History

U.S. Army Cadet Command

The shield symbolizes the Army mission of national defense and is divided into four quarters symbolizing the four traditional military science courses comprising the Senior ROTC curriculum.

The sword signifies courage, gallantry, and self-sacrifice intrinsic to the profession of arms.

The lamp denotes the pursuit of knowledge, higher learning, and the partnership of Army ROTC with American colleges and universities.

The Greek helmet is symbolic of the ancient civilization concept of the warrior-scholar.

The motto "Leadership and Excellence" expresses the ultimate responsibility of Army ROTC to the discharge of its moral responsibility to the nation.

The Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps

The Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) produces over 80% of the officers for the active Army and its reserve components, the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve. Admission is open to all college men and women who meet the standard qualifications.

Education goes beyond the classroom as it is designed to provide students with the basi concepts and principles of military art and science while developing the student's leadership, personal integrity, honor, responsibility, and appreciation for national security. These objectives establish a sound basis for future professional development and effective performance as commissioned officers in the U.S. Army, and as leaders in civilian enterprises.

History of ROTC at Murray State

In 1952, a contract establishing ROTC at Murray State College was signed by Murray State and the Department of the Army. The first classes were held in the Fall 1953 and the first students were commissioned into the Army in 1956.

In the early years, ROTC was mandatory for all freshman and sophomore males. In 1969, the Board of Regents reduced the mandatory requirement from two years to one year and in 1972, the mandatory requirement was dropped. During those years, it was a common sight in the late afternoon to see hundreds of young men marching around campus in the Army Green dress uniforms.

Due to downsizing of the military, the ROTC program at Murray State closed in 1997. During the 45 year history of ROTC at Murray State, 1058 young men and women received their commission as a Second Lieutenant. Many of these went on to have distinguished military careers and several died in service of their country.

On December 2, 2003 Murray State President F. King Alexander, members of the Kentucky National Guard, U.S. Army Cadet Command, and Western Kentucky University entered into an agreement to offer Army ROTC on the Murray State campus once again in the Fall semester of 2004. The ROTC program is staffed with full time officers and NCOs of the Kentucky Army National Guard. The program, once again, offers the young men and women of Murray State University the leadership training and opportunity to serve their country as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, the Army Reserves, or the Army National Guard.

On May 1, 2006, MSU ROTC commissioned its first two Lietenants since its closing in 1997. CDT Jeffrey Newnum and CDT Andreas Shabaan were commissioned as 2LT in the U.S. Army and will serve their obligation in the Kentucky Army National Guard. The guest speaker was MG (Ret) Bobby Brashers who received his commission as well through Murray State ROTC in 1956.

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