About Army ROTC
Learn about the UM Department of Military Science and Leadership, the Magnolia Battalion.
Commissioning Army Officers of the Highest Character, Commitment, and Competence
The Magnolia Battalion continues to grow and progress, with 150 cadets strong. The quality of our cadets is shown clearly by our participation in the Army's summer Airborne and Air Assault courses and a recent 100% pass rate.
Since 1938 over 1700 officers have received their commissions through the Army ROTC program at Ole Miss and serve on active duty and in the Army Reserve and National Guard. They have fought honorably through six wars, including World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan and Iraq. About 20 graduates have also attained the honor of becoming general officers (one star or higher).
The Ole Miss Army ROTC is aimed at developing well-educated leaders, well-rounded leaders of character for the Army. The Magnolia Battalion has been extraordinarily successful in accomplishing this mission and is poised to continue to develop such leaders for the Army of the 21st Century.
Greetings from the UM Army ROTC
Magnolia Battalion is the premiere Army ROTC program in Mississippi. Comprised of over 150 Cadets, Magnolia Battalion is committed to developing leaders of character for our Nation's Army. Focusing on academics, physical fitness, and leadership skills—Magnolia Battalion best prepares Cadets to commission as officers in the United States Army. Our Cadets remain active in nearly every aspect of campus life, including fraternities and sororities, honors programs, and athletics.
Nicholas Erik Kalitka
Chair and Professor of Military Science and Leadership
Faculty and Staff
Nicholas Kalitka
- Chair and Professor of Military Science and Leadership
David Baughman
- Instructor - Senior Military Science
Kris Urquhart
- Instructor in Military Science and Leadership
Joshua Edwards
- Assistant Professor of Military Science
Staten Detample
- Instructor in Military Science and Leadership
Jeffrey Brown
- Program Coordinator
Brian Lisko
- Instructor - Military Science
Myron McWashington
- Program Coordinator
David Whitfield
- Administrative Assistant
Za'Shya Hill
- Supply Clerk
Jon Michael Gebhardt
- Program Coordinator
Marian Taylor
- Staff Assistant
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UM Army ROTC History
Learn about the roots of the Army ROTC program and some of the major milestones in the program over the years. There are attached lists of Alumni who were KIA and Alumni Hall of Fame.
UM Army ROTC History
ROTC Crest
University of Mississippi Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI)
The shield of blue (azure) and red (gules) signifies the colors of the University of Mississippi. The bend of gray represents the service of the University Greys during the Civil War. The Mississippi Rifle signifies the service of the First Regiment, Mississippi Volunteer Infantry (The Mississippi Rifles) in the Mexican War and links the unit with the strong tradition of Mississippians volunteering to defend the nation. The white (argent, literally, silver) Magnolia blossom with green (vert) leaves is the state flower, and signifies the close association of the unit with the state of Mississippi. The likeness of the Lyceum, the first building of The University, signifies the close partnership between the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and The University. The scroll specifically identifies the unit with The University of Mississippi.
ROTC Emblem
ROTC Patch Symbolism
Cadet Commands shoulder patch was authorized 8 April 1986. The shield symbolizes the Army’s mission of national defense and is divided into quarters representing the four traditional military science courses compromising the senior ROTC curriculum. The sword signifies the courage, gallantry and self-sacrifice intrinsic to the profession of arms. The lamp denotes the pursuit of knowledge, higher learning, and the partnership of Army ROTC with American colleges and universities. The Greek helmet is symbolic of the ancient civilization concept of the warrior-scholar. The motto “Leadership Excellence” expresses the ultimate responsibility of Army ROTC in the discharge of its moral responsibility to the Nation.
Creeds and Songs
I am an American Soldier.
I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.
I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.
I am an Army Cadet.
Soon I will take an oath and become an Army Officer committed to defending the values, which make this nation great.
Honor is my touchstone. I understand mission first and people always.
I am the PAST: the spirit of those warriors who have made the final sacrifice.
I am the PRESENT: the scholar and apprentice soldier enhancing my skills in the science of warfare and the art of leadership.
But, above all, I am the FUTURE: the future warrior leader of the United States Army. May God give me the compassion and judgment to lead and the gallantry to WIN.
First to fight for the right,
And to build the Nation’s might,
And The Army Goes Rolling Along
Proud of all we have done,
Fighting till the battle’s won,
And the Army Goes Rolling Along. Then it’s Hi! Hi! Hey!
The Army’s on its way.
For where e’er we go,
You will always know
That The Army Goes Rolling Along.
Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of the Rangers.
Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster, and fight harder than any other soldier.
Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong, and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one hundred percent and then some.
Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress, and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.
Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.
Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.
“RANGERS LEAD THE WAY”
I am a Sapper, the cutting edge of my country’s sword.
I will always endeavor to complete my Sapper mission, regardless of available assets. My flexibility and special training shall provide my task force with a tool to overcome insurmountable odds.
I realize that I will be called upon for my expertise in all aspects of mobility, counter mobility, and survivability. The failure to effectively accomplish my mission could cost the lives of others.
I will set the example by keeping myself physically fit and mentally tough. I will strive to sharpen my Sapper skills and the skills of those I support.
SAPPERS LEAD THE WAY!
(A Bar of Gold on Army Green)
A bar of gold on Army Green
A bar of gold on Army Green
When you’re looking for a leader
One who’s heard as well as seen
Look to the one who’s earned respect
And a bar of gold on Army green
A bar of gold on Army green