So many tourists and even local residents make this terrible mistake and don’t realize it until it’s too late, but the barracks is not open for tours and never has been for a very good reason. it is because during the school year it is a place where all of the cadets live and unfortunately a prime target for terrorists and bad actors, and therefore is off-limits to the general public unless they have explicit authorization from the VMI police department and have an official escort. Many people who do end up walking into the barracks and getting into trouble are in a terrible position because in all honesty, the Institute should’ve put more explicit signage and warnings in all of the archways saying that the area of the barracks is a restricted area and not open to the general public because many of the trespassers that VMI is dealt with in the barracks at times are just simple good citizens, who are curious of what the barracks look like on the inside and have no actual intentions of ever causing harm to the barracks or the cadets inside and end up getting banned for life from post for it. What people need to understand, however, is that VMI‘s first priority is to look after the safety of all the cadets and personnel on post property so being banned from post for life is usually the first go to that they will proceed with, however, it really depends on what you did and what the severity of what you actually did was that will dictate if you can appeal the ban after about a year. I am aware of a guy who was banned for life after giving himself his own personal tour of the old barracks where he walked around for about 20 minutes before being stopped by Security, and instead of simply being asked to leave, he was interrogated until the police of the Institute arrived who trespassed him for life. With all that being said, if you are visiting the Institute and are considering entering the barracks without authorization, please consider the following consequences:

You’ll be quickly apprehended by the VMI cadet guard team, who do carry rifles with bayonets on the end and will hold you at gunpoint until the Institute police arrives and takes over who will then hand you over to the Rockbridge County police who will take you into custody from there. You will also be permanently banned from Institute property for life and served an official trespass warning.

Your vehicle will be towed and impounded at your own expense and risk.

You’ll be taken to the Rockbridge County regional Jail to be processed and booked where the jail may become your home for up to 12 months.

During your time in jail, you will more than likely lose your job, fall behind on multiple bills and obligations back at home, and your reputation will be severely tarnished. Plus, you will be awarded with a permanent criminal record for trespassing on a military installation.

Once released from jail after your time has been served, you will be required to pay a $2500 fine and will be fully responsible for transportation to your next desired travel location.

In short, nothing inside the barracks or any other restricted area on Virginia Military Institute property is worth your freedom and reputation or even your life over if you’re really curious as to what’s inside the barracks and would like a tour you need to make proper arrangements with the VMI police first and or the commandants office who will then set a time and date to show you around during your visit, you will be escorted wherever you’d like to see within reasonable means and kept under strict supervision at all times. So ultimately the lesson here is do not enter the barracks or any other off-limits area and if you’re not sure whether an area is restricted or not always call the VMI police on their non emergency number and make sure before you do anything. Also, when visiting Virginia Military Institute, it’s important to note that any weapons of any kind and all drugs are strictly forbidden and smoking is only permitted in certain designated areas.

Hope this was helpful to anyone interested in visiting or becoming a part of the corps of cadets in the future.

Have a nice day!

Hey everyone, incoming rat here. I keep hearing about people saying new cadets “strain” and I was wondering what that means. Thanks

It's a bit last minute but I'm interested in booking a graduation dinner for about 15 ppl to celebrate the success of a member of the class of 2026 commissioning in about a week and a half. I've never been to Lexington and don't know the area, so if you have any suggestions for nice spots nearby I'd really appreciate it.

I've had mine for over ten years!

I’m going to be attending VMI next August and i’m a little nervous. I’m a pretty athletic person, I play three sports and will be going to VMI to play collegiately, but i’m still worried i’m not physically fit enough. I’m also just nervous in general for the rat line. Does anyone have any tips or advice??

Hey, y’all. My son is currently a rat and has been spending a lot of time in the library studying, but also reading up about my uncle ( and his great uncle), Col. Herbert Nash Dillard , or Dodo as a lot of people called him. I am looking for any stories or anecdotes about him from anyone who had him in class or in The Glee Club. We obviously have all read the book about him, but I’ve always been curious about how the students saw him. Thanks ❤️💛🖤

This is for the benefit of current cadets, rats, and prospective rats.

Where are you in your post-graduation life? Did you commission or not? Are you going career military or are you out or getting out? What industry are you working in if you're not military? How is life outside the I?

I graduated, commissioned in the Army, did some time in Korea and got out. I did some time in the Reserve as well and left as a Captain. I worked in public safety and did a lot of cool stuff but I'm back to riding a desk. Life is good. I'm married and we have a kid. I even talk to my best friends from the I almost ten years after graduating. How about you?

How does a student athlete at vmi balance everything, it seems a bit excessive. I would love to know how a day in the life of a vmi student athlete looks.

Lt. Gen. David Furness ’87 selected as VMIs new Superintendent. 2nd ever Marine to hold the position. The other was General Lejeune

Im an incoming rat and i wanted to know if there were any things that yall recommend i bring. Or the opposite, if there are anything that you recommend i shouldn’t bring from the list. I am going to be and ECE major and so if theres stuff specifically you’d recommend for that id love to hear it.

Psych major is the cherry on top for me

I’m an upcoming senior in high school, thinking about buying a MacBook Air. I do NOT want an engineering or software related major. Is it true I’d still need a windows laptop for VMI? I’ve heard VMI software is not supported on Mac OS but i really don’t understand what softwares I’d need. I’m thinking about the international affairs major.

I have anxiety, which when I get really stressed can make it hard for me to breath or even lead to me hyperventilating. I know that the ratline and just the lifestyle in general of VMI will be hard and stressful, but the shortness of breath has never held me back in sports much before ( I used to do Volleyball ). I’m just wondering if this will be an issue when it comes to my application? I’m not sure it will, but I know my mom has warned me it might.

https://virginiamercury.com/2025/05/06/after-ousting-first-black-superintendent-vmi-appoints-interim-as-search-continues-for-new-leader/

For all those who graduated from VMI, do you think it changed you, and transformed you into a whole new person, one to be proud of?

Frankly, I have problems with confidence, and shyness, and I was hoping someone else was in this same boat years ago, and can testify that VMI helped them overcome those challenges and made them tougher.

I’m afraid I’ll go to VMI, not have those problems resolved, not make any good friends, and just overall hate it.

Any advice good or bad is appreciated

Did anyone know him at the "I"? Was he always this dumb?

Way to go Mike Waltz!!!

How did you find out if you were accepted? I'm waiting to hear and I don't know if it will be via my admissions account or through the mail. Thanks!

Hello all, I’ve been accepted to VMI as a mechanical engineering major and I was wondering are all vmi students after graduation employed? Since the job market is pretty competitive. And does alumnis from VMI offer jobs to seniors graduating?

VMI cadet here—I am of a minority group and a 2/C (Junior). The way the media, especially The Washington Post and others, have portrayed VMI lately doesn’t reflect reality. The idea that VMI has some toxic, racist, or sexist culture is completely disconnected from what actually happens here. Those who push that narrative either haven’t been here or haven’t experienced real racism or sexism if they think this is it.

VMI runs on an adversarial system, and that’s what people don’t understand. It’s tough. It’s meant to push you. And if you’re not used to that kind of structure, it can feel personal—but it’s not. It feels personal to everyone at times. That’s part of what makes us stronger, what builds resilience and leadership.

Despite the challenges, attending VMI has been the best decision of my life. The brotherhood, the experience, the opportunities—it’s something I wouldn’t trade for anything.

For context: I’m currently deciding between Active Duty and the Reserves, with multiple six-figure job offers from VMI alumni. The network, the discipline, and the experience here set us up for success in ways outsiders don’t see.

And if you don’t believe me? Ask the 2/C Junior Class President (elected by the class by the way) or the upcoming highest-ranked cadet (RCO) in the Corps, the rising one for next year—both Black, selected by VMI commandant staff. Also both passionate about this topic, with stronger opinions than me but on the same side.

I am m3 years old aind i want to verve my cuntry.