In a background video, VMI cadets can be seen training in military tactics with their Reserve Officer Training Corps units in Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force, and taking their oaths of office during commissioning ceremonies.
ROTC at VMI: Answer the Call
Recipients of a three or four-year ROTC national scholarship, explore an opportunity to have the Institute help fund your journey toward military leadership.
CALL TO DUTY SCHOLARSHIPSRecipients of a three or four-year ROTC national scholarship, explore an opportunity to have the Institute help fund your journey toward military leadership.
CALL TO DUTY SCHOLARSHIPSRanked the #4 public liberal arts college by U.S. News and World Report, the Virginia Military Institute offers small class sizes, academically challenging undergraduate programs, Division I athletics, and the largest ROTC program in the nation.
Ranked the #4 public liberal arts college by U.S. News and World Report, the Virginia Military Institute offers small class sizes, academically challenging undergraduate programs, Division I athletics, and the largest ROTC program in the nation.
VMI Community Updates
Institute leadership continues to communicate important information for cadets, their families, faculty & staff, and the VMI community at-large:
- The Chessie Nature Trail will be congested Tuesday, Oct. 29, from approximately 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. due to a VMI military training activity.
- The Keydets Rifle program had another strong outing on Saturday, as the mixed team topped VMI's rival The Citadel. The women's team, which set an aggregate record the previous week, smashed that number while facing the Bulldogs, with four shooters setting personal records in the process.
- Event Reminder: Retired U.S. Army Capt. Florent Groberg, a Medal of Honor recipient and this year’s H. B. Johnson, Jr., VMI Class of 1926, Distinguished Speaker, will be giving the keynote address during the 15th Annual Leadership & Ethics Conference. His speech is free and open to the public Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. in Cameron Hall.
- Transportation information for cadets and rats for Thanksgiving Furlough can be found on the VMI online calendar event starting furlough at CMD Nov. 23. Cadets and rats should adhere to all official timelines in the furlough memo when planning their travel.
- Season tickets for Keydets basketball are now available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased through VMI's official ticket vendor, Ticket Return. The season tips off Monday, November 4, at home in Cameron Hall when VMI hosts Washington College (Md.) at 7 p.m.
ⓘ VMI Community: To receive important information concerning emergencies, weather, traffic, and parking, text the word "Keydet" to 772-95.
Today's Choice = Tomorrow's Success
Virginia Military Institute has a proud history of producing educated and honorable leaders, individuals ready to face challenges head on and succeed thanks to our unique system of education within a military setting. 97% of our graduates are employed, enrolled in graduate school, or commissioned into the armed forces within 6 months of graduation. A 10:1 student to faculty ratio means VMI cadets receive focused, individualized instruction across 14 undergraduate degree programs. 83% of cadets receive some form of scholarships and/or financial aid.
Ready to learn more? Prospective cadets are encouraged to attend an on-post open house or a virtual event offered by the Office of Admissions.
Already convinced? Applications are open for Fall 2025 enrollment.
News from Post
VMI Army ROTC Cadets Win Bronze Medal in Welsh Event
Eight Virginia Military Institute Army ROTC cadets — members of Ranger Challenge, the “varsity sport” of the Army ROTC program — made history when they traveled to the Welsh mountains of the UK to participate in Exercise Cambrian Patrol, the British Army’s premier patrolling event in early October.
Botany Class Learns Practical Uses
Seven cadets in a general botany class explored practical plant uses by learning the art of chair caning. Led by Col. Anne Alerding, the hands-on session featured local artisan Andrew Hart, who taught students to weave chair seats using flat reed from rattan palms.
Exercise Study Recruiting VMI and W&L Alumni
A new research study comparing the exercise habits between four populations: VMI cadets, VMI alumni, W&L students, and W&L alumni, both in the short- and long-term, is being conducted by Maj. Katherine Baur, assistant professor in the Department of Human Performance and Wellness at VMI.
Civil War Historian to Speak at VMI
Virginia Military Institute welcomes Brian McKnight, Ph.D., professor of history and a founding director of the Center for Appalachian Studies at the University of Virginia, who will give a lecture on the Civil War titled, “Guerrilla Warfare and Base Criminality in the Civil War Borderland.”