The number of cadets in the Army ROTC program at East Tennessee State University to receive highly competitive national three- and four-year scholarships is the highest in more than a decade.
Twenty-one national scholars joined the Buccaneer Battalion for the fall 2019 semester, five of which were awarded four-year scholarships and 16 were awarded three-year scholarships to attend ETSU and its satellite ROTC programs at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Milligan College and King University.
“It is an honor to train and teach nationally recognized cadets and future leaders who will serve our country with distinction,” said LTC Shawn Dodge, professor and chair of Military Science in the College of Business and Technology. “We are proud to have achieved the highest number of national scholars on record for the Buccaneer Battalion. ETSU is known for commissioning the highest caliber of officers with the skills necessary for a successful military career.”
To be eligible for national awards, scholars must meet a series of eligibility requirements and accept a commission to serve in the U.S. Army on active duty or reserves. Upon completion of ROTC program requirements, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants. The national scholars joining the Buccaneer Battalion Class of 2023 come from Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.
An Army ROTC unit was first assigned to East Tennessee State College in 1952. Since then, the program has commissioned more than 1,500 second lieutenants with 17 achieving flag officer status.
