#vmi21plus3

Feb. 6, 2021—Rats were woken up early this morning to begin a very long day of physical activity that will end in the culmination of the Rat Line. Upperclass cadets lead the rats through various work-out stations on post. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, special restrictions are in place and post is closed to visitors.—VMI Photos by Kelly Nye and H. Lockwood McLaughlin.

Feb. 6, 2021—After two ruck marches around post carrying sandbags and logs, breakout culminated with a charge across the Parade Ground this afternoon. Later this evening rats will become the Class of 2024.—VMI Photos by Mary Price, H. Lockwood McLaughlin, and Kelly Nye.

Nov. 11, 2020—Rat Olympics kicked off Founders Day for the Class of 2021 plus 3 this morning in the Corps Physical Training Facility. The competition is the culmination of a 10-week physical education program. The company that works the hardest and displays the best attitude will win the Stockwell Cup, named for the late Col. Bill Stockwell.—VMI Photos by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.

Aug. 17, 2020—Rats matriculated to VMI this weekend. At the end of each day, rats said goodbye to their families and entered barracks with their companies for the first time.—VMI Photos by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.

Aug. 15, 2020—The first matriculants arrive on post this morning to move into barracks. Among the stops while checking in are a visit to the health screening tent, signing the matriculation book, and getting measured for uniforms.—VMI Photos by H. Lockwood McLaughlin and Mary Price. 

Oct. 5, 2020—Members of the Rat Disciplinary Committee lead rats in a 5-mile foot march around North Post on Saturday. This weekend’s march was designed to further acclimate rats to distance foot marches, preparing them for a 20-mile march by next semester.—VMI Photos by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.

Aug. 31, 2020—Matriculation training week culminated yesterday with Rat Crucible, which included training on the North Post obstacles and swimming in the Maury River to Jordan’s Point. The event concluded with a march up Letcher Avenue and the rats’ first Old Yell.—VMI Photos by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.