The Bulldog Battalion

The Army Reserve Officers Training Corps was established at Truman State University during the Spring term in 1969. The Bulldog Battalion prepares young men and women for positions of leadership the United States Army. By participating in the ROTC program, a student may earn a minor in Military Science and a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Unites States Army, Army Reserves or the Army National Guard. Since its inception, the ROTC program at Truman has commissioned over 650 Officers in the United States Army to include former and serving Brigade Commanders.

The Bulldog Battalion cadre consists of five Army commissioned officers, two non-commissioned officers, two Department of Defense civilian employees, and a state employee. Currently the Bulldog Battalion has approximately 200 student members.

The Bulldog Battalion Headquarters are located on the second floor of Barnett Hall. Barnett Hall is located at the southern part of campus, across the street from Red Barn Park.

 

General John J. Pershing is one of our most notable graduates. He was born in Laclede, Missouri on September 13, 1860. Pershing graduated in 1880 from Truman State University with a 2-year teaching degree (formerly the First District Normal School). He then attended West Point and received his commission as an Army officer. General Pershing was promoted to the rank of four-star general and commanded the American Expeditionary Forces in France during World War I. After World War I he was one of only two generals in our Nation's history given the title of General of the Armies, the other being George Washington.