Question for VMI Alums

[Birdstrike]

My son graduates from high school next year and is seriously considering VMI. He was planning to take ROTC and attend a public Virgina college like JMU, Mason, or VPI but attended a VMI intro dinner in DC and liked what he heard. My concerns; he's looking for structure and a challenge but doesn't eat, drink, and sleep thinking about the military. Just how intense is the VMI experience? Does it require all-out intensity from the get-go or does it give itself a chance to grow on you? Is the Cadet Corps more heavily weighted toward Army ROTC or about even with USAF ROTC? Would you go there again if you could? Any and all pro and con observations are welcomed either here or PM me. Thanks!

 

[keydet96]

VMI

Hi Birdstrike!
Your son sounds a lot like I was when I went to VMI! I graduated in '96 and spent four years there. In hindsight I enjoyed every bit of it. I made my best friends there and learned how to be an adult. If you had asked me when I was a cadet I would have told you that it was terrible.
You definitely deal with things that folks at VT or JMU don't have to worry about and sometimes that really bugs you, but it's definitely a good thing. The first year of course is the worst and it gets progressively better every year.
I knew lots of people who went there with absolutely no intentions of joining the military and they did fine. The structure takes time to get used to, but it's not unbearable.
The school is really geared to the Army, although you can commission to all four branches. About thirty percent of each class will take a commission. Those that don't still attend ROTC classes and leadership labs.
The Air Force program actually has a wing system that wasn't there during my cadetship. It's geared to get contract cadets familiar with the AF organization, uniform wear, etc.
I think VMI still runs recruiting weekends. I was in charge of the program when I was a senior and attended when I was in High School. It was what made my decision easy. a group of prospective cadets will show up Friday afternoon, spend the night in Barracks, and then Saturday go to a Football game (usually). The school presents good briefs on the academic options, athletics, extracurriculars, etc. If your son is really interested I highly reccomend that he attend one of these weekends if he can.
I don't know if I answered all of your questions. Let me know If I can help with anything else. You might go to www.vmi.edu to get some more info.

Keydet96