VMI "Breakout" -- Rat Mass 2016+3 becomes Class of 2019

It has been Ressurection Week the past few days at the Institute. This AM at 0500 Breakout began.

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Awesome !! So proud of our new 4th Class Cadets. Talked to mine last night. He was on cloud 9!! He is a bit sore today

Another stoic image as the ritual reached its crescendo last evening:

Congratulations to the newest class in barracks- the Class of 2019!

Love that photo FalconA

Falcon A said:

Another stoic image as the ritual reached its crescendo last evening:

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Great picture FalconA. My "Rat" turned 4th Class just sent me photos of his new shoulder boards. "Consilio ET Animis", "By Wisdom and Courage". Very fitting! Couldn't be more proud of all the new 4th Class Cadets.

Here is a link to a you tube video with VMI's Class of 2019 first "Old Yell" for their Class. Prior to this, their class year could not be uttered. Had to earn that right to be a class. The Old Yell culminates their Breakout:


The traditional call: "Brother Rats, are you ready? . . ."

The response: "Let's go! . . . RAH Virginia Mil . . .RAH, RAH, RAH . . .RAH, RAH, VMI. . . 1-9, 1-9, 1-9, hoooooo!!!!"

I love this tradition that the VMI Classes share. (As a USAFA grad, the newest SA, we have traditions, but nothing like this comes to mind.). Have read where the VMI Old Yell origins dates before 1900, which would mean General and Statesman George Marshall would have also participated in this tradition. The chant is definitely from a bygone era, the phrasing and the wording, but it still brings chills even to a non-alum.