how tech ticks Citation cords
Cords are worn on the left shoulder of the blue blouse and signify membership in a particular organization or unit. Every company vies to earn one of the corps’ mostcoveted privileges, the Beverly S. Parrish Jr. Memorial Award and its accompanying gold citation cord, which indicates the unit that accumulates the greatest number of competitive points for the academic year.
1
2
3
4
Insignia of rank 6
4 8
5
Indicative of rank, chevrons are cut by hand at the tailor shop, where at least 750 pairs are made each year, Miller said. Crossbelts and wrap
5
9
6
Underclassmen in “Dress A” wear both crossbelts, while seniors wear only one crossbelt and a maroon officer-of-the-guard wrap. Saber
7
5
7
7
Officers may carry a saber. “The corps provides sabers to seniors who want to have them. … I decided to use my own saber, which is like a family heirloom. It dates back to the Civil War and is one of my most prized possessions,” said cadet Daniel Tolbert (at left). Ribbons, pins, medals
8
8
Ribbons, pins, and medals are added in recognition of accomplishments, membership, and special distinctions. Class service stripes
9
Gold stripes near the cuffs of the blouse sleeves signify the number of years a cadet has been in the corps and indicate a cadet’s privileges, duties, and position eligibility. The glove, meanwhile, may be cut to reveal a class ring.
10 www.vtmag.vt.edu
PHOTOS BY JIM STROUP AND ANNE WERNIKOFF
Shoes 10 Black, plain-toed, low-quartered shoes must always be immaculate. “Typically, we probably spend 15 minutes twice a week polishing shoes. Once you’ve been polishing them for a while, it doesn’t take as long,” Tolbert said.
9
Rommelyn Conde (communication ’07) is a graduate assistant for University Relations.
11