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Rat Line Highlights
Welcome to the 2026+3 Rat Mass at VMI!
Follow along on the journey as the Institute forges its latest recruits into 21st century leaders ready to serve and lead with honor and integrity. Find highlights of milestones as well as the daily life of a rat - a first-year student at the Institute - as they face challenges and work to earn the right to be called a cadet and member of the Class of 2029.
Matriculation Day
The journey of 469 new recruits began Saturday, Aug. 16 as appointed students arrived on post for Matriculation Day. From there, they collected gear, checked into barracks, signed the Matriculation Book, and were called down to their companies to take their oath and begin the Rat Line.
This newest group to choose No Ordinary College comes from 33 states and six foreign countries, with 62% from Virginia and 38% from out of state. Seventy-five are female, and 143 are recruited NCAA athletes. Forty-seven percent have selected a major in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines and 53% are majoring in the liberal arts.
Flickr Album Available
Take a look back at this momentous day in the 2026+3 journey in a Flickr album from VMI photographers.
Matriculation Week
As the morning of Sunday, Aug. 17 began, so did the first major challenge facing the Rat Mass - a full week of training spanning physical fitness tests and workouts, military precision drills, and the customs and regulations that define the oldest state-sponsored military college in the United States. From early morning workouts, to studying the Rat Bible in barracks, to hiking up House Mountain, the rats learn from their cadre and work together to embrace the esprit de Corps and brother rat spirit that defines VMI.
House Mountain Album Available
One of the iconic challenges - and views - of the week is a hike up House Mountain, supported by cadre, VMI EMTs, and faculty and staff who make the climb alongside the Rat Mass.
Rat Crucible
The Rat Mass endured several strength and fitness stations throughout post their second Sunday on post for the annual Rat Crucible. From log carries and swimming at Jordan's Point to drills on the field, each leaned on their brother rats for the strength to pull through this challenge. This events is a true test of not only physical fitness and strength, but determination and commitment to excellence and the VMI system.