The Texan Corps of Cadets is a student military organization at Tarleton State University located on the university's main campus in Stephenville, Texas. Tarleton's original Corps of Cadets traces its roots to 1917 but was reactivated in 2016 after becoming inactive in the 1950s. Tarleton is a member of the Association of Military Colleges & Schools of the United States.
Members of the Texan Corps of Cadets are not required to serve in the military upon completion of the program or their degree. Since 1917 Tarleton has participated in the Senior Reserve Officersâ Training Corps (ROTC) which does require a commitment for military service upon graduation. While separate programs, they are both administered by the Leadership and Military College.
Cadets may pursue programs for US Army, US Air Force, and US Marine Corps.
The Texan Corps of Cadets consists of a Battalion Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), Alpha Company, and Bravo Company. The Corps is led by a Cadet Colonel and Cadet Command Sergeant Major while HHC and Companies are led by a Cadet Captain and Cadet First Sergeants. The Headquarters and Headquarters Company contains all Corps Level Staff and their assistants along with any MS5 and Green to Gold Active-Duty Option (ADO) Cadets. Alpha and Bravo Company both consist of two platoons of cadets led by a Cadet Second Lieutenant and either a Cadet Staff Sergeant or Sergeant First Class. Each Platoon typically consists of approximately 25 cadets broken down into three squads. Each squad consists of two teams led by a second or third year cadet Squad Leader, and each team consists of two-four freshmen led by a second year Team Leader.
Members of the Corps of Cadets wear distinctive uniforms around campus in order to show their membership within the program. Cadets will wear different uniforms depending on the day of the week, events of the day, or any special details they may be a part of.
The Texan Corps of Cadets offers students an opportunity to obtain a minor in Leadership Studies. All cadets live together in a residence hall at Tarleton called Traditions South. All cadets wear their uniforms to class every day and must abide by the regulations set forth in the "Chisel".