'27 Breaks Out

The Ratline ends as it begins. Excitement, yelling, sweat. More importantly, a nervousness and uncertainty of the future. These individuals have just begun their journey towards manhood and womanhood. They have just scratched the surface on their understanding of themselves, and have just begun their metaphorical ascent of Calvary. - Paul Murray, RXO '24 February 6th, not only marked the day of Breakout for the Ratmass of '24+3 but also the three-year anniversary of the Class of 2024. The significance of this date bringing unity not only to the Rats as they ascended to the position of a Class, but also to the Dyke-line itself. Though the practice of Breakout changes, the importance of it does not as expressed by Cadet Vincent Cyrus '25 who said: "The Ratline this year was very different from many other years. From my experiences and the videos I've seen from late 1990s Ratlines, it has changed in a large capacity. It may not have went how we all wanted it to, but I can speak for my company that it was a good one. People can always dwell of the changes that happen, but the world around us is changing, and if the Institute shall never die, then we have to adapt. Well done to the Cadet leadership on planning the Ratline, and congrats to all the New Cadets." Breakout began early in the morning as the Rats awoke to cannonfire and music blasting around barracks. The Cadre themselves cutting through the hectic scene as they escorted the Ratmass to the athletic fields for an early morning workout. Similar to their experience in Hell Week, this workout marked the circular journey of '24+3 as they had finally reached the end of their time as Rats. Despite this early awakening and seemingly impromptu PT session, the Rats still had a full day of academics, attending their classes before Breakout could resume. The decision for a Breakout during the week has been controversial since last year's experience; however, it appears as though it may become the standard as both '26 and '27 followed the same standard of operations. Regardless, the Rats were forced to move from the comfort and stability of their academic routine to a short ruck march which included the carrying of sandbags and logs. Once this was complete the Ratmass was faced with the infamous parade deck crawl before a sprint into barracks. Upon entering barracks they were rushed to the fourth stoop and subjected to a single round sweat party at the hands of their Cadre. The end of this round was not the end for the Rats as they made their way down the stoops conducting a sweat party on each before reaching the courtyards where their Dykes gave them their final sweat party. During this final round the Rats showed an unprecedented action of unity, many of them donning masks as a nod to '24's workouts during the COVID-19 era. Their effort over this day and its events being the last step to becoming a VMI Class. The culmination of six-months worth of effort and hardship catalyzing the creation of strong bonds of brotherhood, a brotherhood necessary for success at VMI, a mission completed in the eyes of Cadet J. A. Hagan V, Charlie Company's Commander as he said: "Overall, I couldn't be more proud of the Class of 2027 and especially the members of '27 in Charlie Company. I have seen a ton of improvements and a lot of them have come a long way from the selfish high schoolers they matriculated as. I feel like '27 has the values needed to keep VMI going in the right direction." From matriculation day to Breakout, the Rats endure the constant stress of academics and military duties, being forced to personally manage their time while also relying on each other to persevere through the adversarial system. Over the past weeks and months, the Cadre have demanded perfection in all areas, militarily and physically as they have trained the Rats in the pursuit of creating a new Class. Many failed at many times; however, the Cadre refused to give up on them, even when they had given up on themselves. Cadet Garret Kelenske '24 reflected on the past months in saying: "After four Ratlines I have come to know that each Mass has its own attributes and challenges. To see each Class below me grow as people and transform into VMI Cadets is something truly special. I couldn't be prouder of the new Class of 2027 knowing that the brotherhood instilled in each of us at VMI through our shared suffering will continue." Undeniable has been the part played by these men and women who dedicated their time to the progression of the Rats, spurring their evolution from young high school students to capable Cadets. The importance of the Cadre is undeniable and should be taken as an incentive to preserve the "Corps leads the Corps" mantra which has been with VMI for ages. Without training the Rats to become capable Cadets, the next iteration of the Ratline would not be able to manifest. The creation of the next Class is essential to the preservation of VMI. Breakout marked this creation as the Class of '27 will soon take their place within the Corps with positions on the GC but more importantly, positions as corporals where they will take their turn training the next Ratmass to experience the same development they themselves have just undergone. While a new sense of freedom comes with the end of the Ratline, a new sense of duty and responsibility quickly takes its place. The path of VMI does not get easier, yet rather much more difficult as academics and other duties will continue to pile up. Much of what these New Cadets will experience has already been defined through their conduct during the Ratline. The cadets in Classes above them will graduate and pass on; however, their Brother Rats will remain by their side either providing support or refusing it. Delta Company Commander, Sebastian Ramirez '24 expressed his satisfaction with the Class of '27 saying: "I feel greatly fulfilled with the performance of the Rats in Delta over the duration of the Ratline. They have achieved many significant accomplishments so far and I look forward to seeing how they develop over the rest of their Cadetship. I do, however, feel less than fulfilled with the system that VMI is turning into. It feels like the First Class and Cadre have no input into the training of the Rats. Additionally it is as if the Old Corps is being cast away from contributing towards the development of the Rats. There was minimal opportunity for the Old Corps to be involved over the duration of the Ratline, including Breakout." The Ratline itself is meant to be a test of the individual but more so a test of the collective. Do these Rats have what it takes to unify under their own direction, do they have what it takes to help each other find success, and do they have what it takes to preserve personal integrity despite the actions and views of others? All of these are questions pointed toward the Ratmass throughout the year as they experience hardship; however, their answer to these questions is what will define them both individually and as a Class. This idea is held by most at VMI, Cadet Justice Rozic '25 noting it himself in the words: "Those who put out during the Ratline are recognized by upperclassmen for their hard work and dedication. For those who didn't, your Cadre, Dykes, and BRs know and will remember." It is integrity which is valued above all here at the Virginia Military Institute and that is one of the central parts of the Ratline; therefore, essential to being a proper Cadet. It is often said that the Ratline is the heart of VMI and the Honor Code is its soul. The new Class of '27 would be well served to guard them both.