Alabama HBCU to be part of Department of War’s ‘Corps of Cadets’

Courtesy of HBCUNEWS.com

By Patrick Darrington

Tuskegee University has been selected to be a part of a new Department of War program, the only historically Black college and university to receive the designation.

The department stated Tuesday that Tuskegee would be one of five colleges given the title of a Distinguished Military College as the agency creates America’s Corps of Cadets.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the program during a “State of the Force” speech.

Louisiana State University, Liberty University, Mississippi State University, and Hillsdale College will also take part in the program.

“The program addresses the need for more officers grounded in the Constitution, Western civilization, American heritage, and the warrior ethos at a time when many traditional commissioning sources have drifted from those foundations,” a Department of War statement read.

“This flagship effort is central to our goal of increasing the number of patriotic leaders of character commissioning into the Joint Force,” Hegseth said.

Each university program is designated a “Distinguished Military College” and receives an “Honor School” status, Hesgeth said, which provides priority in officer commissioning.

“Tuskegee University is deeply honored and grateful for its designation as a Distinguished Military College by the Department of War and the Secretary of War,” Dr. Mark A. Brown, President and CEO of Tuskegee University, said.

“This recognition affirms more than a century of service to our nation and charts an exciting path toward the continued growth of a full Corps of Cadets at Tuskegee University. It reflects our enduring commitment to leadership, excellence, and national service.”

The designation honors Tuskegee’s history and contributions to the country’s military and puts the college on a path to becoming a Senior Military College.

The Department of War stated that colleges who join America’s Corp of Cadets can become “Honor Schools” and receive priority in officer commissioning.