VMI Corps of Cadets Reflect on the 2024-2025 Ratline

The Virginia Military Institute (VMI) Ratline remains one of the most defining aspects of cadet life, shaping new students through rigorous physical and mental challenges. The Cadet surveyed cadets from all classes to share their insights on the best aspects of the Ratline, areas that need improvement, and their level of participation. Through their responses, we gain a comprehensive view of the evolving traditions, strengths, and struggles of this time-honored system. While this survey collected valuable perspectives, its distribution was significantly limited compared to our previous survey and article on the Corps participation in the Inaugural distributed for us by the Corps S-7, as the Commandant's staff ordered the S-7 not to assist with emailing it. Despite this constraint, the responses received are considered a fair representation of the Corps' views. Participation in the Ratline and BreakoutUpperclassmen expressed frustration about the constraints placed on their involvement. One first-class cadet wrote, "It's hard to participate when you have arbitrary restrictions placed on what you can and cannot do." A third-class cadet admitted, "Some people didn't for their own reasons, including myself, but from what I can tell, yes, my BRs participated." Another cadet emphasized that participation varied, explaining, "Those who lost hope in VMI and its system do not participate. Those who still have hope like myself do." Meanwhile, fourth-class cadets pointed out that not all their peers were fully engaged, with one stating, "Many tried to avoid the Ratline as much as possible, whether that be through GIM or any possible excuse. People just looked at the end date and not the journey." Others noted that certain privileges and loopholes allowed some rats to opt out, making the experience inconsistent across the class. Who Controlled the Ratline?One of the most striking findings of the survey was the perception of who controlled the Ratline. A significant 83.78% of respondents believed that someone other than the Corps itself controlled the system. The breakdown was as follows: The Corps: 16.22% The Commandant's Staff: 48.65% The Administration in Smith Hall: 27.03% Other: 8.11% Many cadets expressed concerns over the increasing influence of the administration and Commandant's staff, which they felt undermined traditional cadet-led leadership. As one respondent bluntly stated, "Smith Hall is bringing down this school." Another echoed similar concerns: "Before I came to VMI, I was promised by the alumni that the Corps ran the Corps... Three years later, I still hope to see this at VMI." Other responses pointed to frustrations over micromanagement from the Commandant's staff, restrictions on training, and the belief that upperclassmen were being sidelined in leading the system. Best Aspects of the RatlineCadets from each class highlighted different strengths of the Ratline, often shaped by their role within the system: Class of 2025: Upperclassmen praised the increased involvement of the Rat Disciplinary Committee (RDC). One cadet noted, "More RDC involvement, as last year the RDC was hindered by the Assistant Commandant for Cadet Government being on LOA for six months and COL Bogart refusing to hear out cadets." Others appreciated the heightened accountability standards that were enforced compared to previous years. Class of 2026: Second-class cadets valued the reinforcement of strict discipline, with one remarking, "Reinforcing the system of strictness that had the rats lose their shoulder boards when they misbehaved." Many also appreciated the ability of the RDC to conduct more patrols and inspections. Class of 2027: Third-class cadets appreciated the physical challenges, particularly Resurrection Week. "It was intense and better than the year before," one cadet said. Multiple respondents also praised RDC raids and the heightened sense of rigor. Class of 2028: The newest rats found camaraderie and physical training to be the most rewarding aspects. "The best aspects of the Ratline were the rigorous rat workouts," one wrote. Others cited company competition, morning sweat parties, bonding experiences with their cadre, and certain traditions such as Hell Week and Sergeant Gifts as highlights. Best Aspects of BreakoutBreakout, marking the end of the Ratline, received mixed reactions but had some universally praised elements: Class of 2025: First-class cadets appreciated the difficulty of the workouts. "The workouts were harder and more unique than the past two years," one cadet stated. Class of 2026: The addition of van pulls was a popular change. "Van pulls were a new thing that made the rats work in teams to accomplish the goal rather than trying to beat a Brother Rat," one cadet explained. Class of 2027: Mud-based group activities were highly regarded. "Sweat party in mud was the best part," one cadet reflected. Class of 2028: Rats particularly enjoyed the military training aspects, with one writing, "The morning workout was very well done, and the parade deck crawl was the best part." Many also appreciated the feeling of camaraderie that came from working as a unit during the exercises. Areas for Improvement in the RatlineWhile cadets found much to appreciate, many had strong opinions on what needed to be improved: Class of 2025: Upperclassmen criticized the lack of autonomy for cadet-run organizations. "More autonomy needs to be given to cadet government organizations and fewer restrictions need to be placed on corrections," one cadet wrote. Class of 2026: Many second-class cadets pushed for a return to greater physical intensity. "We need to bring back more physicality to the Ratline. The workouts have become too limited." Others voiced concerns over discipline and a lack of enforcement. Class of 2027: Consistency and discipline were common concerns. "The intensity was down for most of the Ratline. Very few workouts, rifle runs, or other physical exercises," one cadet noted. Others pointed to a need for stronger leadership from the first-class cadets. Class of 2028: The most common complaints among rats involved discipline enforcement. "Strictness, it's a joke. You can get away with anything," one cadet remarked. Others felt the cadre did not have enough authority to enforce discipline. Areas for Improvement in BreakoutBreakout also had several areas where cadets believed changes were necessary: Class of 2025 & 2026: The biggest grievance was Breakout being scheduled on a weekday. "Let us do it on a Saturday again, it is not that hard," one cadet stated. Others called for longer, more rigorous workouts. Class of 2027 & 2028: Many suggested making Breakout longer and more physically intense. "Assault packs with sandbags should be worn the entire time," one cadet suggested. Others felt that certain activities lacked the challenge they had expected. Final ThoughtsOverall, the 2024-2025 Ratline at VMI had both strong and weak points. While cadets appreciated the camaraderie, workouts, and new additions like van pulls, many felt that discipline and intensity needed to be reinstated. The biggest area of contention was the level of control exerted by the Commandant's Staff and Smith Hall, with many believing that cadet-led leadership should be restored. The data strongly suggests that the Corps feels sidelined in managing its own traditions, with only 16.22% believing that the Ratline remains under cadet control. Whether VMI leadership will heed these concerns remains to be seen, but the passion among cadets for preserving the traditions of the Institute remains as strong as ever. The full comments received are available for download in the online version of the article at www.cadetnewspaper.com The Cadet does not receive any support from VMI and is 100% dependent on donations to operate. PLEASE HELP US BY DONATING at www.thecadetfoundation.org