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  1. K

    VMI and ROTC Scholarships

    DS was upgraded from a 3 year AROTC scholarship to a 4 year in the first month he was at VMI. This was 6 years ago and things change constantly in the ROTC game, but I offer the info as an example. He was in shape, intensely focused, and totally committed going in and the PMS obviously...
  2. K

    VMI Rat/Dyke relationship

    DS's grand dyke (DS's dyke's dyke) attended DS's IBOLC and Ranger school graduations, gifting DS his own cord and patch. DS also maintains close ties with his dyke and rat. A truly unique relationship.
  3. K

    VMI in Winter

    In 2014 my Rat took an extra blanket back after Christmas break...his rack was under the closed window and he had been waking up with snow on his bed!
  4. K

    Where to stay - visiting VMI in October

    Had good luck with Best Western Hunt Ridge. Not walking distance to campus or new, but decent price, clean, nice staff, ample breakfast. Book ASAP. Used VBRO to book for graduation; checked that and Airbnb for months and booked a house that was walking distance to campus as soon as site...
  5. K

    VMI Commencement

    FYI Commissioning ceremony for all branches is always the day before graduation.
  6. K

    Law Enforcement or Active Duty Commission

    Keep in mind that many LE positions require a competitive exam; in some departments you must place very high to even be considered for the ensuing physical, psychological and medical exams. An individual on active duty would be well advised to start taking as many exams as possible prior to...
  7. K

    Arctic Elite

    DS heading to Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks soon from Fort Benning. Have heard the Museum of the North at UAF is terrific. A trip north is in our future...looking forward to it.
  8. K

    VMI Ratline Severity

    This weekend met a former VMI cadet who left after rat year due to academics. He enlisted and, interestingly enough, was present at the Army Ranger school graduation of brother rats, with whom he is still close. He said his only VMI regrets are that he was not committed to college academics at...
  9. K

    Hazing (or lack thereof) at SMC’s...?

    DS attended VMI on an AROTC scholarship; I recall him saying cadets didn't distinguish between scholarship and nonscholarship cadets...they have neither the time or effort to spare for trivial issues. The rat/dyke dynamic (freshman cadet paired with senior cadet who mentors rat) can be an...
  10. K

    Citadel and VMI annual costs with 4 year AROTC

    For 2013 - 2017 at VMI we were only billed for room and board. All other fees were covered by the scholarship, including books.
  11. K

    Upgrade from 3yr AD

    DS was upgraded from a 3 year AD to a 4 year four weeks into freshman year. He was all in physically, mentally and academically. While never in the very top of any of these catagories, always a hard charging worker and he showed up ready to go. I think his passion, with the lucky combination...
  12. K

    VMI Commissioning

    I neglected to say that this forum had been invaluable to us novice parents as we tried to help DS in early days navigate the AROTC scholarship and college process. Without posters like bruno, who talked me off the ledge four years ago as DS awaited news of scholarship and VMI acceptance, the...
  13. K

    VMI Commissioning

    DS left this morning for IBOLC. When he matriculated at VMI almost four years ago his goals were Army, Infantry, college degree. He achieved all through hard work and the help of the people at this amazing college. While visiting post every contact we had with staff at VMI was professional...
  14. K

    Commissioning Day!!

    DS commissioned Army two days ago with Sgt Major DH giving first salute. So proud of all our DS and DD's who have made the choice to serve. They have rare honor and integrity in today's world.
  15. K

    Watch?

    https://www.amazon.com/Casio-G-Shock-Classic-Digital-Watch/dp/B01A7IL94K/ref=pd_sim_241_1?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=XSS5QD5W0J0NRKYRVM33 No, there’s nothing wrong with my current G-shock. But its analog, and when you’re exhausted and trying to flip an OPORD at 3am in the woods of Georgia, digital...
  16. K

    VMI Financial Aid Analysis

    My now first class cadet started VMI with a 3 year AROTC scholarship that was upgraded to a 4 year September of rat year. The only bill we pay is room and board. His AROTC scholarship has covered all tuition and all fees. Of course, this may have changed and Financial Aid would have those...
  17. K

    AROTC Commissioning ceremony

    I get to watch the DH Sergeant Major (10 days before his retirement) salute the DS. Tissues for sure, and DS better have one awesome coin to hand over!
  18. K

    VMI Important Dates

    The Oath takes place at the New Market Battlefield. After the oath the rats and cadre charge across the battlefield, flags waving, to the cannon at the end of the field; good stuff. After the charge you have time to eat with your rat; you can bring food or purchase a lunch. Make hotel...
  19. K

    Graduation and commissioning gift ideas

    I'm giving a hug and a Saint Michael coin. DH is in charge of goodies....
  20. K

    Lexington, VA

    One of the best videos of that parade I've seen, thank you, veterancrowd. DS and 1500 other cadets looking fine. He said they had to do some fancy footwork when the horses in front of them unexpectedly stopped...in true VMI fashion they pulled it off with style.
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