Our Heritage

Battalion History

The MSU Eagle Battalion has continually provided officers to the U.S. Army throughout its 52-year history. Since the first commissioning ceremony with 34 second-lieutenants in 1970, Morehead State University ROTC has commissioned more than 700 officers and continues to provide our nation with quality leaders.

The Morehead State University Eagle Battalion was activated on Jan. 1, 1968, as announced by General Order Number 28, Headquarters, First United States Army, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, dated Feb. 15, 1968. Initially all male MSU students were required to enroll in ROTC as a requirement for graduation. Since the fall semester of 1971, ROTC is no longer a requirement for MSU male freshmen.

Awards and Honors

The Eagle Battalion has been recognized for excellence through the years with numerous achievements, including:

• In the 1970’s the Eagle Battalion had the 10th and 11th largest commissioning classes in the nation in 1975 and 1976.
• The MSU Eagle Battalion was ranked 21st in the nation during the 2003-2004 school year and in the top 15% of all ROTC Battalions during the 2004-2005 school year.
• During the 2004-2005 school year the Eagle Battalion was also the recipient of the General Douglas MacArthur Award for Best Small Battalion in our brigade.
• In 2006-2007 the Eagle Battalion had the third-ranked cadet in the nation and won the seventh Brigade “Best Qualified Overall Percentage” Excellence Trophy for Warrior Forge 2006.
• In 2010-2011 the Eagle Battalion had the #1 ranked cadet in the nation and had 50% of its commissioning class recognized as distinguished military graduates. 

Our cadets continue to demonstrate the excellence that has served as the foundation of the program since 1968.

Eagle Battalion Hall of Fame

• Kentucky State Senator Walter Blevins (Class of 1972), West Liberty, KY 
• District Judge Lewis D. Nichols (Class of 1972), Greenup, KY  
• Dr. Timothy Seigel (Class of 1985), US Army  
• Colonel Fredrick A. Francis (Class of 1987), USAR 
• Colonel Brian L. Smith (Class of 1984), US Army 
• Colonel Donna Korycinski (Class of 1986), US Army 
• Colonel David Wilcox (Class of 1985), US Army   
• Brig. General Jeffrey Underhill (Class of 1984), Hawaii 
• Major General Stephen R. Hogan (Class of 1985), KYANG, The Adjutant General, Kentucky

Facilities and University Support

Eagle Battalion facilities continue to be among the best in cadet command with the Eagle Battalion home remaining, since its beginnings, in the historic Button Auditorium. This facility houses our classrooms, offices, conference room, student lounge, drill floor, supply rooms and an indoor rifle range. 

The Eagle Battalion has had the fortune of excellent support from the University leadership throughout its history, which continues to this day.