Rico Alvendia, a retired Lieutenant Colonel and member of LSU’s Board of Supervisors, joins the show to discuss the university’s renewed effort to reactivate the Corps of Cadets. While the Board is also focused on hiring a new football coach, Alvendia emphasized the significance of restoring a tradition that dates back more than 160 years. Originally founded in 1860 when LSU began as a military academy, the Corps of Cadets was once mandatory for male students and boasted thousands of members before disbanding in the 1960s. During World War II, LSU was among the nation’s top commissioning sources for military officers, rivaling West Point and Annapolis. Alumni of the “Old War School” have continued supporting ROTC programs and veterans, and they are enthusiastic about the Corps’ revival.
The reactivated Corps will differ from its historic model by welcoming non‑military track students. Inspired by Texas A&M’s program, LSU’s Corps will allow participants to wear a common uniform, take leadership courses, and earn minors in cybersecurity and national defense leadership. This expansion provides opportunities for students who may not serve in the military but want to develop leadership skills and enhance their résumés. Alvendia highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity in both national defense and corporate America, noting LSU’s new center dedicated to the field.
The initiative has received strong backing from the LSU Board of Supervisors, Governor Landry, the state legislature, and ROTC alumni. Funding has been secured to hire staff, including a deputy commandant, and new uniforms modeled after West Point have been introduced. The Corps was formally reactivated during a halftime ceremony at LSU’s military tribute game, symbolizing pride and tradition. Alvendia stressed that the program will strengthen character, integrity, and campus culture while preparing students for future careers in both military and civilian sectors.
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