When my boyfriend decided to join the corps I had no idea what he was getting himself into. Two years later, I’ve become the Designated Corps Girlfriend in my friend groups and organizations. Here are 5 things you don’t know about the Corps until you’re dating a guy in the Corps:
1. They prank each other – a lot
Many of my boyfriend’s buddies easily became my friends – meaning they never hesitate to question me if something of theirs goes missing. I’ve been asked if I held the secret location to countless mattresses/pillows/water bottles. Now, this ongoing prank war may not exist in every outfit, but it has a noteworthy presence in at least one. Camaraderie at its finest.
2. There are significant differences between each outfit
Each outfit has some sort of focus – almost like pillars. While they all share similar goals, different outfits focus on different things. For example, while Company A-2 is a Pre-Professional outfit focusing on academics, Company F-1 focuses on getting cadets into study abroad and internship programs, and Squadron 6 focuses on producing well-rounded leaders. Each outfit has something special; some sort of common goal for each cadet involved.
3. They have more than one set of each uniform
Most people are relieved to learn this – they don’t wear the same uniform every day! Hygiene is a big deal in the Corps and that includes their clothing. Switching between sets of uniforms keeps them from getting dirty or smelling bad. Can you imagine wearing the same thick, khaki outfit every day in a Texas summer? No thanks.
4. They don’t all have bad grades
They have a section of each day dedicated specifically to studying. Of course, you get out what you put in, but if a cadet is studying when they’re supposed to, chances are they have pretty decent grades. On top of that, other people in their outfit are probably pretty involved in their studies. They keep each other in check, producing a higher average GPA than some would expect.
5. The Corps Escort Service isn’t a dating hotline
The Corps Escort Service is not something used for cadets to “pick up girls.” There’s probably some fish out there hoping that he’ll get your number after walking you to Lot 100, but most of the cadets are there to do their job. While you can call and ask for someone specific if you know they’re on duty that night, you can’t just ask for the cutest guy there. The whole purpose is to keep people safe as they walk across campus at night, not to play matchmaker.