Battalion History

Early Military Training

Military training began in 1807 at the University of Georgia because of a state law requiring all able-bodied men, students and faculty, to participate in state musters.  These musters eventually led to the organization of military companies by the students.  The first were known as the “College Riflemen” and the “Franklin Blues”.  These student companies participated in the War of 1812 and the Seminole War of 1817-1818.  Later, another company known as the “College Volunteers” participated in the Texas struggle for independence in the 1830s.

During the Civil War, students organized units such as the "Mell Rifles" and the "Lipscomb Volunteers." These groups, later called the "Rock Boys" from Athens, joined the war effort in 1863. Students deemed unfit for combat formed the "Mitchell Thunderbolts," who conducted drills and guarded prisoners.

In 1872, UGA established a Department of Military Science and Tactics, making military instruction a required part of the curriculum. A designated professor served as commandant of cadets. Due to this military unit’s establishment, UGA qualified for the Morrill Land Grant, which became a principal source of income for the University.

By 1904, advanced students began attending summer training camps where military discipline and training could be more thoroughly taught than in a college atmosphere. In 1905, UGA petitioned for and received a regular Army officer as commandant of cadets. Between 1871 and 1919, students participated in three drills per week, with federal aid providing funding and equipment for military training.

During American participation in the First World War, 1917-1918, the University was organized as a strictly military school, with primary emphasis given to military training rather than academic education.  The 1917 senior class volunteered for action in World War I before the completion of the year’s work.  By special action of the Board of Trustees, these students were able to receive their degrees early.  They received their diplomas wearing olive-drab uniforms instead of the usual academic cap and gown as a symbol of their enlistment for service.  The 1918 Pandora (UGA’s Yearbook) is bound in an olive-drab cover as a dedication to these students.  There were 3152 Georgia graduates who participated in World War I, almost half were officers.  Of those, 46 lost their lives.  Following the war, Georgia alumni created War Memorial Fund.  With these funds, Memorial Hall was built and in 1924 it was dedicated to the Georgia men who gave their lives during World War I.

The Beginning of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps

On June 30, 1919, in response to the National Defense Act of 1916, UGA’s Department of Military Science and Tactics transitioned into the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), making the first two years compulsory and the last two elective for selected students. While freshmen and sophomores no longer received stipends, upperclassmen received uniforms and rations amounting to approximately $370. 

A Cavalry Unit was organized on October 8, 1919, and remained active until World War II.  UGA was one of the few universities in the US offering cavalry training.  During the late 1920s, Cavalry ROTC students had the opportunity to join the trick riding squad, the Monkey Drill Team.  For many years, the team performed at horse shows and fairs as well as exhibitions on campus.  In 1928, the commandant of ROTC installed a Polo Team which also consisted of students from the Cavalry Unit.  The Polo Team competed against other military teams at military installations across the southeast.

In 1924 UGA was placed on the War Department’s list of distinguished colleges for the quality of military training offered at the school.  The current Military Building was built in 1931 to support Army ROTC.  By 1932, any student wanting to participate in the two-year advanced course had to apply for acceptance.  The number allowed to participate was based on an allotment determined by the War Department.  During the summers, Infantry students in the advanced course trained at Ft. McClellan, AL, while advanced cavalry students trained at Ft. Oglethorpe, TN.

At the start of World War II, the Cavalry Corps was disbanded as mechanized warfare took precedence. In 1944, at the War Department’s request, UGA combined its Infantry and Cavalry ROTC units into a single basic training program. Due to a shortage of officers, advanced ROTC students supervised and drilled basic units.  A total of 8,863 UGA graduates served in the armed forces during World War II.

The Department of Military Science and Tactics was renamed General Military Science in September 1956. The ROTC Vitalization Act of 1964 reinforced ROTC’s role in commissioning active-duty officers, offering scholarships and stipends to qualified cadets.  By 1972 women were allowed to fully participate in the ROTC program and commission as lieutenants after graduation.

Beginning in 2014, all collective ROTC summer training was consolidated at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Hands-on training opportunities expanded, allowing cadets to participate in internships and global military immersions to enhance cultural awareness.

Since World War II, UGA Army ROTC cadets have played a significant role in military conflicts.  These commissioned officers have led troops during the Korean War (1950-1953), Vietnam War (1955-1975), Gulf War (1990-1991), and the wars in Afghanistan (2001-2021) and Iraq (2003-2011).  Their contributions have been vital to maintaining the effectiveness and readiness of the US Army, shaping the leadership of the armed forces in conflict spanning the Cold War era to modern global engagements.

Legacy and Tradition

The University of Georgia’s Military Science Department has played an integral role since its inception. Cadets of UGA Army ROTC have served in every American conflict with many general officer alumni.  The Bulldog Battalion has a long legacy of excellence and continues to produce top performing officers.  With evolving technology and global challenges, the need for well-trained military leaders remains. Despite rapid innovations, the culture and traditions of UGA Army ROTC remain steadfast and committed to leading the Army of tomorrow.