Soon after its opening in 1876, the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, Texas A&M, established the Corps of Cadets to fulfill its mandate to instruct its students, all male until the early 1960s, in military science. Texas A&M contributed more officers to America's World War II effort than any other institution, including the U.S. Military Academy. Many traditional Corps activities, such as the Aggie Band, Fish Drill Team, and Ross Volunteers, gained national and international recognition. The elite Corps of Cadets continues to dominate the university's unique public image.