ROTC was mandatory for freshmen & sophs at LSU till 1968 and we also have/had a strong military tradition. The president of LSU through the early 60's was Gen Troy Middleton who commanded the 6th Army in WWII. The "Ole War Skule" still holds to a military connection and many grads have been leaders in the armed forces. :geaux:
Did you know that LSU was founded as the state military academy and participation in the Corps of Cadets was mandatory until 1969? Did you know that LSU's nickname was the "Ole War School"? When the Civil war broke out the entire student body and faculty joined the Confederate Army except the President, William Tecumseh Sherman, who later rode from Atlanta to the Sea, breaking the Confederacy's back. Did you know that Tiger Band was military band for most of its early history? Did you know that LSU contributed more officers to WWII than any schools except West Point and Texas A&M?
I wouldn't say it's a recent thing but it hasn't been that way forever. When I was going through the recruitment process I was told countless tins that after your sophomore year you choose whether to enlist or not. I believe if you do enlist you receive some form of additional piece of uniform to distinguish yourself but every senior can still have boots and participate in every part of the corps. This is the reason why most UT fans call the Corps fake army, it's basically a tradition-soaked ROTC program, like every other program across the country, except for the minority who do decide to enlist.
You just never know what you're gonna learn on the Forum! (However, Red, the answer to all of the above questions is "Yes".) I knew about the Corps because I started at LSU in 1969 and was able to choose. I chose the band instead.
ACC debating upping buyout to leave conference, sources say - ESPN Guess this might leave out FSU VT OR Clemson joining
