Texas A&M Corps of Cadets boosts security amid terrorism concerns

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - The Texas A&M University Office of the Commandant sent out a letter to the Texas A&M Cadet Corps addressing some safety concerns and new policies to be implemented.

In the letter, Commandant James W. Bierman addresses concerns about the threat of terrorism at home and abroad as Operation Epic Fury continues.

The safety, the well-being of our cadets, these terrific young men and women, and all the students are a top priority," Bierman said.

As a result, new steps are being taken to enhance safety for the Corps of Cadets, including:

• The Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) will provide armed officer overwatch during all Corps formations and selected activities.
• UPD will also increase patrols in the vicinity of Corps buildings and facilities, including the TRIGON.
• The entire Corps will receive an active shooter brief in Duncan Dining Hall on March 17. At a minimum, everyone should walk away with updated emergency contact information programmed into their phone and a basic understanding of critical reporting features.

In the letter, Bierman said the Texas A&M University Operations Team and UPD are sharing information with local and federal law enforcement.

Cadets respond

Harrison Hoskins, a class of 2027 Air Force ROTC cadet at Texas A&M, said the university’s position as one of the largest senior military colleges in the nation makes it a potential target.

“And obviously being, you know, one of the biggest senior military colleges here in the nation, it’s kind of a, you know, a big target for us,” Hoskins said. “I think that with everything that’s going on, what they’re doing here to keep us safe is, top-of-the-line tier stuff.”

Vigilance urged

Bierman recommends that everyone stay alert to unusual behaviors, suspicious packages, attempts to gain unauthorized access, or activities that seem out of place.

“Staying focused on the issue at hand, we continue to emphasize vigilance and reporting. Staying attuned to the environment,” Bierman said. “If something doesn’t look right, it may not be right. Make sure you pass it on. Suspicious behavior, unauthorized access, anything that catches your attention.”

There are over 2,400 cadets enrolled at Texas A&M. The Corps said it will continue to reassess and reevaluate its safety measures as the semester progresses.