The Origin of ROTC

The tradition of military instruction on civilian college campuses in America began in 1819, with the establishment of what would become Norwich University. The idea soon spread to other institutions, including the Virginia Military Institute, the University of Tennessee, and The Citadel. The Land Grant Act of 1862 (also known as the Morrill Act) reinforced this tradition by specifying that courses in military tactics should be offered at the college and university campuses established as a result of this act. Although 105 colleges and universities offered this instruction by the turn of the century, the college military instruction program was not closely associated with the Army's needs.

The National Defense Act of 1916

The National Defense Act of 1916 abandoned the idea of an expandable Regular Army and firmly established the traditional concept of the citizens' army as the keystone of our defense forces. It merged the National Guard, the Army Reserve, and the Regular Army into the Army of the United States. Officers for this expanded citizens' army were to be presented with military instruction in colleges and universities under a Reserve Officers' Training Corps. Army ROTC was firmly established in the form by which it is known today. By the beginning of World War I, ROTC had placed some 90,000 officers in the reserve pool. In 1917 and 1918, the majority of these officers were called to active duty. At the outbreak of World War II, more than 56,000 Army ROTC officers were called to active duty within a six-month period. By the end of World War II, more than 100,000 had served. Since 1945, more than 328,000 people from all walks of life have received commissions through the Army ROTC program.

The ROTC Revitalization Act of 1964

The ROTC Revitalization Act of 1964 added flexibility and incentives to the overall ROTC concept. It offered a full 4-year program, a 2-year program for men who were unable to participate in ROTC during their first two years of college, and a new scholarship program; retained the Cadet Flight Training Program; and increased monthly pay rates and allowances. In 1973 women became eligible to enroll in Army ROTC and to compete for ROTC scholarships at any of the over 290 participating colleges and universities, providing school officials agreed. Since its inception, ROTC has been a highly productive source of commissioned officers for the Total Army. Today nearly 70% of all Army officers are graduates of the Army ROTC program.

Southern University Army ROTC History

The Southern University and A&M College Army ROTC Battalion was activated on 11 July 1948 as a Transportation Corps Unit.  During its first six years, Southern University produced 115 Transportation Corps Second Lieutenants.

 In September 1954, the ROTC Battalion was re-designated as a General Military Science Unit (GMS), qualified to commission Second Lieutenants in all branches of the Army.  From September 1948 to the present, over 1,200 Second Lieutenants in various branches of the Army received their commission through Southern University’s Army ROTC Program.

 In 1972, a pilot program was started at Southern University and other select colleges, which allowed women graduates to receive Army commissions.  In the summer 1977, Hazel Young became the first women to receive a commission as a Second Lieutenant from Southern University.

Southern Generals

In 1980, Lieutenant General (Retired) Edward Honor, a member of the 1954 class, became the first Southern University ROTC Battalion graduate to be promoted to general officer.  In 1981 and 1982, Southern was again honored when Major General (Retired) Isaac Smith, Brigadier General (Retired) Donald Delandro and Major General (Retired) Charles Honore’ were all promoted to general officer rank.  In 1987, another tradition was established, when , Sherian Cadoria  became Southern ROTC’s first woman graduate to be promoted to Brigadier General.  These traditions of distinction live on with the promotions of Jude W. P. Patin to Brigadier General, Joe N. Ballard to Lieutenant General, Gregory A. Rountree to Major General, and the latest pinning of Major General Russell Honore in 1997. 

Alumni Federation Established in 1985

In October 1985, the Southern University Federation of Commissioned Officers, comprised of graduates of the Army ROTC Program, was established.  Articles of Incorporation were drawn up and filed with the state of Louisiana on the 25^th of August 1986. 

These significant achievements merely signify the rich heritage enjoyed by the Army ROTC “Jaguar” Battalion and Military Science Department at Southern University and A&M College.  Southern ROTC graduates have served in all wars since Korea.  And today, they are serving proudly in Iraq, Afghanistan, and many other areas of the world to combat terrorism and treats against America’s way of life.    This is why the Battalion’s motto is "JAGUARS FIRST."