@A2Aggie60 - the General IS addressing the matter - as he has for the past 4 years.

First, the Corps has grown to the point where we have almost 600 more cadets in the Corps today than what were in the Corps when I got here 4 years ago. That growth HAS created some logistical challenges for us, including uniforms. Not a huge challenge, but a challenge nonetheless.

Second, its almost impossible to guess how many uniform sizes to have available for over 2400 cadets - all of whom come in different shapes and sizes. We do our best, given historical data, but a LOT of factors are involved, including the changing somatotypes of our young people coming in to the Corps today (the military is having the same issue), the fact that most cadets lose between 10 - 20 lbs their first semester alone, the fact that many grow - sometimes several inches while in the Corps, and the fact that we no longer have form fitted uniforms the way we did back in the day. However, given that, we still manage to do a very good job of providing cadets with uniforms that look good on them every day. We have seamstresses that work in the MPW, and they hem pants and alter uniforms all the time. We do what we can to help cadets that may need help with uniform fit - its NOT something "the General isn't addressing."

Third, like CanyonAg, I too bought uniforms back in my day and had them form fitted for me. That does not take place any more. Very few, if any, uniforms are sold and bought through cadet channels. The uniforms the cadets are issued come from the MPW. Cadets pay a uniform fee for them, and are issued a set of uniforms, very similar to what we drew when we were in the Corps. Those in ROTC (all fish and sophomores, and all contract Jrs and Srs) get reimbursed for that uniform fee through Commutation from DOD, as long as they meet all the standards to be in ROTC (usually height/weight, PT, and maintaining a passing GPR). Those Jrs and Srs who are D&C and no longer attending ROTC classes do NOT get reimbursed the uniform fee.

Every year a certain amount of uniforms are deemed unsuitable, due to wear and tear, and we get rid of them and replace them with new uniforms. This cycle occurs every year during the summer, and works well to ensure we still have the right amount of serviceable uniforms for our cadets returning in the Fall. In addition, cadets can bring in worn uniforms and have them replaced at any time during the school year.

As we continue to grow the Corps, my intent is to buy new uniforms so we have enough to outfit a much larger Corps than many anticipated. We have enough uniforms to outfit approx. 2600 cadets at this time. We will purchase more uniforms each year as we grow to ensure we have enough uniforms to outfit every cadet, plus a certain amount of extras to replace old or poorly-fitting uniforms. As I mentioned before, its a challenge for us, but a GOOD challenge to have for our Corps. We WILL ensure that we have enough uniforms to outfit every cadet in the Corps with a good uniform, and we will continue to address those issues that cause cadets to have to change uniforms out due to a wide variety of reasons.

I haven't forgotten that what started this thread was a comment about 2 pairs of pants in a picture that some considered "shoddy" and "embarrassing" - a point I disagree with, but regardless, those 2 pairs of pants are certainly not indicative of the WHOLE Corps, as some seem to be asserting here. Our cadets are not perfect, but they do their very best to show pride in their appearance and look good in uniform, and that will only get reinforced, as I stated in a previous post. But I will reiterate that having some cadets look bad in uniform is NOT a new phenomenon, and is NOT unique to this year's Corps. I have seen pics and video from past years - just as you have - and there have been "less than stellar" appearing cadets in every class that ever wore the uniform at Texas A&M. To try and call out these current cadets and call them "shoddy" and "embarrassing" over a single picture is flat out wrong and unfair.

Thanks again to all of you for your concern and your comments. I have this for action - just as I have the last 4 years. I appreciate your love and support of our Corps. Gig 'em!