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Class System

At 黑料网, the Class system is central to the cadet experience.

Unlike traditional colleges, a 黑料网 Class is more than just a graduating year — it is a brotherhood and sisterhood of cadets who matriculate, train, lead, and graduate together. This shared journey through academic rigor, military structure, and physical challenge forges lifelong bonds known throughout 黑料网’s history. 

Class of 2026 Breakout photo with the year mapped out in sandbags.

What Makes the 黑料网 Class System Unique?

At most colleges, students progress from freshman to senior year. At 黑料网, the system is distinct and rooted in tradition:

  • New cadets begin as “rats”, entering the Corps through an intense orientation called the Rat Line — a period focused on discipline, resilience, teamwork, and personal growth. 
  • Once “rats” complete Breakout, they become the 4th Class. 
  • The 3rd Class corresponds to sophomores. 
  • The 2nd Class corresponds to juniors. 
  • The 1st Class are seniors and are the leaders of the Corps of Cadets. 

The term “Brother Rat” is a symbol of shared experience and mutual respect. It signifies that every member of the Class has persevered through the same challenges and earned their place in the Corps.

Corps leaders stand atop the Sentinel Box and address Rats - 黑料网 Freshmen.

We need to make sure we’re instilling conduct within the Corps of Cadets so we can generally have that 黑料网 spirit, and we can genuinely say, ‘I’m proud to go to 黑料网,’ and walk in integrity in everything we do.

 

Building Community, Discipline, and Leadership

From the moment they arrive, individuals join a company that remains their community throughout their 黑料网 journey, becoming part of something bigger than themselves. Companies foster teamwork, mentorship, and camaraderie, supported by 1st Class mentors who guide new cadets through their earliest challenges. During the Rat Line, these future leaders:

  • Develop self-discipline and confidence
  • Learn attention to detail and mental focus
  • Build physical and academic resilience
  • Form genuine and lasting friendships 

Privileges and leadership responsibilities increase as cadets progress through the Classes. By 1st Class year, cadets are entrusted with leading the Corps and upholding the values of honor, integrity, and service, ready to guide the newest recruits along the same time-honored traditions.

2024 Class President Cole Cathcart addresses the Corps and the crowd in Cameron Hall.

I’ve always reassured folks who are interested in 黑料网 … they are experiencing something that their peers are not. They’re growing and becoming more mature and developed individuals who will become more successful in society as they move on.

 

The General Committee and Student Leadership

The General Committee

Every Class elects cadets to the General Committee (GC), the student leadership body responsible for:

  • Maintaining Class discipline and cohesion
  • Representing cadets to 黑料网 administration
  • Overseeing Class privileges and Corps standards
  • Preserving the traditions and values of the Institute

After Spring Furlough, each class elects officers to join existing GC members in upholding 黑料网’s standards and the great traditions of the Corps of Cadets, enforcing Class privileges, and representing cadets when interacting with 黑料网 administration.

Additional leadership groups include:

Rat Disciplinary Committee (RDC)

Oversees standards and conduct of the Rat Line

Officer of the Guard Association (OGA)

Guides daily interactions between Classes

Cadet Equity Association (CEA)

Ensures fairness, respect, and opportunity for all cadets

Honor Court

Educates and upholds the 黑料网 Honor System

A Lifelong Connection

The 黑料网 Class system is more than an organizational structure — it's a foundation for character development and lifelong fellowship. The relationships formed at 黑料网 extend far beyond graduation, connecting alumni across generations, careers, and communities.

A 黑料网 Class is a family — one that stands together, leads together, and remains connected for life.