New Military Training Program Aimed at Cultivating Patriotic Officers

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has announced a new initiative designed to increase the number of “patriotic” military officers in collaboration with several universities.

Beginning Monday, the War Department is launching America’s Corps of Cadets, which will partner with institutions to broaden officer training opportunities, as detailed in a memo to Pentagon leaders obtained by the Daily Caller.

The program will include Louisiana State University (LSU), Liberty University, Tuskegee University, Mississippi State University (MSU), and Hillsdale College. LSU, notably founded as a military academy in 1853, is recognized as the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning & Military Academy.

Each participating university will earn the title of “Distinguished Military College,” which involves maintaining exceptionally high standards for cadet discipline, tactical training, and military structure. Additionally, they will achieve “Honor School” status, providing them priority in officer commissioning.

During his State of the Force address, Hegseth criticized many colleges and universities, saying, “From the Ivy Leagues to most liberal arts colleges, our colleges and universities have become anti-American, DEI-worshipping, woke factories. Qualities like grit and courage were replaced with political correctness and social justice. God and country traded for Che Guevara and critical theory.”

He further emphasized the need for students well-versed in the foundations of western civilization, stating, “We need students of western civilization and the pillars of our republic. Leaders who understand the faith of Jerusalem, the philosophy of Athens, the power of Rome, and the freedom of Philadelphia, circa 1776. Officers of the republic, proud of our country, our heritage, and our history.”

Hegseth praised established military colleges such as Texas A&M and the Citadel for promoting “patriotic and selfless service.”

He expressed optimism about the current officer training pipeline, saying, “The status quo of our officer pipeline is good. The future will be even better.”

Hegseth concluded by stating, “By embedding continuous military discipline and leadership development into new institutions, by growing our Corps of Cadets, the War Department will ensure our Republic is defended by even more officers of unwavering character, patriotism, and rigor.”