High Country Times

The Appalachian State University Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program, also known as the Mountaineer Battalion, has received the General Douglas MacArthur Award from the U.S. Army. This award recognizes the program's outstanding contributions to military leadership and training. A ceremony to commemorate this achievement took place on March 20 at the university's Boone campus.

This award, established in 1989 by the U.S. Army Cadet Command, honors the top eight ROTC programs in the nation. It is awarded to programs that exemplify General MacArthur's ideals of "Duty, Honor, Country" and fulfill their mission of training and commissioning second lieutenants for the U.S. Army.

“App State is committed to fostering the next generation of military leaders,” stated App State Acting Provost Neva J. Specht. “This prestigious honor highlights the hard work of our cadets and their App State instructors, along with the commitment to excellence that defines our ROTC program. We are proud to educate cadets who will carry the values of integrity, honor and duty into their future military careers.”

For more than five decades, App State's ROTC has been preparing leaders for the U.S. Army, with graduates becoming commissioned officers upon completion. The program, part of the College of Fine and Applied Arts, serves 125 to 145 cadets, fostering essential skills such as discipline, physical stamina, and leadership.

“Our cadets and cadre give their all to improve themselves and others, and the university’s environment and culture make the program what it is,” said Capt. Steven Pressley, acting chair of App State’s Department of Military Science and Leadership. He added, “The physical environment of Boone provides steep terrain and harsh weather that strengthen the cadets’ constitution and determination. And the consistent cadet culture of ownership drives every level of cadet to learn, improve and excel.”

Recent achievements by the Mountaineer Battalion include a 133% commissioning rate in 2024 and cadets entering critical fields like nursing, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and cybersecurity. About 25% of the cadets were recognized as Distinguished Military Graduates.

The program's performance in events such as the Mountain Man Memorial March Marathon and the Ranger Challenge is also notable, reflecting its high standards. Additionally, the App State Pershing Rifles, Company M-4, secured a top-five position in the National Convention and Drill Competition this year.

“App State ROTC truly embodies leadership and excellence, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of it!” added Capt. Pressley.

Besides their military and academic pursuits, the Mountaineer Battalion is actively engaged in the App State community through various volunteer activities, highlighting the well-rounded development of its cadets.

The Department of Military Science and Leadership at App State, established in 1969, is committed to equipping students with leadership skills necessary for their future careers. Its curriculum allows students to gain academic credits for a minor in military science and leadership, leading to commissioning as second lieutenants.