ARMY ROTC
A PROUD HISTORY-A BRIGHT FUTURE
The ROTC Battalion has been proud to help develop the leaders of tomorrow.
Cadets pull their way across the duck pond.
Each year ROTC Cadets take the plunge into the duck pond to help raise money for Special Olympics.
Army ROTC at Appalachian State
Hundreds of officers have been commissioned through the Mountaineer Battalion since the late 1960s. Practically all Army branches have seen at least one representative from ASU.
Historical Overview
The Department of Military Science was established at Appalachian State University in 1969 during the height of the Vietnam conflict. LTC John G. Collins was the first Professor of Military Science. The ROTC Rifle Team and National Society of Pershing Rifles were also established at ASU in 1969. Scabbard and Blade established E Company, 17th Regiment at ASU on September 19, 1970. The ASU Commandos were activated in 1972 under LTC William T. Palmer, who became the second PMS in 1971.
