Contact: Kenneth Billings
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Mississippi State's Army ROTC program continues its recognition by the U.S. Department of the Army as one of the nation's Top 50.
In a recent letter to Interim President Vance Watson, Maj. Gen. W. Montague Winfield said the university's reserve officers training corps is ranked among the top 15 percent of the 273 campus units making up the Army Cadet Command.
"This achievement demonstrates excellence in the overall Army ROTC program and exemplifies the hard work and dedication of the Mississippi State University cadets and cadre staff," Winston said in his correspondence.
"This achievement provides a superb reflection of the support MSU provides the Army ROTC program," Winfield added. "We appreciate this partnership for success and look forward to many more years of developing and commissioning young leaders for our Army and nation."
Campus programs are ranked on the basis of multiple criteria, including academic grade point averages, physical fitness reports and performances in military-based training.
"This honor reflects on the quality of students that MSU Army ROTC attracts, the professionalism and dedication of our cadre and the cooperation and support ROTC receives from the university," said Maj. Rashann Harris, who, as professor of military science, heads the program. "Historically, we have been in the top 15 per cent, and we intend to continue commissioning quality officers for the U.S. Army."
Army ROTC was mandated for all Mississippi A&M College males until 1932, when the institution's name changed to Mississippi State College. It then was required only for freshman and sophomore males until 1969, at which time participation became voluntary.
Currently, Mississippi State's Army ROTC program enrolls approximately 100 men and women. The university's Air Force ROTC detachment involves some 40 male and female cadets.