The SMI Corps of Cadets will live by the original VMI Gentleman's Honour System. The Corps of Cadets will elect the Honour Court members from the upper two classes and the President of the Honour Court will be a member of the First (Senior) Class. The Honour Court will be responsible for education on and enforcement of the Honour Code without interference by the Board of Visitors, administration, or faculty in accordance with tradition.

All SMI cadets must make the following pledge upon matriculation at the Southern Military Institute:

"I hereby pledge to serve as a cadet of the Southern Military Institute, and will obey all legal orders of the constituted authority of the Institute. I give my word of honour, as a member of the SMI Corps of Cadets and as a future Alumnus of the Institute, that I will never lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do. I affirm that I am not married or divorced, and that I have no legal dependents. I will not join or affiliate with any secret society or fraternity while a member of the SMI Corps of Cadets. So help me God. "