We all despise being at VMI. We complain about it incessantly. We say we hate it, but we brag about VMI whenever we go home.
This is absolutely due to the ratline and adversarial system put in place at the Institute, and part of why we so fervently defend the traditions and way of life here. Nobody is given the title of Cadet; it is earned through literal blood, sweat, and tears.
Not everyone is cut out for VMI, and unlike other institutions of higher learning, we make no overtures or attempts to keep everyone. Our system is designed to encourage those who aren't fit to leave and as such only Keydets and alumni can talk bad about the "Mother I," and nobody else. NOBODY.
This is absolutely due to the ratline and adversarial system put in place at the Institute, and part of why we so fervently defend the traditions and way of life here. Nobody is given the title of Cadet; it is earned through literal blood, sweat, and tears.
Not everyone is cut out for VMI, and unlike other institutions of higher learning, we make no overtures or attempts to keep everyone. Our system is designed to encourage those who aren't fit to leave and as such only Keydets and alumni can talk bad about the "Mother I," and nobody else. NOBODY.