. Cadets wishing to pursue a military commission must meet the requirements of their respective ROTC program.