Texan Corps of Cadets Special Teams
Wainwright Rifles Drill Team: The Wainwright Rifles Drill Team was established at Tarleton in 1949. Cadets who comprise this unit are required to audition and are voted on by the rest of the members. The team trains year-round to compete in precision drill competitions each year. The team regularly provides a detail of Cadets for “Retreat” and is also responsible for overseeing all Cadet drill practices and ensuring proper drill and ceremonies. The team may be asked to organize and teach drill to any unit of the Corps at the Commander’s discretion as well as perform at university events such as Homecoming and Silver Taps.
Color/Honor Guard: The Honor Guard is a group of Cadets who represent Tarleton State University and the Texan Corps of Cadets at march-ins, reviews, special events, and as requested. Cadets represent the Colors, act as an honor guard, and recruit for Tarleton State University and the Texan Corps of Cadets.
Rudder’s Riders: Rudder’s Riders, founded in 2021, is a unit comprised of motivated, dedicated Cadets that serve as the cannon crew for the Corps’ M1905 3” Field Gun, 75mm Pack Howitzer, and silver cannon. The crew practice year-round and perform at designated functions and ceremonies such as “Retreat”, the Pointe du Hoc marches and football games, as well as other requested events.
Grill Sergeants: The Grill Team is a unit comprised of Cadets that are “forced to drill and born to grill”! The Cadets that are a part of this team maintain and operate the Corps of Cadets grill. The team is at every football game and other sporting events providing food and drinks to Cadets, Tarleton students, and Alumni. The team also competes in food competitions and serves other events requested.
Ranger Challenge: Ranger Challenge is a nationwide Army ROTC competition that involves tough, challenging events designed to test military field skills and marksmanship proficiency as well as the physical endurance of its participants. It is the “varsity sport” of Army ROTC. The Texan team trains year-round and competes in regional and national competitions. All Cadets interested in this type of military competition and physical fitness training are encouraged to join. There is a selection process for those who are chosen to attend as part of the competition team.
Bataan Memorial Death March: The Bataan Team is a group of Cadets that train to participate in the nationwide Bataan Memorial Death March. The event is a memorial for World War II heroes held in White Sands, New Mexico. Teams from across the nation compete by rucking a 26.2-mile marathon, all the while honoring the heroes that marched there decades ago. The team trains throughout the Fall and beginning of Spring semester to prepare for the physical challenges of the event. There is a selection process for those who are chosen to attend as part of the competition team.
