German Exchange Officer

German Exchange O!cer’s Perspective

Idid not know what to expect when I started my journey on the 12th of August; of course, I researched on the internet and social media about Texas A&M, but nobody can really tell what it is.

As soon as arrived I experienced an incredibly warm and sincere welcome from my company F2. The semester started with Fall Orientation Week (FOW) and I was able to be part of so many Aggie traditions,

which are vastly different from what I know. After the start of school, military training with the Army ROTC also began. In Germany, we have all our military training prior to university - basic training for six months, six months of officer academy, and three months within our branch. After that we are just students, focusing fully on academics for four years, we only have to pass our individual basic military skills (PT-Test, shooting, etc.). Here at A&M, I saw for the first time how military training within the Army ROTC, the Corps of Cadets, and academic obligations go hand in hand, and I really enjoy the stricter schedule and daily training. For sure it is demanding for students, to wake up early every morning, do physical fitness, and keep up with schoolwork and Army, especially as a junior. But as far as I can judge that, the students here learn from the beginning how to organize themselves, selfdiscipline, that small details matter in everything you do, camaraderie, and how to become a truly good leader. It is truly remarkable what the Corps and the ROTC program do with the students and how they evolve. I am happy to have the opportunity to take part in the military training, the Corps' everyday life, and the special traditions of A&M like the march-ins for the football games with the midnight yell, bonfire memorial, ring day and so much more. It might seem strange to outsiders, and it is hard to explain everything, but my time here is a once-in-alifetime experience, and I am happy for every day at A&M and feel truly like a part of the Aggie and Fox family, I couldn’t be more thankful for that, and I am confident that it will help me within my career in the German Army.

From the outside looking in, you don’t understand it. From the inside looking out, you can’t explain it.

~ A!ie proverb

Cadets from Company F2 conduct March-In prior to a football Game at Kyle Field