History of ROTC at Missouri State University

World War I Era and the Student Army Training Corps

During the World War I era, Missouri State Normal School – Fourth District—now known as Missouri State University—established a unit of the Student Army Training Corps (SATC). This national program was created to prepare young men for military service while allowing them to continue their college education. Through SATC, the university aligned itself with a nationwide effort to support the war by integrating military training into its academic environment. This early partnership laid the groundwork for Missouri State’s enduring legacy of leadership development and military engagement.

World War II and the Air Corps Cadet Training Program

During World War II, Missouri State University—then known as Springfield State Teachers College—played a direct role in the national war effort by participating in the U.S. Army Air Corps Cadet Training Program. From February 1944 to June 1945, the campus hosted aviation cadets, providing academic instruction and physical training as part of their preparation for service. This partnership exemplified the university’s long-standing commitment to supporting military readiness and national service.

 

A black-and-white photo of a soldier in the brush

 

Cadets stand in line to volunteer for the program

Post–World War II and the Establishment of ROTC

The third and current phase of military training at Missouri State University began in July 1952 with the activation of the Army ROTC detachment. This marked the formal establishment of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps on campus, continuing the university’s legacy of military involvement. The original contract for the ROTC program outlined the expectation to commission no fewer than 25 officers annually, solidifying Missouri State’s role in developing the next generation of Army leaders.

Early ROTC Milestones

The first regularly scheduled Annual Federal Inspection took place on May 1, 1953, marking a key milestone in the development of Missouri State University’s ROTC program. Shortly afterward, the ROTC band was formed under the guidance of the university’s Music Department, adding a new dimension to cadet life and military traditions on campus.

Military Organizations and Clubs at Missouri State University

  • In 1952, Company “L” of the Pershing Rifles was organized as a drill team, later receiving its official charter into the National Society in 1963.

  • The Rifle and Pistol Club was formed during the Fall Semester of 1955, the same year the University Rifle Team was established. The Rifle Team achieved NCAA sanctioning in 1986, marking a significant step in its competitive development.

  • In 1985, the Military Science Department at Missouri State University took on sponsorship of the University’s Trap and Skeet Club, further expanding opportunities for marksmanship and firearms sports on campus.

Transition to a Voluntary ROTC Program

In the spring of 1970, Army ROTC at Missouri State University shifted from a mandatory program to a strictly voluntary one. Before this change, all physically fit male students entering MSU were required to complete the first two years of ROTC. The move to an all-voluntary system led to a significant drop in enrollment. To accommodate and maintain ROTC training opportunities in the region, the program was also offered at nearby institutions including Evangel University, Drury University, Baptist Bible College, and Southwest Baptist University. Notably, Evangel College commissioned its first ROTC graduate in December 1974, marking an important milestone in the program’s expansion.

Inclusion of Female Cadets

Starting in the 1974–75 academic year, female students began enrolling in the Army ROTC programs at Missouri State University and its affiliate colleges and universities. This marked an important step toward gender integration in military training. In May 1976, Missouri State proudly commissioned its first female Army officer, reflecting the university’s commitment to expanding opportunities and leadership for all cadets.

First Commission and Notable Alumni

The first Second Lieutenant commissioned through Missouri State University’s Army ROTC program graduated in the spring of 1955. Since then, Missouri State University and its affiliated partner colleges and universities have commissioned over 2,000 Army officers.

Among these distinguished graduates are sixteen General Officers, including:

  • Karen Dyson
  • Troy Galloway
  • Robert L. Gordon
  • Frank Grass
  • Neal T. Jaco
  • Fred F. Marty
  • John E. Miller
  • Robert F. Pennycuick
  • Jarrett J. Robertson
  • Marty Robinson
  • Tony L. Stansberry
  • Dean Thompson
  • Aaron Walter
  • William Ward
  • William A. West
  • David E. White

This legacy of leadership reflects Missouri State’s ongoing commitment to developing officers who serve with distinction.

MSU Army ROTC Today

Missouri State University’s Army ROTC program proudly trains a diverse and dedicated group of cadets each year. The Bear Battalion plays an active role on campus and in the community, participating in ceremonial events such as Color Guard presentations, Veterans Day observances, and supporting Bear football games with their signature cannon crew. Beyond campus, cadets represent MSU at prestigious national events, including the challenging Bataan Memorial Death March.

The Bear Battalion consistently ranks among the top contenders in the prestigious Ranger Challenge Competition. Notably, their first-ever all-female team earned top honors at the Task Force level in 2011 and at the Brigade level in 2012. In 2015, both male and female teams placed first at the Task Force competition, underscoring the program’s excellence and inclusive spirit.