Department of Military Science
College of Liberal Arts
Since 1967, we have been producing Army Officers and developing leaders of character. ROTC, which stands for Reserve Officers Training Corps, is a program of military instruction that takes place on 270 college and university campuses nation-wide. The origin of military instruction in civilian colleges dates back to 1819. Army ROTC is the experience of a lifetime that helps you acquire the skills that promote success in life after college. Through our cutting-edge leadership development curriculum and corporate partnership programs, Army ROTC will transform you into the leader of tomorrow.
Dr. John A. Peoples, Jr., the sixth President of the institution, was the founder of the Army Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) unit at Jackson State University. Prior to Dr. Peoples’ selection as the President of Jackson State University, he proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps as an enlisted service member. Dr. Peoples was not provided the opportunity to participate in a ROTC program in the state of Mississippi because of the early segregation policies of the state.
Within two months after his inauguration as President of Jackson State College on March 8, 1967, Dr. Peoples initiated correspondence with the Department of the Army officials for the establishment of an Army ROTC training detachment at Jackson State University. The initial inquiry and request proved fruitless; however, he was able to receive information concerning the criteria that Jackson State University would be required to meet prior to hosting a unit.
After two years of negotiations between the Department of the Army and Jackson State College, the perseverance, dedication and effort of Dr. Peoples was rewarded. Jackson State College was designated to host an Army ROTC unit.
General Orders 81, dated December 17, 1968 officially activated the Jackson State College Detachment. The first commissioned officer to be assigned to the unit was Captain Joseph Creasy on February 28, 1969. Clarence Bryant was the first cadet to officially enroll in the Jackson State College ROTC Program. Cadet Bryant was one of the first fifteen young men from the Jackson State College to complete the ROTC Basic Camp at Fort Benning, Georgia, during the summer of 1969. Cadet Bryant was selected as the first Cadet Commander of the Tiger Battalion.
Since then, over 750 young men and women have earned their gold bars as Second Lieutenants in the United States Army and four General Officers have been produced: BG (Ret.) Eddie Cain, and BG (Ret.) Robert Crear, MG (Ret.) Rueben Jones, and BG Donna Williams. Presently, Jackson State University serves as the host school for Belhaven College, Delta State University, Millsaps College, Mississippi College, Mississippi Valley State University, Tougaloo College, and UMMC Nursing School. Together these schools form the Tiger Battalion. The Tiger Battalion currently has 139 Cadets enrolled in the program.
The current Department Chair and Professor of Military Science and Leadership of the Tiger Battalion is Major (Promotable) Steven Robinson. His mission is to commission quality future leaders into the United States Army and motivate young people to become better Americans by enhancing their understanding and appreciation for leadership excellence.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Training Tomorrow’s Leaders Today!
The Jackson State University Army ROTC Tiger Battalion serves the greater Jackson Area in order to train Cadets/Student to become future Army Officers as well as leaders in the professional business world. Our program is the host Army ROTC program for Belhaven College, Millsaps College, Mississippi College, Mississippi College School of Law, Mississippi Valley State University, Tougaloo College, and University of Mississippi Medical Center’s School of Nursing.
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LEARN BY DOING
Along with great leadership training, Army ROTC can pay for your college tuition and provide money for books and other living expenses. ROTC also awards merit scholarships to hundreds of students each year. Qualify, and you could get a scholarship and monthly allowance worth up to $80,000 at some schools.
“Challenging Minds, Changing Lives.”
APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE
The Jackson State University Army ROTC Tiger Battalion serves the greater Jackson Area in order to train Cadets/Student to become future Army Officers as well as leaders in the professional business world. Our program is the host Army ROTC program for Belhaven College, Delta State University, Millsaps College, Mississippi College, Mississippi College School of Law, Mississippi Valley State University, Tougaloo College, and University of Mississippi Medical Center’s School of Nursing.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
ROTC graduates have a plethora of career options as Officers in the United States Army
READY TO JOIN?
For more information on joining the Tiger Battalion, please text “NG70” to 462769 or contact us at (601) 979- 8600. You may also fill out our information form below. We look forward to meeting with you and seeing how our program can help you achieve your goals.