Final Review

Different Things to Different People
Final Review is an Aggie tradition that dates back over one hundred years. It is the last activity of the Corps of Cadets as a unit before it is dismissed for the summer. Like all traditions it means different things to different people. For those outside the Corps it is just a display of pageantry and may not mean anything.

To the freshmen Cadet, it is a symbol of survival. One whole year of hardship and challenge has tested their intensity, unity, and resolve, and those who made it stand tall, forged into a family with friendships that will last a lifetime. To the sophomore, it is the gaining of privileges. To the juniors, it is taking command and finally donning those distinguishable Aggie senior boots. But for the seniors it is their last function as members of the Corps of Cadets, and a very emotional time.

The Review
Final review is a full military review separated into two passes. A review is a parade type formation of the entire 2,400 member Corps of Cadets, where the Corps forms up and marches across campus to Simpson drill field which is located between the MSC and Albriton Tower. A review usually contains three parts.

The first is the march to the field.

The second is the presentation of colors, which is accompanied by the playing of the national anthem and a salute.

And finally the "pass in review", where members of the reviewing stand are saluted as the corps files past. The reviewing stand usually consists of high ranking military and university officials and visiting dignitaries, and the pass in review allows the reviewing officials to inspect the ranks of the Corps as they march past.

A Salute to the Senior Class
After the first pass, the cadets go back to the dorms where they prepare for a second pass, this time only three classes march: the new seniors, juniors, and sophomores.

The second pass of final review is the only time the Corps marches without freshmen. It is also the new seniors’ first public appearance in their new senior boots and new roles as the leaders of campus.

For the old seniors the emotions are about to hit home. This is the first time in fours years that they watch the Corps march past and not be a part. The old seniors form a line facing the Corps and this second pass is made in their honor. A short Yell Practice is then led by the old senior class Yell Leaders (this can not happen unless the Yell Leaders are in the Corps), and the school songs are sung. Then the Corps of Cadets passes in review this time saluting the seniors rather than the reviewing officers when each outfit passes its old senior class.