Welcome to the 2025+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 - VMI's freshmen - as they face challenges and work to earn the right to be called a cadet and member of the Class of 2028.

Matriculation Day

The journey of 498 new recruits began Saturday, Aug. 17 as appointed students arrived on post for Matriculation Day. From there, they collected gear, checked into barracks, signed the Matriculation Book, and were call down to their companies to take their oath and begin the Rat Line.

Matriculation Week

As the morning of Sunday, Aug. 18 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 mornings in Foster Stadium, to studying the Rat Bible in barracks, to kicking up House Mountain, the rats learn from their cadre and work together to embrace the esprit de Corps and brother rat spirit at VMI.

Connect with VMI on social media for additional footage of the Rat Line and life at the Institute.

You can also find more photos from VMI's major events for rats and the entire Corps of Cadets on the Institute's Flickr account.