Class of 2029 Becomes the Newest Class in Barracks

On the morning of January 24th, the rat mass of 26+3 got the wake-up call they had awaited. Mixed emotions pursued the rat mass, excited that it was their last day, but not overlooking the adversity required to earn it. Following a fake-out days earlier, res-week activities, and word on stoop the rats were awaiting this morning with excitement. However, one thing caught the rats at the last minute, a breakout moving a day before. Breakout is never quite a secret; all they had to do was look at the Crozet menu to see breakout supper, but last-minute changes created second-guessing in the rat mass. A 1-year-level snowstorm was expected on Sunday, the original breakout date, which would have limited the breakout activities the first class had planned. Most of the Old Corps didn't know the change was happening until the day before; even key personnel weren't aware of the full change until Thursday evening. Beginning Friday night, rats, as they do for res-week, were on the lookout and began noticing the second-classmen had replaced the firsts who were supposed to be on keys. A few rats asked the question and had a lightbulb moment. During res-week, rats are on high alert; any speculation about a breakout, or even alluding to it, spreads within the hour. The first event of the day is a classic sweat party, which by now they should be pros at. No time was wasted; the rats got a quick refuel in Crozet before heading to North Post. Unlike the past 3 years, the breakout was held on a weekend, allowing for consistent training without academic interruption. A crucible-style station workout ensued, featuring stations that worked the whole body. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) teams ran their own stations, adding to the variety of training the rats received. These included ammo box carries, stair runs, all the calisthenics you could think of, multiple O-Courses, hill sprints (carrying various items, including other rats), and tire flips. Cadre then moved the rats to the parade deck, not to cross it quite yet, but to conduct a log ruck around it. This march was led by the '26 regimental and government leadership, with support from cadre at the company levels. Following this event, they lined up on the Smith Hall side of the parade deck to begin the legendary crossing. The rats began lowcrawling across with rucks on their backs. Some rats failed and had to be dragged forward, and some motivators tried to bear-crawl out instead of low-crawling and got dragged back, deservedly. Two simultaneous cannons fired, along with rifle blank fire and bagpipes to add to the noise. On the ground, it is pure chaos, rats rolling in all directions, and any disruption cadre could add. Once they got the go-ahead to run into barracks, courtesy of the old corps, a wall of sandbags filled Old Barracks Arch, which they had to break through. The rat mass then placed the sandbags inside the courtyard, spelling out "2029" and "26". But the job was not finished; the final workout awaited them, administered by their dykes. They ended the day the way they started it, with a sweat party. Deftones and Motley Crue even had a featured music track played in the barracks to boost morale. Motivation was at an all-time high, fueled by 6 months of ratline activities coming to an end in the coming hours. The rat-mass of 2026+3 was not quite a class yet, but they had finished their physical trials of the day. After a little downtime and cleanup, the rats met with their dykes to celebrate at the breakout supper. They enjoyed the meal before forming up outside of Crozet with their cadre. Tonight, they will meet their cadre for the second time. Meet your cadre will be executed in the same format as the fateful day they took the matriculation oath 161 days ago, in August. This time, though, the rats (soon to be class) get a different experience. A much friendlier greeting, if you could call it a "greeting" the first time. For most, this is quite a shock, especially those who were locked up all the time. Meanwhile, the Rat Disciplinary Committee (RDC) awaited the rats one last time in Old Barracks. One could figure the rats and their backs were quite happy to release the strain. Cadet Max Ankrah '26, GC President, led the rats in their first old yell, officially becoming the newest class in Barracks, Class of 2029. The Cadets in the newest class in barracks have taken a step in their long VMI journey. To the freshest Class of '29, don't lose sight of the future; VMI will be yours before you know it. For all the family, alumni, and anyone supporting the Class of 2029, thank you for the support provided to develop the newest class in barracks! Rah '26 Rah '27 Rah '2-8 and to Rah '29!! Please help The Cadet remain the independent voice of the Corps and alumni/ae by supporting us at https://www.thecadetfoundation.org