LSU Reactivates Historic Corps of Cadets at Military Tribute Game

BATON ROUGE – LSU will formally reactivate its historic Corps of Cadets during a special halftime ceremony at this Saturday’s military tribute game in Tiger Stadium, marking the return of a 165-year-old tradition of military training and leadership at the university.

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, LSU President Wade Rousse, military officials, and distinguished guests will join on the field to mark the official reactivation. The ceremony will include the presentation and unfurling of the Corps colors, the passing of the colors to Cadet Col. Julia Barkley, commander of the Corps, and a recognition of key supporters.

LSU Board of Supervisors member, Rico Alvendia, who is also a retired Lieutenant Colonel and Iraq war combat veteran, spearheaded this effort with the strong support of LSU Board of Supervisors Chairman Scott Ballard and Supervisor Remy Starns. Ballard and Starns advocated for years for the return of the Corps of Cadets. After his appointment in 2024, Alvendia worked with LSU’s Army, Navy, and Air Force ROTC leaders, namely, LTC Josh Turlock, Lt Col Terry Kostellic, and CAPT Mark Neiswiadomy to bring this to fruition and bring back the 165-year-old Corps of Cadets.

“As a veteran, I believe there is incredible value in restoring the Corps of Cadets,” said Alvendia. “This program honors the university’s long-standing military heritage while preparing future leaders who embody the values of service, discipline, and excellence that define LSU.”

History of the LSU Corps of Cadets

Military training has been part of LSU since its founding as the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military Academy in 1860 under its first superintendent, Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman. Over the next century, the Corps of Cadets became central to campus life and played a major role in preparing officers for service in every major conflict.

By the end of World War II, LSU ranked among the nation’s leading producers of commissioned officers, with thousands of alumni serving and hundreds making the ultimate sacrifice. In 1946, LSU became the only school in Louisiana–and one of 76 nationwide–to host a newly organized Air Force ROTC detachment, further expanding its role in officer development.

Mandatory ROTC participation for male students ended in 1969 amid changing national attitudes toward military service, and LSU’s original Corps of Cadets was subsequently deactivated.

A Modern Corps for Today’s National Security Mission

The reconstituted program is designed to prepare students for leadership in both military and civilian national security roles. Participation in the Corps is voluntary and open to undergraduates across all majors.

LSU is developing new academic options in partnership with academic units across campus. Proposed programs include a National Defense Leadership Development minor, certificate options in leadership, and cybersecurity-focused coursework that strengthens students’ preparation for defense and technology careers. The program also includes two pathways:

• An ROTC track: for students pursuing commissions in the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, or U.S. Marine Corps. Navy and Marine Corps programs are hosted through Southern University’s Navy ROTC detachment, and LSU students participating in those programs are fully integrated into the Corps of Cadets. The Air Force program also offers pathways for students interested in commissioning into the U.S. Space Force.
• A civilian leadership track: modeled after peer institutions such as Virginia Tech—for students interested in supporting national defense, public service, intelligence, cybersecurity, and related fields without necessarily pursuing military service.

These academic offerings formally recognize the additional training and experience cadets gain through Corps participation and help meet the growing national demand for leaders equipped to navigate today’s complex defense and technology landscapes.

A New Home for the Corps and Looking Ahead

The Corps will be housed in the newly renovated Emerging Technologies Center, located near LSU’s Digital Media Center and cybersecurity programs. The 65,000-square-foot facility is planned to accommodate up to 700 cadets and cadre, and will provide an integrated environment for military training, leadership development, and cyber education.

Through the reactivated Corps of Cadets, LSU aims to build on its historic legacy while preparing a new generation of leaders committed to serving the state and nation. The university also would like to recognize LSU ROTC alumni and the Cadets of the Ole War Skule Alumni Organization, whose members have championed the return of the Corps for more than a decade and provided funds for the uniforms for the new Corps. As the Corps expands, LSU aims to broaden scholarship opportunities, deepen partnerships with alumni and military organizations, and strengthen the university’s role in developing future leaders for both military and civilian sectors.