A Proud History-A Bright Future

At Washington State University, a military program, of one type or another, has been in continuous operation, since 1892.

Instruction was to be ‘practical and theoretical' and 'all able-bodied male students' were enrolled in a 'battalion of the infantry' or a 'section of the cavalry'. The annual encampment of the cadets was recognized as a part of the drill program as early as 1895. In February 1925 the faculty approved a 4-year curriculum leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Military Science and Tactics. This degree was dropped from the curriculum effective the fall term 1945. During the decade 1931-1940, 464 men were granted commissions by the Department of Military Science and Tactics.  Kathy Lyons was WSU's first female commissionee in 1980. Over the last 10 years, the Cougar Battalion has been named to the Cadet Command 'All Pro' Team, that is being in the top ten programs of the nation,  six times; selected top school in 4th ROTC Region twice; top school in the nation in 1995 and awarded the Founders and Patriots Award for Excellence in 1999. In 2005, Cadets from WSU performed exceptionally well at Warrior Forge.  40% of the senior class finished with the top rating possible, and 4 of those finished in the top 5 of their platoon.  Also within that senior class resides the top two cadets in the 13th BDE. Recently WSU's Army ROTC program has commissioned 20 to 25 officers a year and has about 150 members.