Army ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) is the smartest college course you can take. It offers opportunities and challenges that can put you on the fast track to success in life. You'll develop the confidence, self-esteem, motivation and leadership skills you'll need regardless of your career plans. The qualities that ROTC training instills will be vital to a productive and rewarding future ROTC elective courses provide a combination of academics and important hands-on training. Our physical and mental challenges help you succeed in college and beyond. We build our program on teamwork and add leadership responsibilities as you develop your leadership skills. For its many benefits, Army ROTC requires only a few hours per week. In fact, you'll find ROTC a great place to form lasting friendships.

ROTC training began at Marshall University in 1951. The curriculum initially adopted was to prepare officers for duty in the Army Ordnance Corps. An elective type program with a two-year basic and two-year advanced course was adopted and remains in effect today. The first Corps of Cadets was organized along the lines of an Infantry battalion for leadership and command instruction. In 1954, the curriculum of the program was changed from Ordnance Corps to General Military Science so cadets could apply for any branch in the Army. The Cadet Corps Battalion was reorganized in 1958 along the lines of the Potomac Infantry Division Battle Group and designate the Marshall College Battle Group. At this time, its headquarters was established as a permanent facility within the Military Science Department.

In September 1960, the Military Science Department was transferred from the College of Arts and Sciences to the College of Applied Sciences, and the curriculum was changed to give added emphasis to academic achievement of students. During 1961, the Military Science Department was relocated from the Old Main Annex to its present location in Gullickson Hall. Effective with the 1963-64 school year and in keeping with the modernization of the Army, the Cadet Battle Group was reorganized and designated the Marshall University Battalion. 1n 1972, the college of Business and Applied Sciences was formed, under which the Department of Military Science now falls. Early in 1987, in an effort to follow the spirit of the University, the Battalion was renamed "The Thundering Herd Battalion" and carries that name today.

In December 1990, the program commissioned its first nursing student.

Distinguished graduates include Lieutenant General Johnnie Corns, Major General James Baylor, Major General Albin Wheeler, Major General Jerry White, Major General David Stallings, Major General Hylton and NBA Hall of Fame member Hal Greer.

Since its inception, "The Thundering Herd" Battalion has commissioned over 900 officers who have served their country with honor and distinction.